Unity Christ Church Outreach is a dynamic ministry that organizes community service projects that address a variety of needs locally, regionally, and globally, and it serves as a wonderful resource for individuals looking for volunteer service opportunities.
There are currently 12 on the team roster, and there is always a calling to those who want to become more involved in our community. There are many projects that provide opportunities to give of your time and talents. The team also collectively decides on where to donate church funds that are budgeted each year for outreach organizations that we support.
Requirements for serving on the team are:
- Passion for community service
- Willingness to attend monthly meetings – once a month, excluding summer
- Interest in helping to organize and carry-out service projects
- Availability to assist with promoting our events (answer questions at our table after
services, send e-mails, make phone calls) - An overall desire to become more involved in our greater community.
Julie, Mary and Mary
Benefits of serving on this team
While all teams are about service, Outreach is an opportunity to be in service beyond UCC. With so many different projects to choose from, Outreach provides a wide variety of experiences for growth and enrichment!
There are opportunities for:
- meeting new people
- being out in the community
- expanding the reach of the church and of oneself
- making a difference in another’s life
AND…. according to team leader Mary Madill, “We’re an awesome group! We have
lots of fun brainstorming new ideas. The enthusiasm is contagious!”
About our Team Leader
Mary Madill, Team Leader
Mary Madill is not new to the Outreach Ministry. She was previously the leader from 2004 to 2007, and recently agreed to offer her leadership skills once again since January of 2011. She is very aware of our history in reaching out to the surrounding community and she very much wants to see that continue.
Mary loves serving on this ministry. In her own words: “I’ve met so many wonderful people both in the church and in the wider community. I continue to be amazed at all the wonderful organizations in our midst that are making a difference in the lives of so many people!”
Prior to returning to Outreach, Mary was on the Board of Trustees for a three year term. She was then looking for a new place to contribute to her spiritual community and the Outreach Ministry needed a leader. It was Divine Timing!
Contact Mary @ jmadill@comcast.net
ORGANIZATIONS BEING SERVED
PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry)
This organization is a community-funded social service agency that provides families in need with food, financial assistance, transportation and other services in times of financial hardships. Unity Christ Church has been working with PRISM for years.
Every month, our church, along with several other churches in the community collect a variety of pantry items to be disseminated to those in need. Each month Unity Christ Church is assigned two items. Below is a list of the items for July – December 2011. Add these to your shopping list and bring them to the church.
August: Laundry detergent / Baked beans
September: Lotion / Tuna
October: Shampoo / Pancake mix and syrup
November: Toilet paper Macaroni & Cheese
December: Conditioner / Canned Fruit
Also, during the summer months we participate in a big back-to-school drive, bringing in backpacks loaded with school supplies for children returning to school. In the fall of 2010, we provided over 200 backpacks!! Imagine the happy faces!!
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
This organization is international and well known for the ingenious way in which they orchestrate volunteers coming together to serve others in creating homes for those in need. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build together in partnership. With donations and volunteers Habitat for Humanity has built or rehabilitated more than 400,000 hours throughout the world.
Unity Christ Church has supported this organization since 2004, both financially and with volunteers. In 2010, we had a number of people help with a landscaping project. In 2011, the project is called “A Brush with Kindness” and there will be opportunities to help with painting projects.
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
This organization is committed to feeding God’s children in body and spirit. The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and then the meals are shipped to nearly 70 countries around the world.
Volunteers from Unity Christ Church have participated in a day’s event of packing meals two or three times a year since 2005. Great family activity, ages 8 and up welcome. Next event: Saturday October 22 from 11:30 – 1:30.
THE FAMILY PLACE
The Family Place is the only day shelter for homeless families with children in Ramsey County, MN and it is the starting poinjt for any family seeking more permanent shelter in the county. They provide three meals a day, which is the area where Unity Christ Church participates.
Our role is to provide a monthly meal, which we have been doing since 2004. Volunteers buy the food, bring it to the location, fix the food and serve it.
We provide food the second Sunday of the month. Arrive at 3:30 to serve the meal and be out by 6:00 PM. For more details contact Gary Goslee at 651-775-9677.
COURAGE CENTER
We have a wonderful neighbor across the street – the Courage Center. For the past three years we have been collected Merry Bears during the holiday season. We bring the bears to church, hug them, hold them, and fill them with love, before giving them to the Courage Center for distribution to their resident children.
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
PRISM can use your help in the food pantry, the clothes closet, or the front office. Contact Monica at: mtrevino@prismmpls.org
The Family Place (shelter for homeless families in St. Paul) needs volunteers for their children’s activities. Fill a 3-4 hour shift once a week for at least a month. Contact Bob Fallat at: fallat1@comcast.net.
Habitat for Humanity is looking for families to mentor new Habitat homeowners in their neighborhood. This is a great way to help the community and meet new neighbors as well! Contact Individual Volunteer Coordinator at: (612) 305-7114
Plymouth Christian Youth Center has opportunities for volunteers to work with children, reading, tutoring, etc. Hours vary. Contact: Carl Griffin, cgriffin@pcyc-mpls.org, or call 612-643-2048.
Crisis Nursery in Golden Valley …
Visit the Crisis Nursery website to learn about volunteer opportunities. www.crisisnursery.org/getinvolved/volunteer.htm