PACEM, an acronym for People and Congregations Involved in Ministry, is a nonprofit organization which provides the structure and trained support for the approximately 50 local congregations as they provide shelter for the homeless during the winter months. The WPC PACEM Committee is Westminster’s liaison with PACEM and is responsible for scheduling and organizing our volunteers and the church facilities for the two-week period that WPC is the host shelter. In 2011, between February 19th and March 5th, our volunteers provided shelter to an average of 40 men each night, with the number ranging from a low of 28 to as many as 46 guests. More than 150 volunteers, including our youth groups and the Presbyterian Student Fellowship (PSF), as well as volunteers from Buck Mountain Episcopal Church and Meadows Presbyterian Church, were actively involved in the nightly shelter operations by preparing and serving meals and providing fellowship for our guests, emergency laundry services, and overnight assistance for the PACEM staff. Many others of our congregation participated by contributing fast food gift cards and socks for distribution to our guests. We will again be hosting the PACEM’s men shelter in 2012 from January 21tst to February 4th. Contact the church office if you would like to help or use the committee's convenient online signup form at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/westminster10
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