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.
Mission of the Month for October: Chinook Center We support The People’s Grocery at the Chinook Center, a no-cost grocery that feeds our neighbors on the southeast side of town. This month, they are asking us to help provide staple foods: pasta, pasta sauce, rice, beans, and canned veggies of all kinds. Thank you for helping feed hungry people here in Colorado Springs!
Calling all Smiles and Sandwiches makers: we will meet on Saturday October 14 at 10 am at church to make peanut butter and preserves/jam sandwiches. Please bring 2 loaves of bread, any kind. Call or text Kayan at 719-221-4479 to say you can help. Smiles and Sandwiches will occur on October 15 this month and we’ll be serving two areas. The items people said they needed most this month are — hand warmers; blankets; small tent heaters and camp fuel; wet wipes; tents and sleeping bags; batteries, especially triple A; toilet paper; men’s pants; coats.
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.