Westminster Presbyterian is very involved in serving our community both locally and worldwide. Here are many of the missions we are involved in....
CAMPER PROGRAM -- This Westminster Doorstep Mission provides space in our parking lot with utility hook ups as temporary housing to families with children for up to three months while they look for permanent homes. While there, the families may receive referral services, advocacy, help with budgeting, job assistance and training from First Place. They may also receive some of the essential household items needed to set up their own homes.
SPECIAL NEEDS DRIVE -- This is an annual event promoted by the Mission Commission in January to collect items needed by the various Doorstep Missions in their service to the community. Over a one-week period, Congregation members bring food, clothing, household items, personal grooming items, linen, bedding, etc. These items are sorted according to the needs of the Doorstep Missions, then delivered to the appropriate groups.
PRAYER CHAIN -- A group of Westminster members have committed to praying for members and friends of Westminster as special needs arise. If you have a prayer request or would like to be part of the prayer chain, call the Church Office, 541-343-3140.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING -- This special offering is dedicated on Palm Sunday as part of a united effort by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to address hunger, poverty, injustice, natural disasters, and human development.
PEACEMAKING OFFERING -- This special offering is collected each year on World Communion Sunday. The proceeds are used for a variety of peacemaking efforts such as education, human development, supporting social services within communities, sending Bibles to other countries in that country’s language, participating in environmental protection activities, promoting interfaith understanding and acceptance. 25% of the offering is used by Westminister in local peacemaking activities.
EUGENE MISSION -- This Westminster Doorstep Mission is a long-standing social service provider in the Eugene area. The Mission describes itself as “an arm of the church of Jesus Christ bringing food, shelter, clothing and God’s great love to our homeless guests.” In 2001 the Mission served over 200,000 meals, provided more than 100,000 beds and had 77,000 attend chapel. About 50% of the operating budget comes from collection and sale of used newspapers. There is a newspaper collection bin in the church Harlow Road parking lot.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY -- This is an ongoing world-wide project with the goal of providing livable housing for all peoples. Westminster’s involvement in the llocal community activities is coordinated by the Mission Commission. There are many ways that individuals can participate--office work, fund raising, serving on boards and committees, swinging a hammer or providing meals for the workers.
HAWTHORN HOUSE -- This doorstep mission is supported and administered by Eugene Emergency Housing. The Hawthorn Program is a residential community with 35 one-bedroom apartments. It serves adults with chronic mental illness, providing a secure and supportive environment for residents. Church members provide gifts to residents through our annual Christmas Giving Tree project.
RAINBOW VILLAGE -- Westminster, along with other Presbyterian Churches in the area, built and sponsor an 80-unit low income, government-subsidized housing project called Rainbow Village. The two largest categories of tenants are older single women with reduced income and single parents with small children. There are always needs for usable children's clothing, household goods and furniture. Church members provide gifts to residents through our annual Christmas Giving Tree project.
STATION 7 -- This Doorstep Mission is a branch of Looking Glass which provides temporary housing for youth, age 11-17, who lack safe housing or are at risk of losing their safe housing due to family crisis; runaways; abandoned youth; or youth from homeless families. Station 7 places priority on providing reconciliation of families through counseling, mediation and skill building.
SPONSORS -- This Westminster Doorstep Mission provides shelter and job search programs for former prisoners who are transitioning back into community life.
THANKSGIVING OFFERING -- This is a special offering taken at Thanksgiving time when the congregation has the opportunity to give from the bounty God has given them. The Deacons use the money for their ministry in the community, such as preparing and delivering food baskets for those in need at Thanksgiving and for residents of Rainbow Village at Christmas.
