Outreach Ministries

Westmoreland has a long tradition of serving the community locally, nationally, and globally. The Board of Outreach Ministries (formerly Board of Community Action) (OM) acts as the common arm of the congregation, reaching out to improve the lives of those around us by providing financial support to service agencies, encouraging and supporting members who offer personal service to local agencies, coordinating donations in kind, and supporting special projects and offerings. Westmoreland encourages and emphasizes community action in a variety of ways, including music, sermons and scripture in the worship services as well in other activities in the church.

Each fall one Sunday is designated as Outreach Ministries Day, celebrated with a worship service dedicated to community service and action, and a Outreach Ministries Fair is held during coffee hour. At the fair, representatives of service agencies and projects supported by Westmoreland describe their programs and new ways for members of the congregation to join them in that service. Click here to view photos of a Outreach Ministries Fair held by OM.

OM Grants

OM distributes funds to local service agencies as well as national and international agencies with special ties to the congregation. See Grant Guidelines for information on how to apply, and click here for the application form. For a list of past recipients, see OM Grants List.

Funding for OM Grants

Three sources provide funding for Westmoreland's grant program, a special Christmas offering, a special Easter offering, and a congregation-wide Bazaar held each November. These three sources generate about $27,000 per year.

Personal Service and Donations in Kind

Many Westmorelanders volunteer their time and effort in the community. OM coordinates some of these activities and provides financial support for others. A brochure describing some of Westmoreland's Outreach Ministries is attached.

Examples:

Through Shaw Community Ministry, City Gate and the Marie Reed School, the Church financially supports the education of "at risk" youth, and in some cases, members are actively involved in tutoring in math and reading both during the school day and in after school programs.
Westmorelanders provide breakfast for homeless Washingtonians by preparing and delivering food to S.O.M.E. (So Others May Eat) headquarters.
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season Westmoreland collects food and funds for holiday meals for low-income neighbors plus toys and Christmas gifts for their children.
Members provide support for the homeless in our community through Bethesda Cares.

Special Projects

Westmoreland's historic commitment to service is expressed in several long and short term activities designed to meet specific needs.

Since 1968 Westmoreland has helped provide affordable housing in D.C. by building and administering Lincoln-Westmoreland Housing.
Westmoreland serves the greater Washington community through the Volunteer Corps program. Five volunteers, usually recent college graduates, live in intentional Christian community while working in social service or advocacy positions for one year. A separate Volunteer Corps Board supports and administers this program, coordinating with OM.

UCC-Wide Offerings

Each year Westmoreland and other UCC churches take up special offerings that support programs outside the local area.

During Lent UCC congregations, including Westmoreland, join nine other denominations in One Great Hour of Sharing. This offering supports disaster relief, economic development, refugee settlement, and social service around the globe.
In October UCC congregations contribute to Neighbors in Need, a nationwide program that funds the promotion of social justice as well as environmental and economic issues.

Page last updated 24 August 2011.