The Deacons maintain a supply of frozen meals kept at the church which can be distributed to members on a short term basis who have a need such as illness, recovery from surgical and medical treatment or other challenges. Deacons organize food drives with donations from the congregation to restock the freezer when necessary. Meals may also be used for memorial receptions.
The Food for Lane County Community Dining Room serves dinner to low income and often homeless individuals and families four nights a week at their facility on Eighth Avenue. Volunteers chop vegetables, portion out donated desserts, wrap silver and help prepare the meal. The hot and hearty entree courses are prepared at the warehouse on Bailey Road. Volunteers staff the service line, offer deserts and beverages, clear tables and do dishes. On the first Wednesday of each month Westminster provides ten volunteers who work two hour shifts doing either food prep or serving the meal. If you would like to see what is involved in preparing salad for 300 sign up on the sheet posted in the church office window.
SPECIAL NEEDS DRIVE
January 27-February 6, 2010
For Westminster’s Doorstep Missions
Our “doorstep missions” are the local charitable projects to whose work our congregation contributes: the Eugene Mission, Hawthorne House, the Interfaith Emergency Shelter System, Sponsors, and Station 7. Each of them has many sources of monetary support—but they also need much clothing and many supplies for the needy people they help, and they depend mainly on church communities for that kind of assistance. Every year, we spend a week collecting our members’ used possessions to donate to the doorstep missions for people in need.
That week—from Friday, January 27 until Monday, February 6—is now approaching. Soon, in church bulletins, we’ll circulate an updated list of the kinds of things the doorstep missions now need. You can be sure that it will include clothing, less-perishable foods, household goods, cleaning supplies, and personal items for men, women, and children of all ages.
John the Baptist teaches us: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” (Luke 3:11) This is the season to look around you at home, and survey your possessions. Some of them probably are now surplus for you, but are necessities out of reach for many fellow people in our community.
“For,” Paul reminds us, “you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Whatever worldly advantages we may have, we need God’s mercy and compassion, in Christ, as much as anyone does—and Christ, in his saving work and teaching, directs us to follow him in compassionate service to “the least of these who are members of my family.” (Matthew 25:40, 45) Our Special Needs Drive gives you an opportunity to serve.
On Friday, January 27, we’ll set up tables in the Education Wing lobby and the hallway, to receive the goods that you will donate. We shall attach signs for each mission organization and list the items it requests. Please help us by sorting your items and placing them in the designated areas. You may also volunteer to help us set up and sort. On Monday, February 6, we’ll deliver the collected goods or have the missions pick them up.
If you have questions about this project, please ask Jack Maddex or Dave Holloman.
Souper Bowl Sunday
Is coming up…
This year the youth will be collecting canned foods for
Food For Lane County.
Please drop off donations in the bins
January 20th – February 7th
Why donate?
Pantries are reporting a sharp increase in the number of clients in the first quarter – indicating the need for emergency food is growing.
Oregon has nation’s highest rate (30%) for child hunger. In Lane County, 53% of the children qualify for free/reduced school meals.
The Dining Room is seeing more new people this year. In the first quarter of this year, there was a 34% increase in the number of individual diners compared to the first quarter of last year.
Oregon’s unemployment rate continues to be among the highest in the nation, hovering near the 9% mark. Most people don’t access emergency food services until other resources have run out.
1 in 3 Lane County residents is eligible for emergency food assistance.
Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community!!
Healthy Suggestions with a Great Shelf Life:
Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, corned beef)
Low-sugar fruit, dried fruit, jams and jellies, unsweetened applesauce
Canned and dried beans (pinto, navy, kidney, refried)
Canned stew, chili, hearty soups, and broth
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Pasta, rice, cereal, corn meal
Cooking oil and olive oil
Canned tomato products (whole, paste, spaghetti sauce)
Peanut Butter
Ethnic foods (mole, tortillas, enchilada sauce, cumin, chilies)
February 12, 2012
BOY SCOUT TROOP 175 was chartered by Westminster Church in 1975. Scout Master is Tom (Doc) Macready and Assistant Scout Master is Tom Phillips. Presently 30 boys are involved in the troop. Troop 175
participates in monthly camping trips, summer camp and a challenging summer trip.
One of the tenants of scouting is service to others. The scouts annually collect for the Lane County Food Drive and help with church ground cleanups. Since 1975 over 92 boys have earned the Eagle Scout Award in this troop. Eagle Projects must give the scout leadership growth and provide community service. Many Eagle Projects have been completed at WPC which we are very grateful for. The troop has financially contributed to various needs at Westminster in appreciation for the support to Troop 175. Dan Call from WPC is a Committee Member & Merit Badge Counselor. Please look at our Bulletin Board and the display case for information about the scout troop.
Thank you for your support!
Theresa O’Brien (Troop Representative to WPC)
CUB SCOUT PACK 175 serves boys and families from 1st grade through the 5th grade. We are a community of 49 registered scouts and a team of leaders and committee members. The Cub Scouting program consists of developmentally appropriate activities aimed at developing character, community, and a healthy relationship with our surrounding world. Families contribute much to community service. The highlight of each year is the Pinewood derby races, held at Westminster.
Our scouts meet once per month to receive recognition and awards for accomplishments. In addition we receive helpful advice and wisdom regarding leadership within our pack, if needed. We very much appreciate the use of your building, and we especially thank the kindness and thoughtfulness of your staff!
SCOUT MOTTO - Be Prepared
SCOUT SLOGAN - Do a Good Turn Daily
THE SCOUT OATH OR PROMISE On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and To obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
THE SCOUT LAW-- A SCOUT IS: Trustworthy, Obedient, Loyal, Cheerful, Helpful, Thrifty, Friendly, Brave, Courteous, Clean, Kind, Reverent.
OUTDOOR CODE As an American, I will do my best to-be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.