Brazos Church Pantry
The Brazos Church Pantry is a local non-profit organization that shares the love of Christ by providing food to those who need it in the Brazos Valley.
The pantry, which operates with no paid staff and with the help of over 30 churches, survives on contributions and about 100 volunteers who work two hours a day, six days a week. Last year, the pantry provided food to more than 38,000 Brazos County residents. People suffering economic hardships or who have financial or medical emergencies tying up their funds are eligible to request food once a month.
Friends Church members volunteer at the Church Pantry on the first Saturday of each month. Become a volunteer!
To learn more or to volunteer with any of these organizations, contact Justice and Mission at justice-mission@friends-ucc.org.
Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network (BIIN)
Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network (BIIN) was created in 2010 by representatives from several local faith communities (with Friend's Church as a founding organizational member!), aware of the challenges that immigrants and refugees face, despite their many contributions to the life and vitality of the community. BIIN’s mission is to promote the human dignity and well-being of all immigrants in our community and to advocate for and facilitate better access to legal, educational and social services. BIIN does this by offering classes (in English and citizenship preparation), workshops, document translation, individualized guidance and referral to local services, and other programs designed to welcome and affirm the value of immigrants in our community.
If you would like to learn more, to donate or volunteer, please visit BIIN’s website here!
Crockett Elementary School BISD
In response to an initiative from the Bryan Independent School District to form closer relationships between the schools and faith groups in the community, the church chose to “adopt” Crockett Elementary School. This adoption includes various means of providing support to the school including teacher and staff appreciation, contributing supplies for students and teachers, and supporting school projects.
Tiny Hope Village
Tiny Hope Village is a permanent housing community for singles and married couples – with and without income – who have been homeless. It is a missional community where everyone takes part in the work of housing homeless people, inspired by the tiny house village movement’s concept of sustainable, dignified housing. Friends Church provides financial and volunteer support to help build the village on seven acres near Hearne, TX.
Family Promise
Family Promise is an organization which is near and dear to the heart of our congregation. Family Promise is an area-wide, volunteer-based, non-profit which supports families with children by providing shelter, meals, and support services as they work towards self-sufficiency.
To volunteer, contact justice-mission@friends-ucc.org
Brazos Valley Food Bank Produce Distribution
Every Friday from 2:30-6:00 volunteers from Friends and from the community gather outside Peace Lutheran Church to distribute fresh produce and bakery items to our community neighbors. Volunteers interview, sort food into boxes, and load food into cars. Come for an hour or come for the whole time. For more information or to volunteer contact Anne Wehrly.
United Campus Ministry (UCM)
United Campus Ministry is an open and affirming campus ministry at Texas A&M and Blinn supported by the local congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and United Church of Christ.
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Peanut Butter Fellowship - All in Aggieland are welcome at a weekly peanut butter and jelly sandwich bar on Wednesdays from 11 am - 1 pm (weather permitting). Join 150 students who gather just south of the Academic Building every week!
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Aggie Supper - Most Sundays during the fall and spring semesters, UCM gathers from 7 pm - 9 pm at the All Faiths Chapel for conversations about faith, mission, and service.
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Studying Scripture - UCM students lead a weekly scripture study once a week during the fall and spring semesters. Check out @AggieUCM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information!
Brazos County Child Welfare Board
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Friends Church in collaboration with the Brazos County Child Welfare Board provides Christmas presents to 60 children who are dealing with abuse and neglect. These children are separated from their birth families during the Christmas season.
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