In August
and September, back-to-school supplies are donated for local school children through Colchester Social Services. We have also collected baby gifts for Madonna Place in Norwich.
In
October, we have contributed to the UCC Neighbors in Need offering and sponsored the
Colchester CROP Hunger Walk---raising funds to combat
hunger.
In November, we help with a Spaghetti Supper to benefit Restavek Orphanage in Haiti. And we also organize a food drive to benefit the Colchester Food Bank.
In December, we have a Giving Tree in our sanctuary to collect items (socks, mittens, hats, etc.) to benefit those in need in Middletown through St. Vincent De Paul. We donate our Christmas Eve offering to the Retired Ministers' Funds of the American Baptist Churches and the United Church of Christ. And we support the Colchester Social Services program Santa Anonymous by providing requested Christmas gifts to children in our community.
In February, we observe Souper Bowl Sunday and collect canned goods and soup to benefit the Colchester Food Bank.
In March and April (during Lent), we donated hygiene items for the Prison
Fellowship Ministry to support both men and women.
We give thanks for the work of My Brother's Keeper who gather weekly throughout the year to make sleeping bags for the homeless population of Eastern Connecticut and beyond.
We also give thanks to those who host and make lunches every two weeks of the month for our Free Community Lunch Program here at CFC. This program provides a hot, nutritious meal to our homeless, low-income, and/or at risk population in Colchester. The program runs for 2 weeks at CFC and then 2 weeks at St Andrew with Westchester Congregational Church serving the meal every Friday at the host church. We are grateful for all who serve!
Finally, we support international mission organizations and initiatives and we do our best to respond to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, famines, floods, etc. As Jesus reminds us, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)