Each month, members of Union Japanese Church of Westchester work hard on outreach programs to help their community connect with one another, learn more about God, learn English, and receive food.
UJCW started out as a small group of Japanese Christians worshipping together in Scarsdale in 1989, according to the church website. From the time it opened, the churches has used space at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, 6 Greenacres Ave., Scarsdale, for activities and worship. The church, pastored by Rev. Yoko Ueda, is multi-denominational, with ties to the Reformed Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA, and the United Methodist Church of America.
One outreach ministry the church holds is a monthly Book Club for Children and Mothers. This family storytime happens once a month on Tuesdays. A retired school teacher reads the preschool- and elementary- aged children picture books in English and they share in a craft. The program is instructed in English and all are welcome. The Book Club will meet from 10:00a-11:00a on the upcoming Tuesdays: Dec. 18, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, and March 26.
Another outreach ministry is the Soup Kitchen at Hitchock Church. Members help feed homeless people the third Tuesday of each from from 9:15-10:00.
UJCW also regularly holds “Workshop@Union” events. These free events are meant to introduce people to each other and to the church community. Attendees create a project at the workshop to take home and enjoy a snack. The winter workshop will be Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 10:00a-11:30a. A holiday wreath with a variety of fresh evergreens will be created to take home. All materials are provided; a minimum $10 donation is suggested. There are still a few spots left for Wednesdays workshop! Register by emailing ujcw.pr@gmail.com.
UJCW welcomes anyone who wishes to worship God with them. Services are Sundays at 10:30a in the Hancock Room at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church.