Through community outreach and service, Second UP has always been a vital part of the communities that surround us. Over the years, Second UP has been a meeting place for community groups, a monthly evening food pantry, a host to a community garden, caretaker to the park that surrounds the church, coordinator of fundraisers (to benefit individuals, groups, community organizations or the work of our ministry), and so much more.

​

Today, we work together with Swissvale Presbyterian Church to broaden our reach and do more good in our surrounding communities. Some of our ministry initiatives this past year have included:

• ​Contributing to local food banks;

• Collecting food and donations for local food banks and charitable organizations;

• Collecting donations of items of basic needs for individuals, families and groups in need;

• Volunteering time to help at local food banks and other charitable organizations;

• Hosting events to bring the communities around us together in friendship, unity and fun;

• Operating a Parents’ Morning Out (PMO) Program giving Parents a safe place for their children while they run errands, go to appointments, get some work done, have a little time to themselves or with friends, etc.;

• Operating a Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds where they 3 and 4 year olds safely gather to socialize, learn, and prepare for Kindergarten and where families can come together to engage and support one another;

• Operating a Summer Camp for children ages 3-8 years old to give them a fun, learning experience during the Summer;

• Operating a Community Garden;

• Volunteering to be the Charter Organization for two Scouting America Troops and one Pack - to give them a safe place to meet and help them grow into the future leaders of tomorrow;

• Hosting ESL classes;

• Maintaining a social media presence to share information about our Shared Ministry, our activities and events, Coffee & Conversation and Worship Times, area happenings and updates that affect our online and local community;

• and Answering requests for prayers from our members, families, friends, our local communities, our online community and anyone who makes a prayer request. We continue to pray for our country and the world all around us as well.

​​​​​​

As mentioned above, Second UP is the home to two different Scouting America Troops and one Pack. Our Troops work in our community to provide many hours of Community Service each year. Additionally, they help in the park around Second UP and with our events, as needed.

​​​​​

We use the many events we host to increase our community outreach and to assist us in learning the best ways we can serve our communities. Some of the events we have hosted in the past year include:

• Our Annual Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party at Second UP;

• Our Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Swissvale Presbyterian;

• Movie Nights in the Park/Church Yard (both locations);

• Community Flea Market and Bake Sale;

• A Play Date and Snow Shoveling Party (to help dig out the parking area around Second UP for our PMO, Preschool and Scouts to be able to utilize the building);

• and Blessing of the Animals.

​​

In addition to these events, we continue to collect donations of nonperishable food, money and other items to be distributed where needed throughout the community. We reach out through our social media, website, and in person to help those in need within our communities through prayer, direct assistance, or helping them to find community assistance that fit their needs.

​

We invite everyone we meet in person or through our internet presence to join us for Coffee & Conversation, Worship, and our events. We encourage community members and visitors to stop by the church during the week when we are there to talk about our work, our ministry, our services (worship and others), and how they can become a part of our church family.

​​​​​​​​

We are here to listen to those in need: of help, of a place to belong, or of a kind ear and a warm heart to share a conversation. Check out our Website, our Facebook page, and/or our Instagram page! Stop by for Coffee & Conversation, Worship, or to visit us! We welcome you to consider sharing some time with us as a visitor, a friend, a volunteer, or a new member of our church family!