Mission & Outreach at First Central

Mission and Outreach at First Central Congregational Church

Support for the food pantry at First Lutheran Church comes from a monthly food drive, with canned goods and money donated on the first Sunday of every month.

Support for Habitat for Humanity includes construction volunteers, food delivered to the construction site, and monetary donations.

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.

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.

In cooperation with Panera Bread, First Central members pick up donated bread and deliver it for distribution to the hungry through Restored Hope.

CrossOver Prison Ministries, led by Pastor Jeanne 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 transition to life outside prison.

Letter writing drives in support of Amnesty International address concerns of human rights violations.

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, and International Orphan Care.

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.