We gather each Sunday to proclaim and hear the Word. Our response is to follow Jesus’ example and go into the world to serve him and our neighbors. The Mission Outreach and Justice Committee encourages you to prayerfully consider offering your time, skills and talents to serve others. Here are some opportunities.
ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET
An annual event for holiday shoppers to donate to worldwide charities in the name of a friend or relative. Volunteers help with publicity, prepare mail-outs, coordinate Sunday School activities, do Children’s Moments, coordinate food, serve as cashiers, and help with set-up and clean-up.
BEACON HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mentor elementary students who need another adult role model by spending one hour a week with a student. Other volunteer opportunities are also available.
CHRYSALIS MINISTRIES
Participate in weekly Bible study and discussion at the GEO prison for men.
CHRISTIAN ASSISTANCE MINISTRY (CAM)
Contribute to semi-annual food and clothing drives, or volunteer at this ecumenical agency, which provides immediate, temporary assistance to individuals in crisis and enables them to move toward independence. Some needs: food pantry worker, receptionist, interviewer, clothing worker, warehouse worker, recorder, floor host.
THE FAITH CONVENING
Help with special projects and/or attend monthly meetings with other faith groups in our area. The focus is on improving education and health opportunities for low-income students. A community book discussion is also held annually.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Work together with other Presbyterian churches to provide a San Antonio family with a safe, decent and affordable home. Volunteers needed to help build houses (no experience necessary), provide lunch for workers, attend planning meetings, and coordinate publicity and fund-raising at UPC.
HOUSE OF NEIGHBORLY SERVICE (HNS)
Help publicize, coordinate and deliver in-kind donations from our monthly Loaves and Fishes food collection, summer school-supply drive and Christmas “Angel Tree” gifts.
INTERFAITH WELCOME COMMITTEE
Participate in San Antonio’s immigration and interfaith organizations to assist asylum-seeking families in their travels, with emergency shelter, and money or food for their journey. For more information, visit InterfaithWelcomeCoalition.org
INNER CITY DEVELOPMENT
Participate in the annual fundraising event at the Quihi Dance Hall in early February. Donations for the Silent Auction and your participation are welcomed and help fund this ministry in West Side San Antonio.
PORT SAN ANTONIO DISASTER RELIEF SERVICES
When a hurricane or other disaster strikes, assist in the San Antonio shelter for evacuees who have special medical needs.
SAN ANTONIO AIDS FOUNDATION
Needs include visiting Aids patients and helping with special events. Contact the MOS chair if you are interested in coordinating a UPC volunteer presence at this organization.
SOL CENTER AMBASSADORS
Assist with class set-up and sign-in at the Source Of Light adult education center. Clerical help is also needed.
TEXAS IMPACT
Activities related to lobbying Texas legislators on justice issues. Contact the MOS chair about current issues.
UPC CHURCH-WIDE MISSION PROJECT
Participate in our annual project in the community, benefiting a different organization each year. Watch the weekly and monthly newsletters and bulletins, or contact the MOJ chair.
UPC MISSION TRIPS
Join youth and adults on a week-long mission trip outside of San Antonio. Previous trips have been to Reynosa, Mexico; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance headquarters; McAllen, TX; and Bastrop, TX.
UPC WELCOMING TASK FORCE
Be a part of ongoing activities to welcome people of the LGBT community into our UPC life.