Westminster seeks to be a caring and benevolent congregation; actively committed, both corporately and individually, to local and global concerns.

Westminster members are committed to following Christ's call to love our neighbor. The Mission Committee has an extensive list of opportunities for ministry and welcomes your participation.

Interfaith Hospitality Network - This network, part of the Foundation for the Homeless, provides an optimal two or three month period of transitional services to carefully screened homeless families.  Local churches meet all their needs: from childcare, job training, and meals, to overnight housing, all in a Christian setting.  The goal is to get these families off the streets and into homes, jobs, and schools in ninety days.

Westminster IHN host dates for 2012
January 29 - February 5
May 27 - June 3
July 22 - July 29
November 25 - December 2

Volunteer Opportunities in this program:

• Dinners - Prepare dinner for our guest IHN families.
• Hosts - Eat with the families and host from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Overnights - Stay over from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the church.
• Saturdays - Host families for 2-hour periods.

Manos de Cristo - Manos de Cristo is a Presbyterian ministry that provides affordable dental care, a clothes closet, a food pantry, English lessons, and citizenship classes - offering a variety of volunteer opportunities.  Each July, a Back-to-School event provides school supplies, clothes, backpacks, and love to many children.

English as a Second Language (ESL) at Manos de Cristo - Volunteers are given special materials to teach English at Manos de Cristo.  Morning and evening classes are offered and each teacher handles one session per week (two hours).  Volunteers need not be bilingual.

Food Pantry at Manos de Cristo - Volunteers work two hours per month sacking groceries to give to those in need.  Manos de Cristo gives each client family enough food for several days in an emergency.

Meals on Wheels - Volunteers commit to one hour per week delivering meals to homebound persons.  For volunteers who are employed, deliveries can be made during the lunch hour.  Other opportunities include helping prepare the meals at a central kitchen.

Refugee Family Service - Basic needs of refugee families who have recently moved to Austin are met through this service.

Religious Coalition for the Homeless - Many local churches participate in this innovative program to assist the homeless in Austin.  RCAH grants and monitors the use of funds allocated by houses of worship in lieu of paying drainage fees to the city of Austin.

Faith In Action Caregivers - West Austin: Caregivers provide such services as transportation to the doctor, the store, and other errands for persons 60 or older who no longer drive a vehicle.  They also provide minor home repairs.  This enables seniors to continue to live in their own homes.  The usual time commitment is no more than two hours a week.  Call (512) 472-6339 to volunteer or request services.

Firm Foundations - is a collaborative ministry of three Presbyterian Churches: Hope, University, and Westminster, to provide basic home repair services to low-income individuals, Presbyterian institutions, and to others in need.  The volunteers are known as Hammerheads and we welcome all skill levels and ages to our ranks.  Firm Foundations volunteers recently built three bunk beds and stained two large decks at John Knox Ranch, and are planning to replace curtains in two buildings.  Clients of The Care Communities who are struggling with the impast of cancer and AIDS in their lives will also benefit from the ministry.  From time to time as needs arrive, the Westminster volunteers may assist our church with repairs and participate in mission trips.  So, if you have a hankerin' to put on a nail apron or grab a paint brush for a good cause, consider being a Hammerhead for Firm Foundations.  Contact the Westminster church office at wpc@wpcaustin.org.

Westminster Environmental Illness Corporation - This need-specific corporation helps those who suffer from environmental illnesses.

Minter Alternative Gift Market - This is an "alternative gift" market where shoppers may buy a gift in honor of a friend or relative for Christmas or other occasions.  Charities represented range from food for people in war-torn countries to medical aid supports.  All monies raised are sent directly to the represented charities by ecumenical non-profit agencies.  Fairly traded items are also available.  The Alternative Gift Market takes place in November on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

iACT (formerly Austin Area Interreligious Ministries) - This interreligious organization supports a variety of programs to help people in Austin as well as throughout the world.

Hands on Housing - Austin Interreligious Ministries sponsors this annual event in which local groups assist in rehabilitating homes around Austin.  Volunteer duties include scraping, painting, wiring, carpentry, etc.  Food preparation for those who volunteer is also needed.

Austin State School Christmas Party - State school residents enjoy a fun party hosted by WPC volunteers.  Our congregation provides custom Christmas gifts as well as refreshments.

CROP Walk - CROP Walk fights hunger in Austin and around the world.  Once a year, in the spring, members sign up to walk, run, or skate, seeking pledges from friends.  This is a festive occasion involving a large, varied group from many churches who are walking to stop hunger.

Habitat for Humanity - This program builds low-cost housing for first time home buyers.  Persons for whom the house is being built are also part of the construction team.  Carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, contractors, as well as unskilled laborers, are always needed. 

Church Women United - For Fellowship and Mission with women of other Christian denominations throughout Austin.