Community Outreach

As a congregation we are deeply involved in local, community, national, and worldwide outreach.

To that end, besides activities we are directly involved in, we also open our doors to community groups who wish to use our space for meetings, gatherings, lectures, clubs, performances, etc. Just some of these are AA, Al-Anon, Arkansas Valley Music and Dance, Collegiate Peaks Chorale, High Country Fine Arts, Monarch Quilters, Chaffee County Democrats, Republican Women, and the Collegiate Peaks Forum Series.

*We also offer a printable Chaffee County Community Resource list available by clicking here. Another source for community resources is Chaffee Resources at chaffeeresources.com. Please click here to go to their site.

Examples of our direct involvements are:

 

Shower Ministry

We offer free showers to those experiencing homelessness every Friday from 12:00 noon – 2:00pm. Towels, washcloths, and toiletries are provided.

Jim Close Community Garden

The community garden is a place to raise fresh vegetables and enjoy the fruits (or veggies!) of your labor. With watering and fertilizing provided, all you have to do is plant, weed and harvest! 4’x4′ raised plots are available to church members, the general public and community groups. There are 24 plots in total. Most are raised 3′, but six are raised 4′. The cost is by donation.

To get yours, please contact Robin in the church office at 719-395-2544 M, W, Th, from 9-2 (otherwise leave a message) or email to office.bvcucc@gmail.com.

Registration forms are available at the church office or by clicking here. The garden is located at the church.          

Rules and Regulations

Habitat for Humanity

We are involved with the Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity, giving budgeted financial support and recruiting volunteers to work on building sites and/or supply worker meals.

The Arkansas Valley Christian Mission

We participate by monetary contributions and on-going collections of food and supplies from the congregation. We also offer individuals aid when they are referred to us by the Mission.

BV HOPE/Hope Bags

CUCC is an active supporter of BV HOPE (Buena Vista – Helping Others, Protecting Everyone), a local anti-human trafficking group. One of the ways we do that is by supplying Hope Bags, carefully selected essential and comfort items to those rescued from human trafficking via the FBI, local police departments, Homeland Security, and state patrols. Survivors typically only have the clothes that they’re wearing when they’re recovered and that clothing is oftentimes confiscated as evidence. These backpacks not only bring much needed comfort and dignity, but also help to build trust and to bridge the gap between victims and law enforcement.

The Backpack Ministry

We cooperate with the Buena Vista Optimist Club, Chaffee County High School, New Bees, and other local service groups to provide weekend food for qualifying students from elementary through high school.

Boy Scouts

CUCC is a sponsoring organization of our local Boy Scout Troop 67 and Webelos, providing regular meeting space both indoors and out.

UCC 5 for 5 

Our serious partnership with the United Church of Christ denomination helps worldwide ministries. We participate in all five of the UCC Special Offerings – Neighbors in Need, One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Our Church’s Wider Mission, and the Christmas Fund – in addition to numerous other special outreach efforts.

      

La Puente Mission in Alamosa

This homeless shelter provides emergency shelter, food assistance, transitional housing, and self-sufficiency services for the homeless, including families, and other community members in crisis. The mission also provides assistance to job seekers and offers a food bank in conjuction with other communities.

Equal Exchange Coffee & Holy Joe’s Cafe 

CUCC uses Equal Exchange Coffee, which is bought directly from small farmers, to use during Coffee Hour and other church gatherings. We also offer the coffee for sale, sending profits to Holy Joe’s Café, a coffee house ministry proudly serving US troops since 2006. In this ministry, military chaplains invite frontline soldiers into a safe and informal place where they can receive spiritual care and good coffee.

Living Gift Market/Heifer International

We support Heifer International’s efforts in working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. Each year we hold a Living Gift Market where attendees purchase gifts of animals, trees, or bees to be supplied to those in need.

Global Ministries Child-Sponsorship Program

We financially sponsor a child in the Philippines, encouraging corresponsdence and holiday gifts from our congregation.

Youth Camps

Young people are a priority to us and we send many young people to La Foret, our denomination church camp for spiritual development.