Mission and Outreach

First Congregational UCC currently has seven Primary Mission Partners. Our mission efforts encompass local, national, and international communities. In addition to financial support of these Covenant Mission Partners, our members also provide them with leadership and hands-on mission support.  In addition, many other agencies and programs are supported by our members' volunteer efforts and financial contributions.

For more information on any of our church’s Mission Partners and opportunities to serve them, contact the Church Office.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

     
           JUNE 13-19, 2010............................................. MOON BEACH SHORELINE RESTORATION WORK CAMP
                                Contact Deb Burich (733-7393) for more information.

      SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2010.................................. BACK BAY MISSION TRIP (BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI)
                                Contact Al or Pam Benzschawel (738-1614) or Deb Burich (733-7393) for more information.

      JANUARY 2011................................................. KENYA MISSION TRIP

      APRIL 2011...................................................... MEXICO MISSION TRIP
                              Contact Mary Haller (730-0586) for more information.
 

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WORK TRIP OPPORTUNITY

Mexico Habitat for Humanity Mission Trip

Creel, Mexico   

April 2011

 Build houses, Build community

Consider joining the team traveling to Creel, Mexico to build adobe brick homes alongside future homeowners.  You’ll get to share lives and stories, as well as experience life from the perspective of the wonderful people of the mountainous region of Chihuahua State.  You’ll eat the local food, laugh and play with delightful children, make new friendships, and take another step in your spiritual journey.

We are called to serve others.  Consider serving on this life changing trip to Mexico!     Please contact Mary or Dan Haller (730-0586).

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Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, Mississippi

Mission:  To support our UCC affiliated mission with hands on ministry via work camps, with budgetary and special support, as well as advocate for justice on behalf of those in circumstances of poverty and oppression.

First Congregational has been in partnership with Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi since 1992.  Adult work trips are scheduled annually for one week during fall.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACTS:  Al & Pam Benzschawel......................... 738-1614

Opportunities for Service:

Participate in a week trip, donate funds, advocate for the poor

 

Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley

Mission:  Through Christian service we seek to advocate for the homeless, work towards prevention and understanding of the causes of homelessness, and provide support financially and spiritually for those served by the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley.

Our partnership with the Emergency Shelter has been longstanding and encompasses the recognition that people need to feel a sense of dignity and hope in order to change the course of their lives.  Members of First Congregational cook and serve meals at the Shelter on the third Sunday evening of every month, serve on the Board of Directors, and volunteer in other capacities.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT:  Cindi MacSwain......733-6229

Opportunities for Service:

Cook and Serve Dinner:  The third Sunday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Sign up at the Mission Table in the Narthex.

Provide Dessert:  Drop off desserts on the third Sunday of the month at the Shelter -- anytime that day.  Sign up at the Mission Table in the Narthex.

Contribute Supplies:  Personal care items, socks, towels, and twin sheets are some of the items collected year round -- they can be put in the basket at the east end of the Narthex.  Check the website for the specific current needs (www.emergencyshelterfoxvalley.com).

Deliver Supplies:  Volunteers are needed at Christmas time to collect and deliver items from a special collection via the Giving Tree program.

Youth Service Projects:  Coordinate a project with the First Congo youth, such as serving breakfast.

Awareness Projects:  Coordinate a project that promotes education and awareness of poverty and homelessness.

Volunteer Events Coordinator:  Plan and coordinate a thank you brunch for all those who have volunteered with the Shelter from our congregation.

 

ESTHER (Empowerment, Solidarity, Truth, Hope, Equality, Reform)

Mission:  Drawing members of First Congregational together with other faith groups in the Fox Valley to build community and work on issues of justice for the common good of all.

First Congregational was among the core group of congregations that joined together in November 2004 to begin this justice-based organization in the Fox Valley.  The mission of the group is to identify and address root causes of poverty and injustice, promote community relationships and awareness that is essential for change, and work at all levels to promote and respond to social justice concerns.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT:  Joan Jensen......733-5090

Opportunities for Service:

Participate:  Be part of the core team and join an "issues committee".

Advocate:  Write letters to congressional leaders regarding justice issues, write articles for The Open Door

Awareness:  Facilitate forums regarding issues, help with mailings and the annual ESTHER banquet

 

Habitat for Humanity

Mission:  To give our church members the opportunity to put God's love into action by actively supporting the effort to make affordable home ownership available.

HFH has been a Primary Mission Partner of First Congregational UCC since the early days of the affiliate.  Our church provides volunteers for various committees, fund-raising projects, building homes and the Re-Store, as well as budgeting dollars for the local affiliate.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT:  Seeking a lead person

Opportunities for Service:

Re-Store:  Retail help, pick up donations, tear down buildings

Building homes:  Ongoing building on specific First Congregational building days; Women's Blitz

Donate meals:  For volunteers at building sites.

Oktoberfest:  Booth coordinator and volunteers to help

Committees:  Leadership roles on the partnership Ministry Team, HFH affiliate committees

 

Kenya Partnership

Mission:  To engage in mutual global partnership with members of the African Inland Churches in the Kerio Valley, Kenya.

Since the partnership began in 1998, we have worked with them on many projects.   

Working with our Kenyan partners, a solar powered water purification system was installed at Litre in 2007.   Present goals include continued help with the clinic at Litre, helping supply items needed to open a maternity room, increasing scholarships for secondary education and higher ed, helping to start a library in the Valley, supporting Pastor Samuel Chepkonga in the Masters of Theology program at Emmanuel School of Religion, and beginning micro loans for the women.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT:  Wayne Lannoye.............734-0812

Opportunities for Service:

Kenya Partnership Team:  Participate on the team and help facilitate new projects as they continue to evolve.

Travel to Kenya:  With future delegations that will be installing purification systems, working with the women regarding female genital mutilation, painting/building, exchanging cultural and spiritual beliefs and values.

Alternative Christmas Market:  Help with Gift Market display and selling the women's craft items.

Collect Supplies:   Help procure and organize the collection of theological books, nursing books, medical supplies and other goods. 

 

LEAVEN

Mission:  To promote awareness of LEAVEN and its services; to encourage participation as a LEAVEN volunteer.

LEAVEN (Limited Emergency Assistance Valley Ecumenical Network) is a local mission that works through volunteers to assist people in a crisis who have nowhere else to turn.  Founded in 1987 by local community, religious, and business leaders, LEAVEN helps low-income and poor people by providing assistance with the necessities of life:  housing, utilities, transportation, medication, food and clothing.

We hope to increase the number of First Congregational volunteers, promote financial support of LEAVEN programs, encourage prayer and discussion, as well as offer educational opportunities regarding poverty in the Fox Valley.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT:  Linda Pierron.....832-0466

LEAVEN Web site

Opportunities for Service:

Receptionists, Interviewers, Caseworkers, Records Clerks, Administrative Support, and Interpreters

 

Samaritan Counseling Center of the Fox Valley

Mission:  To be an expression of God's love, facilitating emotional healing for women, men and youth -- regardless of financial status or faith background -- so that they may develop more fully their relationships with self, others and God.

First Congregational was instrumental in beginning this ministry 40 years ago and continues to support it as a Primary Mission Partner.  We have offered budgetary financial help to the Center for general needs, as well as for the Samaritan Fund, which subsidizes counseling for low-income and uninsured clients.  We also have members who serve on the Board of Directors and other committees.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT:  Mark Holmes..........739-0207 

Opportunities for Service:

Awareness:   Help with awareness, education and fund raising

Other:  Web site updating, other technical support, participate on committees, Board of Directors

Pray:  Pray for the staff and all they serve.

 

 Alternative Christmas Market

This year, instead of giving more things, give more meaning.

Mission:  The Alternative Christmas Market takes place in November and has been an annual event since 1995.  Gifts can be given either to help projects affiliated with Alternative Gifts International, Church World Service, or Global Ministries, or to support our church's local mission partners and other agencies with which we have a longstanding association.  It is a unique way to honor special people on your Christmas list with authentic, life-giving gifts to those who are most in need throughout the world.

The Alternative Christmas Market changes lives every year. In 2008, the market raised nearly $12,000 in support of rebuilding homes after Katrina, providing assistance in Kurgan, planting trees in Malawi, restoring sight in Cambodia, providing school supplies for the world's children and giving shelter to those in need right here in Appleton.

For more information, including an order form, click here.

PARTNERSHIP CONTACT: Deb Burich dburich@firstcongoappleton.org
ACM COMMITTEE CHAIR: Karen Leigh-Post leighpok@lawrence.edu

Volunteer Opportunities: (Signup Online)

Leadership team:  Help is need in organizing booth sponsorship, decoration, public relations, writing, and technology support

Calligraphy:  Add that special flair to personalized cards

Bake Sale:  Provide goods and help sell on market day

Fair Trade Market:  Help set up third-world fair-trade market shop

Decoration:  Help create a holiday atmosphere

Booth Sponsorship  Promote awareness for your cause via a booth or table at the market

Greeter:  Greet guests and show them how the market works

Breakfast Helper:  Cook, serve or clean up