Outreach

Supported Organizations

First Central supports a broad range of local, national, and international mission projects with donations of funds, labor, and materials. We provide support for the following:

First Lutheran Food Pantry

The Food Pantry at First Lutheran Church is supported by a monthly food drive, with canned goods and money donated on the first Sunday of every month.

Habitat for Humanity

Support for Habitat for Humanity includes monetary donations, construction volunteers on Friday and Saturday mornings and/or afternoons in July and August, as well as food delivered to the site during the build.

Siena/Francis House

Support for Siena/Francis House, a homeless shelter at 1702 Nicholas St., includes not only monetary donations, but an ongoing drive for clothing and personal care items. Special drives collect blankets, baby items, and hats & mittens for the shelter's guests. In addition, First Central members serve dinner at the shelter the third Friday of every month from 5 - 7 p.m.  Call Fred Felger at 451-1105 to volunteer.

Together Inc

Support for Together Inc., an interfaith helping agency located at 1616 Cass St., includes monetary donations, and help with special projects. First Central assists with the holiday gift drive, and helps set up the "store" and assist shoppers.

The United Church of Christ Coffee Project

We serve only fair trade coffee through The United Church of Christ Coffee Project. To support this program at home, coffee may be ordered at Equal Exchange. This program enables farmers to earn a fair price for their products, have access to affordable credit, and gain a long- term trading partner they can trust. Visit the UCC Coffee Project official site for more information.  To support this program at First Central, call Sara Sharpe at 345-1533.

Edwin H. Parrish Alternative School

Members of First Central volunteer at Parrish Alternative School.  Volunteers work with the students as tutors and mentors, and assist teachers and staff members in the office and library and with special events throughout the year.  The school has approximately 150 students in second through twelfth grades.  The school's senior graduation ceremonies are held in the sanctuary at First Central in May.  For more information, contact Nancy Northcutt at 291-6306.

Panera Bread's Day-end Dough-nation

As part of Panera Bread's Day-end Dough-nation, First Central members pick up donated bread two nights a week and deliver it to Siena/Francis House and Liberty School for distribution to those in need.

CrossOver Prison Ministries

CrossOver Prison Ministries, led by Pastor Jeannie Bates, meets at First Christian Church (DOC) on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. for dinner, Bible study, and friendship.  Supported by our congregation, among others, CrossOver ministers to those in prison, and as they make the transition to life outside prison.  Contact us at 733-2795.

Amnesty International

Support for Amnesty International consists of letter writing drives in regards to human rights violations.

 

Special offerings

Special offerings benefit missions such as One Great Hour of Sharing, and Neighbors in Need . In addition, funds budgeted for mission projects go to a variety of programs as determined by a committee made up of members from the Board of Mission and Outreach. Past recipients have included African Aids Project, Asian Rural Institute, Doctors Without Borders, Church World Services, Central Asian Institute, Bread for the World, and International Orphan Care.