Caring for our neighbors near and far has always been part of OPPC’s beating heart. Our faith community commits its time, talent and treasures to care for immediate needs (charity), partner with others to find longer term solutions to poverty (empowerment) and work to address the underlying causes of societal problems (advocacy).
OPPC’s church-wide initiatives include food insecurity and mental health/loneliness. We increased our participation in the Carmel United Methodist Food Pantry and strengthened our commitment to addressing food insecurity concerns in the greater Indianapolis area. We continue to develop programs to support the mental health of our members and community seeking ways to build connection and reduce loneliness.
For more information about mission opportunities at OPPC, please email oppc@orchardpark.org
In Our Community
CUMC Food Pantry
In 2020, OPPC began their partnership with Carmel United Methodist Church, who has operated a local food pantry for nearly 30 years.
Today, we deliver 400 dozen fresh eggs per month, have a cadre of OPPC volunteers who help staff the food pantry, organize food drives, assemble birthday kits, and financially support the pantry through OPPC’s mission budget.
Clothesline Ministry
OPPC partners with Carmel Clay schools to provide clothing to students who are identified as needing help by school counselors and social workers. We collect new and used clothing, sort and launder the donations and fill and deliver requests as they come in.
Family Promise
Family Promise is a ministry of hope for homeless families in the Indianapolis area. Since the pandemic, homeless families have been housed in apartments with OPPC helping to supply dinners, housewares and furniture, as well as contributing financially from the mission budget. Learn more at www.fpgi.org.
Harvest Christian Fellowship
In 2012, OPPC members began collaborating with Harvest Christian Fellowship.
OPPC provides Thanksgiving dinners, sacks full of groceries, school supply backpacks, and food boxes to the residents of the HCF neighborhood.
Shepherd Center Together Today
Wednesdays mean fun, food, and fellowship for the 55+ crowd at Orchard Park. For the past 3 years, seniors (members and non-members alike) have gathered to play games, share stories and enjoy delicious food offerings . A shining example of just one partnership aimed at addressing mental health in our community.
We partner with Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County and provide a welcoming space for folks to gather on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more at https://shepherdscenter
ofhamiltoncounty.org/together-today/.
Trinity Fellowship
The first Friday of every month at 7:00pm, OPPC hosts a fellowship benefiting physically and mentally challenged individuals. Approximately 30-40 adults gather to enjoy fellowship, snacks and entertainment such as dances, Bingo, karaoke and music groups.
Spread the word: Do you know someone who would benefit from our program? Invite them to join us.
If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer contact Al Atz 317-403-2115
PYOCA
For many years, OPPC children and youth have attended Christ-centered camps at Pyoca Camp & Retreat Center, with many of the kids later “graduating” to become summer camp counselors.
Each year, OPPC hosts a week-long Camp Friendly and Junior High Camp. Learn more at www.pyoca.org.
Carmel Schools Pack a Sack Assistance Program
OPPC has partnered with the local Carmel Clay school system and Merciful H.E.L.P. to provide weekend breakfast and lunch meals to at-risk students.