Despite the Greater Parkview Church being honored as recipient of the YWCA of Westmoreland County’s prestigious President’s Award for its work in the community, the Greensburg church’s pastor, Bishop Carl Jones Sr., maintains “there’s still a lot of work we have to do.”
Jones, who has led the diverse, non-denominational church since 2003, recently accepted the award from YWCA President Diane Hightower.
“This is the entire Greater Parkview Church congregation’s award. I thank God, he’s allowed me to be the good shepherd and leader here,” Jones said.
Hightower noted the nonprofit’s President’s Award has been given annually since 1993 to a county resident or an organization demonstrating a commitment to significant volunteerism and community service.
“The labor of Greater Parkview Church under Bishop Jones’ mentorship and pastoral guidance has addressed hunger, health and education in powerful ways throughout the county,” Hightower said.
She noted an example of the church’s leadership was its recent works fighting vaccine hesitancy by minority populations involving the covid-19 vaccine.
Greater Parkview partnered with Voice of Westmoreland and Mainline Pharmacy in Penn Township to hold a vaccine clinic at their church on Westminster Avenue in April.
In June 2020, Jones was among a number of area pastors who helped organize and spoke at a prayer vigil outside the Westmoreland County Courthouse after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
Jones was among pastors from several area churches urging the community to stand against prejudice, violence and abuse of power during the vigil.
Jones said he was “humbled” to receive the recognition from the YWCA.
“People don’t care what you know until they know how much you care,” Jones said.
He also said the diversity of the church congregants has been a blessing.
“We’re a church that looks like heaven,” he said.
Hightower noted the YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Membership information can be found at ywcawestmoreland.org or by calling 724-834-9390.
