"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."
John 17:18
At UPPC, we envision a renewed and flourishing community at home and abroad where the love of Jesus is known, experienced, and spread to others intentionally, spontaneously, and tangibly. We live out this vision
by engaging holistically to address the broken relationships, injustices, and hinderances
that prevent all from fully experiencing God's shalom.
by engaging holistically to address the broken relationships, injustices, and hinderances
that prevent all from fully experiencing God's shalom.



community Christmas
Continued rising costs for food and other necessities is making 2023 a particularly challenging year for many families living within our five-mile radius. UPPC is partnering with Families Unlimited Network and local schools to provide gift cards and food to families in our community needing assistance this Christmas.
Travel Opportunities

Mexico
February 15-19, 2024
Intergenerational Service Trip to El Nino, Mexico
February 15-19, 2024
Join this cross-cultural, all ages experience working alongside residents in El Nino, Mexico. All ages are welcome.

American South
June 25 - July 3, 2024
American South Pilgrimage
June 25 - July 3, 2024
Be immersed into a deeper understanding of our country's history and be inspired by leaders and visionaries building God's Beloved Community in our country.

Holy Land
September 20-29, 2024
Holy Land Pilgrimage
September 20-29, 2024
An unique pilgrimage to the Holy Land exploring the Christian faith in the Israeli-Palestinian context.
Flourishing
Put your faith into practice as you explore with others how God is calling you to be a peacemaker in Jesus' name.
January 7 - March 24, 2024
Ongoing Service Opportunities
Safe Haven Refugee Ministry
Since 2015 UPPC has worked to support refugees in our area. Growing from housing assistance and teams to help a family learn how to live in a new country, our ministry continues to expand. We now provide English classes, supplies for those in detention centers, and weekend housing and transportation to those en route to their final destination. See how you can help at uppc.org/safehaven.
Families Unlimited Network (FUN)
Located on UPPC’s premises, FUN volunteers honor and strengthen families through teaching, supporting essential needs and building relationships out of love for God and neighbor. Donate food, serve in the Food Bank, or volunteer in the Spot After-School Tutoring Program. More information at familiesunlimitednetwork.org.
Cherish Meru, Kenya
Since 2003, UPPC has been partnering with Hope International Ministry Trust to educate, equip, and empower children in Meru, Kenya through child sponsorships, caregiver visits, and auxiliary support. Learn how you can sponsor a child or provide other financial support at cherishmeru.org.
Olive Crest South Sound
Become a foster parent or join a Care Community that supports one. More information at uppc.org/fostercare
REACH Ministries
Provide hope to HIV-positive children and their families by serving at a REACH camp or retreat, mentoring those affected by HIV, interning with REACH or preparing encouraging gift baskets or gift cards. More information at reachministries.org.
Coffee Oasis Pierce County
Provide love and support to homeless youth by becoming a youth center volunteer, mentor, or street outreach volunteer at the Coffee Oasis Tacoma Shelter. Volunteer Training is offered the first Saturday of each month.More information at thecoffeeoasis.com/volunteer.
Family Renewal Shelter
Family Renewal Shelter offers a safe place primarily for women and children whose well-being is in real danger due to domestic violence. Your donation helps FRS rescue and give hope to those at risk. Volunteer training is offered to for those interested in working with clients at the shelter or helping with maintenance, yardwork or making pick-ups, etc. Find details at domesticviolencehelp.org/volunteer.
UP & North Tacoma Young Life
UPPC and Young Life have been partnering for decades with the goal of helping adolescents become followers of Jesus and helping them grow in their faith. You can get involved in a variety of ways, including donating directly, becoming a Young Life leader, joining a prayer team or providing meals, to name a few. To find out more at upnt.younglife.org.
Habitat for Humanity
The Tacoma/Pierce County branch of Habitat for Humanity selects families to receive newly-built or renovated homes. They offer a “hand up” rather than a “handout”. Since 1985 HH has built or rehabilitated over 300 homes in Pierce County. UPPC partners with HH by helping build two homes in the area each year. See how you can
put your faith into action at
www.tpc-habitat.org.
put your faith into action at
www.tpc-habitat.org.
Outreach Ministry Teams
Kenya Team
UPPC's Kenya Team runs the day-to-day operations of UPPC's Cherish Sponsorship and Watoto ministries in partnership Hope International Ministry Trust and others in Meru, Kenya. This includes communicating with sponsors, sharing ministry updates, and forwarding sponsorship letters from Kenya.
Learn about UPPC's Cherish Ministry at cherishmeru.org.
Join the team, by emailing [email protected].
Learn about UPPC's Cherish Ministry at cherishmeru.org.
Join the team, by emailing [email protected].
South Sudan Team
UPPC's South Sudan Team serves as an extended family to South Sudanese refugees in the area who need help with things like childcare and transportation to doctor appointments. The Team also partners with Community Transformation Centre who provides discipleship, sewing skills, and economic-empowerment to South Sudanese in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.
Join the team by emailing [email protected].
Join the team by emailing [email protected].
Safe Haven Welcome Team
Home to the nation's fourth largest immigration processing center, immigrants leave Tacoma's ICE processing center every week looking for repite, a warm meal and transportation before heading to their next destination. UPPC's Safe Haven Welcome Team share the responsibility welcoming these individuals and helping them get to the next stop in their journey.
Join the team by emailing [email protected].
Join the team by emailing [email protected].

My story serving at UPPC
Dan Small, Families Unlimited Foodbank volunteer
For 6 years, I have volunteered at the Families Unlimited Foodbank. Giving my time to help others is very important to me. I pick up food from local grocery stores and food warehouses that helps feed nearly 2,000 people each month. The hours I give each week helping others is rewarding and helps strengthen my faith in Jesus with every box of food I unload.