Coordinators: Kathleen Ackroyd and Jennifer Hammons
The congregation at FCC believes that God has shaped each one of us to make a positive difference in the world. As a small church, every member’s participation is crucial to its success.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
(Matthew 7:12)
Our Reaching Out Ministry organizes our efforts to assist those in need in our local community and worldwide. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to help raise money for various causes. Some of our ongoing projects are:
A CHRISTMAS JAR
You will be seeing this book on the table during fellowship hour after church. We will begin again collecting change for the Christmas Jar. Don’t know what we are talking about? Read the Christmas Jar book and find out. This book is a quick read and is part of our church library. Feel free to borrow the book. God has called us to make a difference in the lives of others.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is the relief, refugee and development fund of the United Church of Christ. It is one of the Special Mission Offerings received by the United Church of Christ and is a part of Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM). OGHS, as part of OCWM, carries God’s message of love and hope to people in more than eighty countries. The UCC works with international partners to provide sources of clean water and food, education and health care, small business micro-credit, emergency relief, and advocacy and resettlement for refugees and displaced persons. OGHS also supports domestic and international ministries for disaster preparedness and response. www.ucc.org/oghs
NEIGHBORS IN NEED
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Most UCC congregations receive the NIN offering in October as part of their World Communion Sunday observance. NIN contributions can be made on-line at any time. www.ucc.org/nin
SONSHINE SOUP KITCHEN
We help with food prep and serving to-go meals to guests of the SonShine Soup Kitchen in the months that have a 5th Tuesday. Our next opportunity to serve is Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 3:00PM to 5:30PM. If anyone would like to help be the hands and feet of God and prepare and serve dinner to the guests at the SonShine Soup Kitchen, please email Merri Carlson at Merri@fcc-salem.org.
Picture below is of Laura and Bridget.
Let all that you do be done in Love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
The Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations. Click here for more information or to donate.
THE CHRISTMAS FUND
The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.
The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund is one of the UCC’s special mission offerings. Churches are encouraged to hold an offering on a suggested day in December each year or select a date that works for them. Advent worship resources are created each year for congregations. Individuals can also donate directly online or by mail.
The Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross is managed by the Pension Boards. Get more information here.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH:
THE UPPER ROOM – http://www.urteachers.org
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE KITS – http://www.cwskits.org
LAZARUS HOUSE – http://www.lazarushouse.org
ISAIAH 58 – http://www.isaiah58nh.com
SPREADING LOVE AND KINDNESS LIKE CONFETTI!
On Sunday, April 27th and May 04th, after the worship services, we will have a painting party! We will be painting shells and smooth rocks with messages of Love, Hope, Kindness and more! These shells and smooth rocks will be placed around Salem NH for people to find and also passed out at Windham Pride on Sunday, June 8, 2025. From our youngest congregation family member to our oldest, you are all invited to participate. We hope you will join us for creative fun to make a difference in our world. Should you have any shells, smooth rocks, paint, or brushes to donate, please email us at CE@FCC-Salem.org.