A newly designated green space ringing Mount Washington was in need of some serious work before it could claim the color of its name. Years of dumping and abuse had left the slopes covered with decades of debris, broken glass, tires and even rusty shopping carts. "It was in pretty bad shape," said Chelsey Miller, a coordinator of the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation. "We really wanted to give it more appeal to potential visitors."

In answer to this need, the Rev. John Porter, rector of Grace Church, Mount Washington/Edgeworth, organized a local mission to make the park cleaner and safer for residents. "After talking with representatives from the community agencies, this project seemed like the best fit between our parish resources and the local needs," said Porter. During the first week of July, over 40 volunteers combed the steep slopes, hauling out 70 car tires in one day alone. In the midst of their labor, the participants knew that it about more than just civil service. Porter made sure prayer was an integral part of what was a "time of fun and fellowship, with the church’s youth and adults working side by side."

In keeping with the trend of service close to home, Church of the Ascension in Oakland decided to focus its efforts locally as well. "We try to follow the pattern from the first chapter of Acts," said Alex Ruzanic, Director of Student Ministries at Ascension. He went on to explain that mission outreach to the local, national and international communities are all important. This summer, young people from Ascension partnered with Household Outreach Ministries of Eastminster (of Eastminster Presbyterian Church) to construct and improve housing for struggling families in East Liberty. "It’s been amazing what these kids have accomplished in just a week," said Ruzanic.

The churches of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh have a long and rich tradition of serving the spiritual and physical needs of others both locally and abroad through long- and short-term missions. For members of Grace and Ascension, dedication and hard work proved that, at least for this summer, home is where the heart is.

-posted August 5, 2008-