And the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea; and they did so, sending it to the elders? Acts 11:29-30a

The Bedford Park Congregational Church, located in the Bronx, will be celebrating 118 years of Service to God and to the community in September 2008. In December 1996, the Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj started to minister to this congregation. The congregation has 45 members and a hand full of regular visitors. Attendance at Sunday Services is about 40 adults and 12 children. The congregation is ethnically diverse. Since January 2004, there has been a strong group of 12 members meeting regularly for weekly Bible Study.

The Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall and the Parsonage are the three buildings of The Bedford Park Congregational Church. The maintenance and heating of these buildings is a huge expense. To offset this cost, the church rents the sanctuary and the hall to other groups for their worship.

The members pledge annually to the Benevolence Fund and the Deacons decide on the contribution to various ministries. There are no other sources of funding than the members' contributions.

Outreach Ministry

• sponsors three children through World Vision (Two in India and one in Swaziland, Africa). Annual contribution of $1080.
• supports street children in India (sent $1000 during Christmas 2007)
• contributed to the building of a Church in a Kenya ($250).
• gave $200 as book support to two of our members who are undergraduate students.
• sent $1000 to Red Cross to support people who have affected by Katrina.
• sent $300 to the Prison Ministry of Rev. Billy Graham.
• supports one In-care student in Seminary at NYTS - Master in Divinity.
• provides space and leadership to the Girl Scouts (a troop of 20 girls from the community)
• has a small but strong Sunday School/Youth Ministry.