PCWS offers lots of opportunities for “hands-on” mission to serve through big Summer Mission Projects; collections; group activities; and Pop-Up Mission Projects.

 

Let’s Fill the Can!


Originally our 2020 Lenten Challenge project, this project continues to support the 2nd Baptist Food Pantry in LaGrange.  With the outdoor can, conveniently located at our covered lower entrance, we collect a steady supply of non-perishable food items which we pack into big plastic tubs, often filling the back of an SUV, and deliver to the church every Monday morning.This humble collection can has helped feed families facing any number of additional health and economic challenges and has led to a wonderful, sustainable partnership in ministry with our brothers and sisters at 2nd Baptist.

Let’s keep filling the can!

 

Pop-Up Mission Projects:

We love our Pop-Up Mission Projects! These “mini mission” projects engage all ages during Fellowship time after Worship. Over the years, we have had a variety of hands-on projects. We’ve made hundreds of laundry kits containing detergent pods, dryer sheets, and quarters for clients at BEDS Plus in LaGrange. Creating sack lunches for 2ndPresbyterian Church Chicago’s feeding program is a fun way to help provide food when needed. 

New in 2025 was creating and decorating Pantry Packs. These boxes are filled with meal pouches of breakfast and dinner entrees providing 42 meal servings per box. Area food banks and pantries were very glad to accept for sharing with their clients during this time of increased food insecurity.

 

Off-Site Mission Projects:

Groups from PCWS seek out hands-on mission opportunities in communities across the greater Chicagoland area. The work ranges from a full day of repair and general maintenance work at Margaret’s Village to a shift at Feed My Starving Children, or Bernie’s Book Bank.  We strive for opportunities open to a wide range of ages and abilities so all may join together helping neighbors in need.

 

Helping out at Margaret’s Village
Fall Yard Cleanup at Margaret’s Village
Group at Feed My Starving Children (Aurora)
Sorting Books at Bernie’s Book Bank

Summer Youth Trip

Also, when able, our high school youth participate in an annual summer mission project which takes them into some of the neediest regions of the United States.  For decades, youth have spent a week working on mostly housing-related projects in areas as diverse as the Pacific Northwest and Appalachia and several places in between. 







Alternative Giving Fair: 

During the Advent season, the Mission Team sponsors an Advent event . This provides a gathering in a festive family friendly atmosphere celebrating the Season.  Opportunities for supporting fair-trade and charitable organizations around the world are available.  Often a wide variety of handmade gift items are available for purchase. Proceeds support non-profit organizations.  Our Advent event offers everyone the opportunity to learn and donate directly to any number of organizations Heifer International.

Through the Advent Fair, we provide meaningful financial support to several of our traditional mission partners beyond budgeted giving!  In 2025, we added a Pop-up project providing tangible sustenance for area neighbors in need.  Can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring!