As disciples of Jesus Christ, we believe we are bound in service to the world and its people. Giving of our time and resources to our church and community is a mark of our Christian commitment and discipleship.
Opportunities to Get Involved In December
- Angels have landed on their tree at the Church. UPC is sponsoring 7 families as a part of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. It seems that it is a practical Christmas when a young girl asks for a blanket and a Mom asks for kitchen “stuff.” There are many requests for coats/jackets and/or snow boots for all ages mixed in with hopes for Play Doh and a book. Please choose your Angel and have the gift(s) back to the church by Sunday, December 13. The gifts do not have to be wrapped but make sure that your Angel tag is firmly attached (the Salvation Army will accept wrapped gifts from UPC because they “trust us”). Many thanks to Sue Walden, Wayne Karberg in producing the Angels.
- Salvation Army- Elves Needed by the Salvation Army to help in distributing the Angel Gifts on December 22 and 23. The pick-up times are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on both days at 100 S. 2nd After we finish ringing their bells at Safeway, if you can spare a couple of hours on either day during the “busiest time of year,” please contact Nancy Lick at alto2star@charter.net or 460-3293 so she can make arrangements with the Salvation Army.
- More Elves Needed: Hospice of Laramie needs help with their 10th Annual Christmas with Santa on Saturday, December 5. They are expecting over 600 children. Set-up for the event is Friday, December 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two (2) to 3 hours shifts can be arranged by calling Kim Dickerson at 745-9254.
- SAFE Project Picnic Table Assembly: Helpers will be needed to assemble the tables and caterpillar at the SAFE office. The time will be announced in the future but get your screwdrivers and wrenches ready.
- Cookie Sale Returns:
UPC is responding to the international refugee crisis by bringing back the holiday cookie sale. All money collected from this event will be given to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance organization for the work it is doing in the Middle East. Information about their efforts can be found at: https://pda.pcusa.org/
situation/syria We are looking for volunteers to provide cookies and/or help on the day of the event, which is Saturday, December 19, 9am-noon. Please contact Jennifer Painter at jspainterdc@gmail.com if you would like to contribute. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the church on Sunday. Feel free to include any interested friends or family members. - The Mitten/Hat/Scarf Tree will start on Sunday, December 13. These items will be distributed between SAFE and Headstart. The items need to be new and handcrafted contributions from UPC’s talented artisans are welcome.
- The White Tree donations will be collected on December 24. Any new undies or socks of any sizes for men, women and children received will be distributed to SAFE, etc.
- The Christmas Joy Offering is one of Presbyterian Church USA’s four annual “special” offerings and goes to provide support to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and the Education and Development of Racial Ethnic Leaders. The first initiative assists church workers, mostly from small churches or retired individuals, who face difficult circumstances that turn even small challenges into financial crisis. The second initiative assists Presbyterian –related institutions in closing educational gaps of “opportunity through education and development of our future Christian leaders.” This offering will be taken on Sunday Dec 20.
- The Christmas Eve offering will be given to the Eppson Center to support their Home Delivered Meals program by allowing them to re-establish one of their past initiatives that had to been discontinued two years ago due to budget constraints. The typical client for this program is over 60 years old and unable to drive or walk unassisted. They must meet the financial guidelines for the Home Delivered Meals Program. These individuals receive up to 7 hot meals a week delivered by volunteers who check on their well-being. In lousy and dangerous weather, however, these deliveries cannot take place but, in the past, long-shelf life food as approved by their dietitians was been provided to help them weather the storm. UPC’s Christmas Eve offering will restart this much needed program and our “loose change” offering will be donated throughout the year so that the program can continue.
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Service in the Church
We serve God by serving each other, individually and as a whole congregation. There are many opportunities at United to serve within the church.
- Participating in Worship – Through singing and playing instruments, through reading scripture and prayers, through preparing and serving communion, and through preparing the sanctuary for worship, we serve God by sharing our gifts in worship and praise. Participation in worship is encouraged and supported by the Worship Committee.
- Caring for God’s House – Our members work together to keep God’s House beautiful and in good repair. Work on the church building and gardens, as well as at the manse, is planned and coordinated by the Property Committee.
- Caring for God’s People – We minister to those in need of spiritual, emotional or practical care, responding to urgent and continuing care needs. Our work is lead by the Deacons.
- Teaching –Members of our congregation help us keep learning at all ages and in many forums. Service through teaching is under the auspices of the Christian Education Committee and the Logos Board.
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Service in the World
At United, we respond to the spiritual and physical needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. We work locally to support organizations and individuals working in other countries to minister to the needy in body and soul.
- International Mission Trips. Our Congregation is constantly seeking out ways to serve and to learn about our brothers and sisters around the world. In May of 2012, UPC took a trip to Northern Ireland and Scotland. Future trips could include the Holy Land, Africa and the Philippines.
Get Involved
At United, there is a place for you to serve. To learn more about how you can get involved in one or more of these service opportunities, please contact us.