The Struggling

UCC heeds the call of Jesus to minister to the poor – in our own community, our own church family, and around the world.

Through the Caring Ministry, UCC cares for Abilene families in difficult times through volunteer and monetary support of Christian Service Center projects such as Operation Blue Jeans and Feed the Hungry.

UCC volunteers work with those who seek help with food, rent, utilities, gasoline, medical bills and other emergency needs. In 2010, UCC provided approximately $100,000 to the Center. Just as important, UCC members gave daily of themselves with the gifts of time, prayer and conversation with those seeking help, all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sometimes, members of our own UCC family face needs and burdens that can only be met through the help of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Elders on the Caring Committee respond to these calls for help on a case-by-case basis. Some call this a “silent ministry” because elders work quietly, with great sensitivity and respect for the privacy of those being served.

Helping “the least of these” is at the heart of the Caring Ministry. We remember the children of our own community with Operation Blue Jeans and by supporting the work of Christian Homes and Family Services that provides adoption and foster care. UCC also contributes to Arms of Hope (formerly Boles Home and Medina Children’s Home), Foster’s Home for Children, and Cherokee Children’s Home.

Finally, when major disasters strike, whether in Haiti, New Orleans, Thailand or Japan, the Caring Ministry coordinates our congregational response, as UCC joins the worldwide community of Christ in showing the love of Jesus.