Mission and Social Justice

Our Mission Statement

Mission/Outreach is an integral part of VGUCC ministries. We will pursue opportunities that are reflective of Justice and Peace, denominational and ecumenical, local and global, participatory and financial. Our mission and outreach will make a difference – empowering recipients and inspiring givers to act in the spirit of Christ; exemplifying the 3 Great Loves: Love of Neighbor; Love of Children; Love of Creation.

LAST CALL for these MISSION requests

Beginning March 3
Supporting Los Pobres and Family Promise.
In March during Lent, we’ll be collecting $25 Gift Cards to Walmart. There is a red donation box on the church communion table for gift cards.

We also are asking for donations to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). Sara Weatherman told a great personal story this past Sunday as to why this offering is important to her. OGHS is one of the 5 missions we support through the National UCC. Often, the National UCC is one of the first responders to National Disasters. These offerings can be placed in the silver basket on the communion table.

Family Promise – Breakfast for Hope will be held at the Antler’s on Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast is free. The program will include an overview of Family Promise which, of course, includes Vista Grande as one of its long-time support congregations. DEADLINE April 1.
Register : https://www.familypromisecos.org/event-details-registration/breakfast-for-hope


We have maintained our relationships with our six local missions (The Chinook Center, Inside-Out Youth Services, Family Promise, Los Pobres, One Nation Walking Together and Smiles and Sandwiches) even during this pandemic. During Lent we contributed 46 Walmart gift cards for Los Pobres. For the second Sunday of each month, we collect water, toilet paper, snacks etc. to fill the bags for unhoused folks through Smiles and Sandwiches. We are celebrating the fact that once again, we were able to meet ALL our financial commitments.

Family Promise

(Donna) The re-launch of the church-rotation model of housing families in churches for 1 – 2 weeks at a time began on April 23. Dave and Donna served the Saturday evening meal for 16 folks. The parents and children were happy to have a place to sleep and 3 meals a day.

Los Pobres

Jud and Maggie made a trip to Los Pobres to deliver some household items and the collection of 32 – $25 Walmart gift cards. Sister Nancy was very appreciative. They plan to make another run to Los Pobres late spring.

Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS)

(Needed) After the Club Q shooting last November, security needed to be heightened. The youth are recently back and have had “pop up” events by invitation only.

One Nation Walking Together

(Judy) Holding a Hygiene Drive. Judy will get the list of needed items.

Chinook Center

(needed) – Mallory reported that The Chinook Center is a resource center for several non-profits. Vista Grande supports the People’s Grocery. Several folks assist in bagging groceries and delivering to families who don’t have a ride.

Spreading Sandwiches and Smiles (SS&S)

We just had a PB&J drive and collected a good supply of sandwich material

Other ways we support our mission in the community.

The Clothing Closet (Barbara)

“The Colorado Springs Accompaniment and Sanctuary Coalition” has numerous programs, all of which are designed to help our immigrant neighbors The program I have been involved with is one in which volunteers collect, sort, launder, mend, organize clothing donations, and deliver clothing orders to immigrant families through
Mobile Clothes. I was touched by how grateful recipients are, especially for new clothes.

In other Coalition programs, volunteers accompany participants through various life activities such as registering kids for school, court appearances, and job interviews.

Read more click HERE.