First Church of Christ

Ways to Get Involved

    First Church is engaged througout the community and around the world, often partnering with other organizations to bring the light of God's love to others by helping to address important needs. Below are some of the ways you can become involved in this vital ministry.

2013 HAITI MEDICAL MISSION — Marla and Chris Darius, Dickie Hopper and Diane Krause will participate in a medical mission trip to Les Cayes, Haiti, from January 27 to February 4. PLEASE DONATE SOAP, TOOTHPASTE AND TOOTHBRUSHES by Jan. 20, and PURCHASE MARLA’S WONDERFUL GREETING CARDS to help fund this important mission; details on all of this can be found at firstchurch.org/haiti.

PERU TRIP — Would you be interested in going to Peru, as we continue to build our partnership with Temple Zion Church in Barranca? Both directly and through Compassion International, we are developing bonds with the church and its pastor and parishioners, learning from each other, and sponsoring children who attend Temple Zion's after-school program. If you would like more information about the May 15-22 trip, please call Pastor Deryk at 860.529.1575, x213.

D.R. MISSION TEAM — The Dominican Republic Mission Team’s 2013 trip is Friday, July 12, thru Saturday, July 20. The team ministers to poor Haitians living on the D.R. sugar cane fields—through medical clinics, evangelism, food distribution, children’s programs, installing clean water filter units, hospital construction, and love. No experience or special skills necessary. Contact Dana Crompton at 860.635.1530 or dcrompton@sbcglobal.net for more information. See details about team meetings and how to knit or crochet dolls for the children, at firstchurch.org/DR.

OUTREACH GIFT SHOP — Featuring items created by artisans in developing countries, this shop shop is open after each service on Sundays and at special times throughout the year. The gift shop is located in the Marsh Building, first door on your left from the Meetinghouse, next to the Chapel. Also go to firstchurch.org/ogs.

WETHERSFIELD FOOD BANK

SOUTH PARK INN — Could you lend a helping hand to the homeless? Do you have three hours you can spare? Consider volunteering to help prepare a meal for the residents of the South Park Inn, a homeless shelter in Hartford. To explore this opportunity, contact Paul McCann at 860.523.8797.

ST. ELIZABETH'S HOUSE (located on Wethersfield Ave, Hartford) and other area shelters are looking for donations of hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap) and small houseware items, such as glassware, dishes, towels, pillowcases, and tablecloths. Please leave items in the blue bins in the Main Street entrance vestibule. For more information, contct Myra or Howard Miner at 860.563.0943.

CHILDREN'S HOME OF CROMWELL — The Women's Fellowship in conjunction with the Missions and Christian Outreach Committee are collecting soup can labels and UPC codes from Campbell's products. Collection boxes are located in the Main Street entrance vestibule as well as the Tower enterance vestibule to the Meetinghouse.

HARTFORD CITY MISSION has partnered with Urban Young Life to develop a fun, outreach-based ministry geared toward un-churched urban youth in Hartford. This initative includes programs every Friday night at the SAND School on Main Strret in Hartford's North End. For more information on how you can help, contact Amy Jarvis, at HCM at 860.246.0132.

THE NOAH AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM —  Another facet of Hartford City Mission is the after-school program, which is looking for volunteers — seniors, college and high school students, and others — to love, tutor, and play games with inner-city children (grades 1-5) who need homework help and Jesus' love. Only 18% of Hartford's third-graders read at grade level. Come once a week — your choice, Monday through Thursday, 3:15 to 5:30 p.m.— or come just once and share a special skill or talent. The program takes place at The Vine, (HCM's ministry House), 280 Vine Street, Hartford. For more information, please call Amy Irving at 860.529.4573 or visit www.hartfordcitymission.org.

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS is a group of knitters who meet occassionally to discuss their next projects and are always looking for new members. In addition to the committee's creative projects, which are  done at home — some are knitting hats, scarves, and socks for homeless people througout the Hartford area —  they are also collecting donations of gently used men's winter clothing. Donations are can be left in the labeled carton in the Main Street entrance vestibule.