Portage United Church of Christ Outreach

Opportunities

Mission Statement:  Making a positive difference in our community and the world.  God calls us to be intimately involved in our community to aid and support those in need.  The agencies below are serving the poor, homeless, hungry and uninsured of the Kalamazoo area and the broader community.  Portage United Church of Christ supports these agencies with dollars, but they also need your time, skills and knowledge to carry out their good work.

Global Sharing

Every day 16,000 children die from hunger related diseases. Poor nutrition causes nearly on third of premature deaths or disabilities.

Foods Resource Bank (FRB)  PUCC supports FRB in its mission to help hungry people in the developing world feed themselves.

Refugee Sponsorship  PUCC is sponsoring a family from Rwanda.

Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver food to persons who are homebound.  PUCC members deliver meals every six weeks.  To volunteer as a deliverer or for more information, contact Jean Smith.

Ministry with Community is a daytime shelter for the homeless that provides meals and other services.  PUCC members serve lunch there on the last Saturday of each month.  Sign up in the narthex or call Prudence McCabe for more information.

Open Door/Next Door is shelter ministry that aids homeless young adults in finding employment.  Click on the link to find out more about this ministry and how you might help.

Portage Community Center provides food, clothing and social & educational services to those in need.  Click on the link to find about ways to volunteer.

Wide Open Table is a PUCC ministry that serves lunch the third Saturday of each month at the church to those who need food and fellowship.  Sign up in the narthex to volunteer or call Kay Ensfield for more information.

Boys and Girls Club provides recreation, arts, tutoring, athletics and camping opportunities for young people ages 6 – 18. Volunteers are always needed. Click on the link to find out what you could do.

Back to School is a new initiative at PUCC that supports kindergarteners attending Edison Elementary School by providing them with school supplies and new clothing.  Look for information about this project in the Courier later in the year.  The Kalamazoo Community in Schools Foundation is the coordinator for this project.  You will find volunteer opportunities listed on their web page.

 United Campus Ministry utilizes discussions, fellowship, mission trips and service activities to further spiritual growth for college students.

 First Presbyterian Free Health Clinic provides medical and dental services for people who have no other means for such care. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan cares for individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Kalamazoo Drop-in Child Care Center is a short-term child-care provider that enables parents to keep medical and other appointments.

 Community Healing Centers provide mental health services for adults, children, and families.

Portage United Church of Christ supports the United Church of Christ and Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) through the following offerings:

One Great Hour of Sharing

Neighbors in Need

Strengthen the Church

Christmas Fund

The second Sunday of each month is Outreach Sunday.  It is a time to provide information to the congregation about activities and events that are of a mission/outreach nature as well as a reminder for members to provide syrup and mix for the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.