At Bedford Presbyterian Church, the Matthew 25 movement is more than a mission—it’s a way of living our faith with purpose and compassion. These efforts reflect our belief that the church’s true strength lies not in numbers but in how we show up for our neighbors and live out Christ’s call in Matthew 25. With hope, courage, and prayerful discernment, we are proud to be part of this growing movement across the PCUSA.
Working in conjunction with our community partners, church partners, and national partners, BPC doesn’t need to “invent much.” We need to jump in, join forces, and be a part of the collective efforts of the Matthew 25 movement.
- 1. Congregational vitality is all about learning and discerning what calls us to do and then going out into the world and doing it. Building congregational vitality is the challenge to members to deepen and energize our faith so we can grow as joyful servant leaders. It’s seeing new disciples engaged in this work. It’s seeing longstanding believers share their faith with others. What we do here at BPC only matters when we go out into our communities and do this work.
- 2. Eradicating systemic poverty is our denomination’s call for us to start asking tough questions like, “How do we feed our neighbors coming to the Food Pantry, WHILE working to change the systems, laws, policies, plans, and structures that cause them to not have enough food on the table to begin with?” It’s a definite shift or pivot in thinking and focus for all Presbyterians. It’s providing aid “for the least of these” AND working on the root causes of their suffering. This work will require us to have the courage to stand up with our neighbors, speak up when we see injustice, advocate for changes in policies and laws, and talk to others about our faith that motivates us when that door is open.
- 3. Climate change action has been underway at BPC for several years, led by our Buildings & Grounds committee, members of the congregation, and the community. Not only have we reduced our carbon footprint with numerous HVAC efficiencies and a solar panel installation underway, and BPC recently received its certification as an “Earth Care Congregation” of PCUSA.
PCUSA congregations across the country are filled with hope and excitement. We continue to pray for God’s guidance.