Community Outreach Ministry
At BUCC, we believe that the heart of Christianity is about loving others and doing good in the world. We are passionate about helping those experiencing housing and food insecurity, and helping families in need . We care about protecting the environment. As ways of sharing our gifts with each other, our neighbors and the world, we participate in the following community service and outreach projects.
๐ BUCC School Supply Drive — Thank You! ๐
Our Annual School Supply Drive was an incredible success! Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we collected backpacks, composition books, writing supplies, and funds to purchase additional school supplies for more than 50 children in the Linkages to Learning Program at Viers Mill Elementary School.
During our August 9 service, Rev. Bill Federici blessed the backpacks, reminding us that they were filled not only with school supplies, but with our love, concern, and hope for the children who will carry them. โค๏ธ
A special thank you to Embassy Suites for once again contributing supplies and supporting our efforts.
The supplies have been delivered to Viers Mill Elementary, just in time for the start of school on August 25. Thank you to everyone who helped our students begin the year ready to learn and succeed! ๐โ๏ธ
Helping Unhoused Neighbors
For one week each year, BUCC provides all the meals and kitchen supplies for the residents at the Interfaith Works New Leaf Shelter in Rockville. In addition to “Shelter Week”, BUCC provides Sunday dinners for shelter residents several other times during the year. BUCC provides financial support to Bethesda Cares, a nonprofit organization which assists unhoused persons in the Bethesda area.
Rebuilding Together
On multiple Saturdays each spring, BUCC partners with other congregations to do gardening, painting, and general home repairs to make homes safer and healthier, more energy efficient, and more accessible for low-income, elderly, disabled, and otherwise disadvantaged homeowners.
Thanksgiving
BUCC, through a collection of donations from our members, annually provides Thanksgiving Dinner for families in need who are served by Linkages to Learning Social Workers at a local elementary school
Mitten Tree
Every December, BUCC covers a Christmas tree with gloves, hats, scarves, and other warm apparel for elementary school aged children. These are delivered to a local Elementary School served by Linkages to Learning Social Workers.
Christmas Toys and Gifts
Toys and presents are collected annually each December for children and youths served by the National Center for Children and Families, a nonprofit located near BUCC which serves foster children as well as families experiencing homelessness.
Advocacy Resources
Members are invited to respond to timely social justice concerns through various forms such as signing petitions and contacting our local representatives. Prior examples are healthcare issues, marriage equality in Maryland, the Dream Act, Black Lives Matter, gun violence, and support for a name change for the Washington football team. We keep people informed about advocacy resources available through the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries.
