Mission

'‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’’ —Matthew 25:40

DPC has an active and wide-ranging mission outreach program. It’s our goal to support local, national, and international organizations whose work aligns with our church’s values. As Presbyterians, we decide together what those priorities are, and every year we reflect on our mission commitments and congregational values. Everyone who attends DPC is invited to participate in this process!

Currently, our mission and outreach focus on five areas:

  • Addressing local hunger
  • Focusing on housing security
  • Promoting healthcare programs and mental health awareness
  • Supporting education through access & resources
  • Welcoming and accompanying new migrant communities

Every year we commit to giving about 10% of our annual budget to these efforts. We also provide opportunities for relationship building with the organizations doing this important work. DPC also supports several special offerings throughout the year that focus on specific initiatives, such as supporting Presbyterian missionaries and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

As a faith community, we know the importance of getting involved and showing up! The Mission Committee helps members and local neighbors learn about hands-on ways to volunteer through our annual Community Service Fair. Several volunteer opportunities even take place on our church campus.

Darnestown Presbyterian Women are also dedicated to mission, supporting both local and international mission work.

“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

—Albert Schweitzer

The Mission Committee is comprised of elders, deacons, and congregants and meets on the second Monday every month at 7:30 in the library.  Folks can attend on Zoom too. All are welcome to attend a meeting at any time!

Among the organizations we currently support financially:

  • Germantown HELP  provides delivered emergency food, prescription assistance, and holiday help to residents of Germantown, MD. The nonprofit helps neighbors in need through its own programs, referrals to other resources, and community relationships. It also coordinates the Holiday Giving Project, which DPC members participate in by delivering ingredients for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to dozens of families.
  • National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. DPC supports the local Montgomery County affiliate.  The NAMI helpline is available at  800-950-6264.
  • Mercy Health Clinic provides high-quality medical care, health education support, and prescription medications to more than 2,200 low-income, uninsured patients each year--totaling nearly 7,000 visits--free of charge. The Clinic is committed to improving access to healthcare for those who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
  • Stepping Stones Shelter provides emergency shelter, food, and case management services to families experiencing homelessness to help them move from crisis to stability quickly and in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
  • IMARA provides education and life skills for Kenyan teenage mothers and early childhood education for their children so that they may achieve their full potential in their communities and the world. DPC has on multiple occasions sent volunteer groups to the IMARA house in Kenya to work on the facilities, share their skills and passions, and get to know mothers and their children.
  • Rise Against Hunger works in countries worldwide to fight hunger, targeting communities facing high rates of food insecurity. It provides volunteer-packaged meals and other assistance, often through school feeding programs, to support nutrition, education, and health for children and families facing hunger right now. For the past few years, DPC has supported the organization by holding food-packing events on our premises and inviting the community to help us pack meals that Rise Against Hunger delivers to those most in need.

If you have questions or would like to know more about DPC’s Mission efforts, please contact Cara Garretson, Mission Committee Chair, at