What is United Christian Ministry?
Have you wondered how an elderly person on a small fixed income can pay an electric bill that has increased dramatically? Or how an impoverished family can feed several children breakfasts and lunches on days when there is no school? Or what happens when food stamps are cut, with insufficient food for end-of-the-month meals?
Decades ago, three pastors from the downtown Sylva churches came together to discuss a common issue – how to address feeding hungry people who were coming to the churches. Enlisting all of the Jackson County churches for support, UCM was begun. Originally only a food pantry, with a part-time director, with a small office in a rental house, UCM was created.
Still with a part-time director, the board is now considering an additional part-time assistant to help with the work load. The house on Skyland Drive is mortgage-free, has had a pantry addition built, with storage sheds added to hold donated household goods, but is still bursting at the seams!
In addition to food pantry donations, monetary donations are received for the purpose of covering “other critical needs” in Jackson County families. Unmanageable heating and electric bills, emergency prescriptions, fuel for cars to get them to jobs, unemployed adult children moving back home, house fires, etc. – real crises for which Christians can minister with loving support.
First Baptist Church does have a line item in its budget for a monthly UCM donation, as well as a container in the Loving Kindness room by the elevator for donated food. In addition, UCM needs volunteers, daily or weekly, to work with the director: jobs in the pantry, at the reception desk, client-counseling, computer updating, cleaning, promotion detail, etc. To help with this ministry to our county’s families who are in crisis, talk to the director, Kathy Cross, about where you might serve.
After 29 years, UCM still needs the support of all church-people in Jackson County.
UCM Fruit Cups
Please color the image above and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder to buy fruit cups for UCM!
United Christian Ministries needs 108 fruit cups for Christmas break bags
There are 450 children in Jackson County Schools who are eligible to receive free lunch and breakfast but who will not receive them during the long Christmas break. UCM will provide a special bag of food for each one. Churches have been asked to provide items selected for this purpose. We have been asked to provide fruit cups. The deadline is Nov. 26 to have them in the Loving Kindness room.
Christmas Break Bags
United Christian Ministries Needs:
400 fruit cups for Christmas break bags
There are 450 children in Jackson County Schools who are eligible to receive free lunch and breakfast but who will not receive them during the long Christmas break. UCM will provide a special bag of food for each one. Churches have been asked to provide items selected for this purpose. We have been asked to provide fruit cups. The deadline is Nov. 26 to have them in the Loving Kindness room.
Rock-A-Thon
Our 1st annual Rock-a-Thon was a success! We raised $1,010.00 for United Christian Ministries youth food boxes. Thank you so much for your support and we look forward to having a rocking good time again next year.
UCM Fund Raisers
UCM Food Drive and Hot Dog Sale
Our demand for food is up
Please help stock our empty shelves!!
Please Support United Christian Ministries Food Drive
When: This Friday & Saturday Sept. 22 & 23
Friday 10:00am – 6pm
Saturday 10:00am – 2pm
Plus Hot Dog Sale Both Days!!!
Free Rafting Trip
UCM Fundraisers
United Christian Ministries Fundraiser
Sharing and Caring in Jackson County since 1989
Bogart’s
May 15th from 4:00-9:00 PM
10% of the proceeds will go straight to UCM Ministry!
Come out for a delicious dinner and help support UCM so we can
continue to help Jackson County families in need.
