Outreach

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  Luke 4:18-19.

Gathered by the Spirit in Christ’s Name—Sent to Live Out a God-sized Vision of Love

The Mission Committee of Westminster Presbyterian Church works to help members of our church offer a vision of God’s love outside our walls. Our outreach includes aid to the homeless and poor in Central Texas and helping refugees from war and other extreme dangers. We will offer comfort and recovery in times of natural disasters and support to all who seek peace and social justice. We are committed to protecting the environment for the benefit of coming generations.

Here are some of the projects we support:

 

This is a Presbyterian ministry that provides for low-income Austin families by offering a clothes closet and food pantry, affordable dental care, and a variety of educational opportunities.

Contacts:  Ellen Williams Hensle or Elise Ragland

How to Get Involved

Food Pantry: On the first Sunday of every month, we collect non-perishable foods and fresh produce for the food pantry. We also take gently used clothing items, especially work and school clothes, and coats and hats in winter.

Tamale Sale: Tamales make a great holiday meal!  Each fall, WPC participates in this annual tamale sale benefiting the dental clinic.


Trinity Center, located in St. David’s Episcopal Church on the corner of E. 7th and Trinity Streets, is a faith-based organization that addresses spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the poor and homeless in Austin. Several times a year, WPC runs their Sunday afternoon program: we lead worship and provide a meal for the gathered neighbors.

Contact:  Angela Oliver

How to Get Involved

Sign up to serve on one of our designated Sundays. 2024 dates: January 28, April 28, July 28, September 29


 

DAS provides services like transportation to the doctor, visits to the store, and other errands for persons who can no longer drive.  They also provide minor home repairs to enable seniors to continue to live in their own homes.  Volunteers decide how much time they would like to commit.

Contact: Jim Larkin

How to Get Involved

Register as a driver and get on the road!


The CROP Hunger Walk fights hunger in Austin and around the world by raising funds for Church World Service.  Each February, members walk or run the course at Camp Mabry, stopping along the way to learn about global food crises. WPC is often the top fundraiser in Austin!

Contact:  Nancy Ebert 

How to Get Involved

February 25 is the 2024 walk date! Sign up to be a walker or donate in support of our team. Visit here for more information.


Earth Care Congregations—these are congregations that have committed to the “Earth Care Pledge” and accomplished a specific number of actions that show care for God’s earth in four categories: worship, education, facilities, and outreach. In 2016, Westminster Presbyterian Church became the first church in Mission Presbytery to earn Earth Care Congregation status. We have retained that status ever since.

Contact: Cynthia Hanes

How to Get Involved

Become part of the Earth Care team; join us for quarterly gatherings to clean up Waller Creek; participate in recycling drives and other periodic events.


 


Border Ministries—WPC makes regular trips to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley’s Humanitarian Respite Center, which provides food, clothing and comfort to asylum-seekers being released from immigration detention in McAllen. We are also seeking new ways to follow God’s command to welcome the stranger.

 

Contacts: Ellen Williams Hensle or Jill Clark

How to Get Involved

Stay tuned for details about upcoming trips to the border. In between trips, donate money or supplies to the Respite Center by clicking here.


Christmas at Austin State Supported Living Center—our across-the-street neighbors provide support and housing for adults with intellectual and development disabilities. Each Christmas season, Westminster hosts a party for two resident homes. We bring gifts, sing carols, and share fellowship with the residents.

 

Contact:  Charlotte Trafton

How to Get Involved

Help provide gifts for a resident or assist in hosting a party.


At our annual “alternative gift market,” shoppers have the opportunity to buy gifts that benefit WPC’s local and global mission partners ~ shop to make a difference!

Contact:  Penny Larkin

How to Get Involved

Join us in the Fellowship Hall on the first Sunday of December.



Minter Alternative Gift Market

Lib Minter, a long-time Westminster member and missionary, was known to reach out to the poor, the sick, the bereft, the troubled, and the lonely.  Our annual “alternative gift market” is named for her giving spirit. Shoppers have the opportunity to buy gifts that benefit WPC’s local and global mission partners, including Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Malala Fund, Medical Benevolence Foundation, and many more!

How to Get Involved

Join us the last Sunday of November (1st Sunday of Advent) for this year’s market.