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Mission
West Suburban P.A.D.S. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter)
Each Monday night, from October through April, First United Church is an emergency
overnight shelter site. Centennial Hall is converted to a PADS site and church
members staff the shelter, distribute clothing vouchers as needed, provide
dinner and breakfast on the first and fifth Monday of the month. Other churches
and a temple provide meals and meal service on the alternate Mondays. Additional
services available at P.A.D.S. include; medical service by West Suburban Medical
Center Family Practice Program, job placement counseling, and a social worker
is available for emotional assistance.
Habitat for Humanity
Provides an opportunity for members to work with Proviso Habitat for Humanity.
First United provided a grant, leadership, and organized volunteers to successfully
build a new home in the Maywood area.
Cluster Tutoring Program
An ecumenical response to educational needs within the Austin community. Children,
grades kindergarten through 8, are tutored weekly at the Pine Avenue Church.
Hunger Concerns
Contributes food and cash collections to the Oak Park/River Forest Food Pantry.
They also help the Bread for the World organization by writing letters supporting
anti-hunger legislation. Members participate annually in the Hunger West
Walkathon that brought in $38,000 this past year.
P.A.L. (Parishioners Are Loving)
PAL volunteers are an active part of providing emotional support to church
members by sending note cards of encouragement and support.
Breakfast Bunch
Meets monthly at local restaurants for fellowship, conversation,
and breakfast.
Directions
A women’s group that meets monthly for unstructured fellowship,
book discussions and sharing of personal events.
Evening Division
A women’s organization dedicated to local
and world communities. It explores beyond the walls of the Church, as
well as the love and care for each other. Monthly meetings which consist
of a dinner, devotions, and an inspirational program. Voluntary pledges
and an Annual White Elephant Sale fund benevolent projects throughout
the year.
Women’s Retreat
Co-sponsored by First United Church of
Oak Park and Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. This is a weekend retreat
in March at a retreat center in Wisconsin. It provides a time away from
the business of our daily lives. Women gather in kinship, for spiritual
exploration, reflection, relaxation, and renewal. The program is lead
by a nationally known woman facilitator.
Family Camp
A relaxed opportunity to meet other church families in a camping environment;
singles, couples, couples with children. Two week-ends are planned during
the summer. The June weekend is at Pilgrim Park in Princeton, IL, and the
August camp is at Tower Hill in Sawyer, MI
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