"As you have done for the least of these, you have done it for me."
Local Volunteer Ministries Befriender Ministry Social Justice Mission of the Month
We use our facilities, time, energy and financial resources in responding to social needs and issues in many ways in our community, state, nation and world.
Local Volunteer Ministries Our ministers and laity actively participate in many community organizations including these: CAER – Community Aid for the Elk River Area, our local food shelf provides food, clothing, and emergency assistance. More than forty of us volunteer there regularly. MEALS ON WHEELS – provides the noon-day meal for homebound persons in the area. We deliver 4 months a year. FAITH IN ACTION – Offering transportation, companionship, respite care, housekeeping and minor repairs to help older adults and others remain in their homes. FUNERAL MINISTRIES – Many members and friends are on call to provide support for those bereaved by preparing the sanctuary for funerals and memorial services, ushering, offering special music, and serving lunch. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS – Union Church provides space and prayer support for an NA meeting every Monday night at 7:30. Volunteer building supervisors insure access and privacy. CROP WALK – We provide enthusiastic leadership and participation for this annual local fund raising event in April which responds to world hunger through Church World Service and retains 25% of the funds raised for CAER. RELAY FOR LIFE – In memory of those who have died from cancer and with love and gratitude for all who are surviving, we support a team of walkers as part of this beautiful and courageous tribute and fund raising event for cancer research. HABITAT – In addition to the annual out of state mission trip we hope to become more involved in the new Sherburne County Chapter of Habitat. Click HERE for link to this the youth Habitat trip. GUARDIAN ANGELS OF ELK RIVER - Union Church members and friends serve on various boards of GA and volunteer at the facilities. Our minister and others visit regularly and conduct worship services at both Angels on the Lake and the Care Center. OTHER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES – Members are active in RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), the Arts Alliance, Rivers of Hope, the Historical Society, the Oliver Kelly Farm Preservation, and many other local groups. Tell us about your interests. Back to Top
Befriender Ministry This commissioned lay visitation ministry was started in 2002 to bring Christ’s healing and the love of our community to those who are lonely, grieving, new parents, ill, or experiencing other stresses in life. Befrienders do not replace the ministry of our pastor. They complement and extend the pastoral ministry of the church. We are grateful to have 15 trained Befriender ministers serving in our church. Back to Top
Social Justice “I swore to never be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel Our Social Justice Committee coordinates and facilitates Union Church’s involvement in justice, peace and environmental issues through a member e-mail mailing list, the Social Awareness bulletin board, Sunday morning adult forums and other programs. Union Church has played a key leadership role in starting DISCOVERY, a local community education and awareness group started in the fall of 2004 to increase understanding and support for GLBT persons, particularly young people in our schools. (Link to Mission and Purpose) Back to Top
Mission of the Month The Service and Mission Board selects 12 Missions of the Month for special offerings during the year. The 2007 Missions are listed below. Click here to see the “Let it Shine...” Mission of the Month brochure that describes each of these missions and provide contacts for local service opportunities.
JanuaryCongregations Concerned for ChildrenFebruaryGift of the Heart Health KitsMarchOne Great Hour of Sharing AprilCrop WalkMayStrengthen the ChurchJune & JulyHabitat for HumanityAugustRivers of Hope SeptemberFaith in ActionOctoberNeighbors in NeedNovemberTools and BlanketsDecember The Christmas Fund
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Updated: 12/13/2007
