The Val Murphy Annual Event Offering and Local Mission
The Val Murphy Annual Event Offering
E. Valeria “Val” Murphy was one of APCE’s early leaders and a pioneering African American Christian Educator. Her love for nurturing disciples continues to inspire us. Through the Annual Event Offering, her legacy lives on—making scholarships possible for participants.
Val was especially committed to empowering those often underrepresented. That commitment continues through the JEDI Scholarship, which supports members from historically marginalized communities; the Retired Educator Scholarship, which helps those who have given a lifetime of service remain connected; and the Small Church Educator Scholarship, which sustains leaders serving in congregations with limited resources. Together, these scholarships open the door for communities who might not otherwise have access to attend the Annual Event—just as Val opened doors and created space for others throughout her life and ministry.
This year, APCE will make a $500 gift to the South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), which provides food, clothing, and services to people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods.
At registration, you may make an additional donation to the Val Murphy Scholarship Fund, helping more leaders experience the Annual Event. (Additional gifts to SHIM may be made in person at the Local Mission Table during the Event.)
Neighbors helping neighbors.
Born in 1968 as South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) by, no kidding, a priest, a rabbi, and a minister, SHIM has been providing food, clothing, and services to people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods ever since. Faced with unprecedented new levels of suburban poverty, SHIM is expanding our work to include more neighbors helping more neighbors in need. Together with teams of dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners, SHIM is working to reduce the devastating effects of suburban poverty among the working poor, unemployed, families, single parents, senior citizens, women, and the high concentration of refugee families in our service area.
SHIM’s mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self- sufficiency and build community.
Read more about SHIM’s mission and values here: https://shimcares.org/