Missions

Our Missions

We are God's hands in the world-
each one touch one.

       At First Congregational, we take missions seriously.  We are moving from a "hand-out" to a "hands-on", becoming persons who are "doing" mission.  Members are encouraged to give of their time, not just of their money. 

     The mission committee continues its outreach to the local community.  Our OCWM budgeted amount was paid from the endowment portion of the Mission committee based on recommendations made and voted by the congregation at its annual meeting.  
       This left some funds to grant local requests. Early in the year the Mission committee made the commitment to use the remaining endowment funds to “grow” additional giving opportunities.  Through the generosity of the congregation, the Mission committee supported numerous projects throughout the year.  These included partnerships with the following local agencies: 

-Sanford Center
-Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (CSADV)
-Women Aware
-Sioux City Gospel Mission 
-CROP Walk
-Siouxland Mental Health
-Habitat for Humanity
-The Siouxland Food Bank
-Crossroads
-Siouxland District Health
-The Soup Kitchen
-Annual assistance to Pastor Emeritus Rev Donald Sinclair
-Support for our missionaries in China - Doug and Elizabeth Searles

 

The Fifth Annual Fall Festival for Mission took place in October.  Part of that event was the Childrens Closet which was also held in the spring and continues to be a semi-annual event.  Click on the events to visit a web page with more details.

 

Clients from Siouxland Mental Health received much-appreciated Christmas gifts through the generosity of church members.  The Mission committee gave the children's ministry money to adopt and shop for a few needy families as well. 

 

 We continue to keep Equal Exchange coffee, chocolate, nuts and berries available for sale, supporting farmers around the world through this free trade coop.  We serve this coffee not only on Sunday mornings, but at all church functions. 

We continue to have " Moving On Boxes” availble for families moving from transitional housing into a more stable home.  Two boxes, a wastecan and clothes basket are packed with all the items a person might need as they move on from transitional into more permanent housing.  Dishes, pots and pans, cooking utensils, towels, a toaster, cleaning supplies and much more are assembled and distributed through local agencies as clients make this big step in their lives. From November 2005 - December 2006, we have given 15 sets of boxes. 

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like addition information about any of these activities.   Email awillits@msn.com for more info.