For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
—Matthew 25: 35–40
Mission Outreach
At WPC, we don’t just talk about loving our neighbors as ourselves, we put our faith into action through various outreach efforts within our local community and beyond. Our goal is to share God’s inclusive love without any hesitation by ensuring that all of God’s children feel seen, heard, and appreciated, no matter their story or circumstances. We strive to make sure that our neighbors not only survive but flourish.
The two primary social issues facing our community that our church focuses on are homelessness and food insecurity. We hope to positively impact these social issues through various approaches, including hands-on intergenerational activities, mission trips, educational presentations, congregational discussions, and opportunities for our children and youth to explore these social issues together in a safe and supportive environment.
Want to Get Involved?
We welcome anyone—regardless of your faith, age, stage, or abilities—to get involved in our mission outreach ministry. We provide hands-on and inclusive opportunities so that everyone can contributetheir gifts in making the world a better place. Sign up to join a mission project. No experience necessary — just a willingness to show up for someone in need.
2026/2027 Mission Projects
SEPTEMBER 26th 2-4pm - RISE AGAINST HUNGER MEAL PACKING EVENT
Join us in Fellowship Hall to pack 10,000 meals for people facing hunger. All ages are welcome!
Can’t join us in person? You can still be part of the impact by helping cover the cost of ingredients with a donation. Sign up to volunteer, donate or better yet do both!
Sign up to volunteer or make a donation. REGISTER HERE
SEPTEMBER - CLOTHING AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE
All month. Donate gently used adult and children’s fall clothing, new adult tube socks, and school supplies. You can leave your donations in the box outside our kitchen door.
OCTOBER – PUMPKIN PATCH – 100% OF PROFIT SUPPORTS OUR MISSION PARTNERS
Sunday, September 27th through Saturday, October 31st
Help us set up the yard, unload the pumpkin truck and sell pumpkins until the last pumpkin is sold!
SIGN UP HERE to participate in the pumpkin patch – all ages welcome!
Saturday, October 10th 10-12 noon
Pumpkin painting sponsored by Open Door Nursery School
All October
Donate winter coats and clothing for all ages. The collection box is next to the Open Door Nursery School front door.
NOVEMBER - THANKSGIVING AT HOUSE OF MERCY MISSION (HOMM)
Sunday, November 8th
Sign up to donate frozen turkeys, cook turkeys and help prepare and serve Sign up HERE
Sunday, November 15th by 12 noon
Deliver frozen turkeys to church
Friday, November 20th 4pm - 7pm
Deliver cooked turkeys and help prepare turkeys and side dishes at church kitchen
Saturday, November 21st 8am - 12 noon
Deliver and serve meal at HOMM
All Month – Donate Christmas toys by Dec 6th
Online giving links being prepared – suggested toys and games
Target
Amazon
DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS TOYS FOR MISSION PARTNERS
Sunday, December 6th by 12 noon
Deadline to drop off toy donations
Sunday, December 13th Following worship (11:15)
Wrap toys and assemble gift bags
Monday, December 14th
Deliver toys to mission partners
JANUARY - PREPARE LUNCHES FOR HOUSE OF MERCY MISSION (HOMM)
Friday, January 22nd 4:30 pm - 6:30pm
Prepare lunches in the church kitchen
Saturday, January 23rd 9:00am - 11am
Deliver and serve lunches at HOMM
FEBRUARY - FOOD DONATIONS FOR FAMILY PROMISE
Sunday, February 21st by noon
Donate food for Family Promise families - SIGN UP HERE
MARCH - PREPARE LUNCHES FOR HOUSE OF MERCY MISSION (HOMM)
Friday, March 12th 4:30pm - 6:30 pm
Prepare lunches in the church kitchen
Saturday, March 13th 9:00am - 11am
Deliver and serve lunches at HOMM
APRIL - PREPARE LUNCHES (for HOMM) and WELCOME BASKETS (FOR THE WAREHOUSE NJ)
Friday, April 23rd 4:30pm - 6:30 pm
Prepare lunches for HOMM in the church kitchen
Saturday, April 24th 9:00am - 11am
Deliver and serve lunches at HOMM
All month
Collect items for The Warehouse Welcome Baskets (for newly housed)- Donate here
MAY - FOOD DONATIONS FOR FAMILY PROMISE
Sunday, May 2nd by noon
Donate food for Family Promise families - SIGN UP HERE
JUNE - DONATIONS OF CLOTHING, BOOKS AND GAMES FOR SUMMER
All month
Donations of clothing (warm weather clothing only), books and games
How We Fund Mission Outreach
To financially support our mission efforts, WPC launched the Pumpkin Patch in 2002. The Pumpkin Patch is our largest annual fundraiser and all of our profit from pumpkin sales helps to better the community by combating homelessness and food insecurity. Sales also support the Navajo Nation in New Mexico that grows the pumpkins. The Pumpkin Patch has become an integral part of the community where people know us as the “Pumpkin Patch Church”.
Mission Partners
We focus our efforts on addressing two of the greatest needs facing our community: food insecurity and homelessness.
The House of Mercy Mission, a non-profit organization, is an inner city mission located at 573 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ. The purpose of the Mission is to provide programs such as food, clothing, and help for struggling families in the community.
WPC helps by supplying Thanksgiving Dinners, Saturday Lunches, Children’s Christmas gifts, and more.
The mission of Family Promise is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
This organization provides
temporary housing, meals, and services, mentors families at-risk of experiencing homelessness and helps them find jobs and affordable housing.
WPC supplies families with groceries and other sundry items several times a year.
The Warehouse NJ helps individuals and families who have experienced homelessness to successfully transition into their new apartment with donated furniture, household items and other essential needs.
WPC has helps move families into their new homes, collected furniture donations from the local communities, and prepared welcome baskets for the new residents.
Rise Against Hunger helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment, fueled by a global movement of volunteers and partners.
WPC, with help from our community, is in its second year of supporting this organization’s efforts. During each event, we pack 10,000 food packets in just two hours!
