The Mercy Team exits to serve the church and community in such a way as to minister to the concrete, visible needs (social, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual) of those in crisis through deeds and word, in the power and love of the Kingdom of God.

The Mercy Team’s ministry is about meeting felt needs through deeds. The primary work of the Mercy Team is mercy; the primary mindset must be that of a servant, and one who offers the same to another. We move out into the body as servants of the church, ministering to the needs of the church family and those beyond. We listen to and pray with members of the body and those outside the body. We encourage the discouraged and rejoice with the happy.

We should be ready at all times to lend a hand in service to our community; to step in as an usher, to serve communion, to give visiting parents directions to the nursery, or to aid or comfort another sitting near us under conviction by the words they have heard that day. In particular, we serve by supporting those who find themselves in emergency or crisis situations as a result of unforeseen circumstance.

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ….So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. Galatians 6:2,10

We also stand ready to support the community of Hanover at large by helping those who come to our church with immediate physical needs. As the church has grown, so and the community around us in such a way that people are 1) attracted to Christ, 2) established in faith, 3) healed of their afflictions, and 4) equipped to minister.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is anew creation: everything old has passed away; everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ be reconciled to God. I Cor. 5:17-20

We do this by marshaling all the resources of people, talents, and money entrusted to us. Since Hanover Valley Presbyterian Church is in Hanover, PA., we faithfully proclaim the Word and carry out its commands.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

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