May Outreach Newsletter
New Church Ministry: CPS Duffel Bags
Come be a part of a new ministry whose hope is to encourage foster kids across San Antonio. In May, we are collecting duffle bags for kids in the foster care system. Our church has a growing relationship with and love for Children’s Protective Services and the children they serve. The Giving Tree ministry last Christmas, led by member Mary Youngkrantz, and Director of Connections, Jessica Caccamese, was just recognized by the Friends of the Bexar County Child Welfare Board.
University members, Leo and Mary Sue Adams, are championing a ministry that serves the foster children of San Antonio. Most foster children, when moving from house to house, carry their few personal belongings in trash bags. The Adams identified a need and a solution, and the “Duffel Bag Ministry” was born. Working with members of their Believers Sunday school class, they are planning a church wide collection of kid-sized duffel bags and monetary donations. The Duffel Bag Ministry’s first year goal is 600 bags of varying sizes. Collection will be during services in early May. Learn More
Supported Ministry Spotlight: Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM)
Have you ever noticed the wood building behind south campus with the large “CAM” on the side and wondered what goes on there? The building houses the Northwest location for Christian Assistance Ministries, the “emergency room” for local families in financial crisis.
CAM addresses the health and well-being of at-risk and vulnerable clients in San Antonio/Bexar County and has done so successfully since 1977. They are led by a commitment to be an “emergency room” of social services, and like an emergency room, no appointment is required and any demographic population may receive help. Their goal is to help overcome barriers that lead to further problems while addressing the issues of accessibility and immediacy.
CAM accomplishes its mission by providing financial assistance to help pay for prescriptions, transportation to medical appointments or a new job, utilities (when they are facing disconnect), non-prescription readers, ID recovery (birth certificates and ID’s all are required to enroll in any program, to gain government supports, Medicaid/Medicare/CHIP or to get a job), food (including specialized food such as baby formula), clothing, hygiene items, free mail service, and miscellaneous emergent support (specialized medical equipment, adult diapers, transportation to a shelter). CAM clients may be children, the homeless, working poor, mentally and physically ill, veterans and senior citizens. Often the most vital part of their help comes with the opportunity for a client to meet with an intake worker or a trained volunteer, and lay out their issues, problem solve, and then receive a referral in addition to the items they provide. CAM’s goal is to provide dignity and hope.
What is unique about CAM is that they are able to provide this help immediately and with very little overhead. CAM’s funding comes from individuals, churches, local foundations and the United Way. Because they do not operate with government funds, they have flexibility and can avoid a lot of red tape that often makes access very difficult for vulnerable populations. CAM provides these services in two donated locations, with only 8 full time staff, and with the help of over 200 volunteers. It is an incredible model for care that leverages donated items and resources to serve 50,000 annually. The need is great.
“When you harvest the crops on your land, do not cut all the way to the corners of your field. Don’t pick up the grain that falls on the ground. Leave it for the poor…” Leviticus 23:22
How will you share your Harvest? There are many ways you can serve at CAM (CAM - How To Help) or donate (CAM - Donate).
Our church is also looking for ways to help CAM through repairs, maintenance, project planning and other critical skill areas. If you have a University group that wants to serve in one of these areas, contact the Steve Ryan ( ) or Cathe Skinner ( ) to get started.
New To Outreach
As of February 1, University has a new Director of Outreach, Steve Ryan. A member since 2004, Steve has been involved in many different ministries around the church to include Students, Disaster Response, Kairos, Missionary Advisory Council, Men’s and Stephens Ministry. Before coming on staff, he worked with nonprofit organizations in program development, process improvement and leadership training. He is a retired naval officer with experience in multinational training, operational planning and process improvement.
Working with Cathe Skinner, the church staff, and especially church members, the Outreach Ministry charge is to build stronger bridges in the community while embodying Matthew 22:36-40 and 28:19 values to further God’s vision for our neighborhood, near and far. If you, your group or your ministry wants to meet with Steve and Cathe, call (210-696-1033) or email ( & ) to set up at time. They will come to your Bible Study, Sunday School Class or ministry meeting. They can also meet with you over Wednesday night dinner.
Summer Service Opportunity: Project Transformation
Have you made your summer plans yet? Does it include serving in your community? Project Transformation (Learn More) is a ministry focused on youth literacy challenges in at-risk communities. Adults and teens can serve in local Methodist churches (Laurel Heights, St. Paul, Windsong and Northern Ministry Center) by reading with youth. If you have a passion for helping children improve their literacy and develop a love of reading, there is definitely a place for you. There are opportunities to serve, donate and college internships (PT Internships). This is a family (small kid friendly) serving opportunity.