Group & Youth Missions

 

First Congregational has dozens of groups engaged in everything from knitting/crocheting prayer shawls to cookie carts to bagging food at the local food pantry.  Some of these groups are large and others are as small as four or five people.

 
 

FingerCross

It is also important to First Congregational to also get our youth involved in our missions both in our community and global outreach. Throughout the year the church’s Learning Community classes (Sunday school and Confirmation) participate in various programs of greater good; sometimes they do these just as youth projects and others they pair with the smaller groups or the whole congregation.

 
 
 
 
Examples of some of the projects include:

    • Community Garden: A garden is prepared by members and is then divided into multiple plots where members of the community can request a free plot to grow their plants and vegetables.
    • “Plarn” Blankets: The members take plastic shopping bags and recycle them into plastic yarn called plarn and then weave them into sleeping mats for the homeless.
    • Prayer Shawls: Volunteers knit/crochet shawls to console those who are grieving, comfort those who are ill, and bring hope to those in despair. They may also be knit/crocheted to celebrate life and its milestones. The knitter/crocheter prays throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way.
    • Cookie Carts: Members bake cookies and distribute at a local nursing care facility on a rotational basis with other local groups.
    • Mitten Tree: A tree is set up prior to Christmas and new mittens, hats, and scarves are collected and then donated to Bridgeway, atransitional living program which helps single mothers with children who are homeless or living in unsafe or unstable environments.
    • Project Angel Hugs: Is a non-profit organization in Plymouth that endeavors to add a spark of laughter and fun to the life of children and their families that are touched by cancer.  Members of the church participate in some of their projects.
    • Salvation Army’s Adopt a Family and Holiday Food Boxes: Members of the church purchase gifts for a local family in need, as well as collect food items for food gift boxes, facilitated by the Salvation Army.
    • Food and Clothing Drives: The youth of the church hold clothing, food, pet supply, and money drives and deliver the collected items to local organizations.
  • No matter the size, or task, we always welcome more helping hands – so whatever piques your interest, come join us!