Vale has embarked on a number of ministries in DC through the Cornelius Corps. The Cornelius Corps (a ministry of New Community Church which is a congregation in the tradition of the Church of the Saviour) provides opportunities to build bridges of transforming relationships among suburban and inner city Christians through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which we share. The name is taken from the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10-11. God led these two men to experience their unity in the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ despite differences in their ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds. God continues to lead Christians to experience our unity in Christ across barriers that separate people in our society. The Cornelius Corps is a vehicle for bringing people together across the barriers that separate the inner city and the suburbs in the Washington, D.C. area. The following ministries were initiated through our support of the Cornelius Corp.

Activities currently supporting DC Ministries:

Food Pantry
Ferebee-Hope Tutoring
Ferebee-Hope Art Program
New Community After School Advocacy Program
Crumlin Scholarship

Food Pantry
Vale provides food for ten families once a month. Food from the list (click here for list) can be brought to the church and deposited in the tub next to the parking lot entrance. In addition, grocery gift certificates or checks can be mailed or taken to the church office. You can also assist with the food delivery to SE Washington during the third week of the month. Contact Mary Morran at mmorran@netzero.com or 1-540-349-4619.

Ferebee-Hope Tutoring
Take this opportunity to develop a relationship with the children of Ferebee-Hope Elementary School in South East DC. Tutoring consists of working with a class or individuals (whichever is needed) from 10:00 to 12:30 on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. You can commit to go once or twice a month, or just when you have the availability. Contact Bill DuBois at dubie1226@aol.com or 703-620-2448 for information about the program and for coordinating carpooling.

Ferebee-Hope Art Program
Through tutoring at Ferebee-Hope, it became apparent that this school within the projects of South East Washington has minimum resources, and has cut back on all non-essential curriculum. To fill some of this gap, Vale instituted an art program where each of the classes are reached at least once a month. We provide the art supplies and the volunteers to teach art on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. From time to time, the congregation is asked to donate items to be used in the art classes. For more information, contact Mary Morran at mmorran@netzero.com or 1-540-349-4619.

New Community After School Advocacy Program
The primary mission of the New Community Church in the Shaw District of Washington is to provide a faith-based after school program for children from elementary through high school. New Community After School and Advocacy Program (NC ASAP) empowers children though educational, cultural, and spiritual enrichment. Toward that end, NC ASAP works with parents, teachers, the community, and other social service organizations in Washington, DC to address the comprehensive educational needs of children. They prepare students for post-secondary education, careers, and/or vocational training to become responsible, productive adults who, in turn, will give their time and talents back to their communities.

Vale sends a volunteer to give private piano instruction to interested students in the program. Vale provides keyboards to the children for practicing at home. To read more about the program and the numerous volunteer opportunities, check their website at www.ncasap.org.

Crumlin Scholarship
We came to know the Crumlin family through our ministry with the Cornelious Corp in Washington DC. This relationship started as a part of our food pantry, but Maxine and Pete and their nine children became a part of our hearts. We learned about love from a family that consistently looked outside themselves to care for everyone they encountered.

The scholarship was started after Pete died of cancer. The eight younger children, ranging in ages from 6 to 18 will find great financial challenges in getting through college. We are hoping to maintain a fund so that we can award scholarships to the family from the proceeds of the base fund. We can then distribute the principal when the last 2-3 children are college bound. Donations to this fund are always welcome. Simply write a check to Vale UMC and write 'Crumlin Scholarship' in the memo.