We are all concerned and saddened by the world's problems such as hunger, homelessness, war, discrimination, illnesses such as AIDS and addictions, economic injustice, and the deterioration of our environment. How can the church respond to these and other societal concerns in a constructive, hopeful, and Christian way?

          This is the central question addressed by the Christian Outreach Committee. Through educational programs, special offerings, and opportunities for hands-on involvement, we can all grow in our understanding of these issues, and play a role in bringing peace, justice, and wholeness to all people. In the past, Christian Outreach has helped in the resettlement of refugees and has assisted at the local soup kitchen and shelter. It was responsible for initiating the discussions within the congregation on the Open and Affirming Covenant. Approximately 10% of the church's annual budget is allocated to Christian Outreach, in addition to several special offerings. The Committee decides how the discretionary portion of these funds shall be disbursed.

Through a United Church of Christ delegation to war-torn Columbia,

we have established a sister-church relationship with a Lutheran congregation in Ibague.

Food Not Bombs

The Middletown chapter of Food Not Bombs (FNB) rescues perfectly good surplus food from restaurants and stores before it is thrown out. They make nutritious vegan meals and then share their offerings with the public. When FNB ran into a controversy with the city’s Health Department over their lack of a permit and other regulations, Food Church invited FNB to use our kitchen and volunteer help until the dispute is resolved. It turned out to be a very fruitful partnership for everyone involved.

Earth Ministry and Local Nutrition Program

In the spring of 2009, we started a community garden. Here is a photo from the “ground-breaking day.” Food from this garden will be donated to Amazing Grace Food Pantry to supply local families with fresh, organic produce.

Read about our trip to the Heifer Project Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts

Outreach Initiatives - Middletown

Green Envelope Contributions (Middletown focus except for certain UCC denomination offerings)
 

Middletown Fuel Bank	Family Advocacy
Eddy Shelter	Community Health Center
Habitat for Humanity	Cromwell Children's Home
Oddfellows Playhouse	St. Vincent de Paul's
Amazing Grace Food Pantry

Outreach Contributions from Annual Outreach Budget

Ongoing Community Service Projects

• Serve Sunday evening meal at St. Vincent de Paul Place (2 or 3 times/year)
• Provide hundreds of pounds of pasta/pasta sauce to Amazing Grace Food Pantry
• Prepare Easter baskets for women and children at Hallie House
• Visited and given gifts to CT Juvenile Training School and supported our social worker partnership through Covenant to Care
• Provided food and volunteers for work days for Habitat for Humanity workdays

Special Christmas Gifts - Christmas gifts for various organizations such as: Hallie House for Women and Children; The Connection's Pilots program; Women, Infant and Children Program (baby items, clothing, personal care items); Connecticut Juvenile Training School (blankets, games, clothing, personal care items); Shepherd Home & Eddy Shelter (hats, gloves, personal care items)

Other Community Service Projects

• Remodeled a room at the Eddy Shelter
• Served breakfast at Shepherd Home in cooperation with South Church
• Souper Bowl of Caring - Amazing Grace
• Christmas Caroling at Shepherd Home
• Bells and Carolers at Heritage Commons

Jonah Center for Earth and Art

John Hall, Executive Director, and other church members are involved in this community effort to protect wildlife habitat, preserve biodiversity, offer environmental education, and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in Middletown. The Jonah Center for Earth and Art uses art and outdoor recreation to foster appreciation and education about the environment and energy resources. A focus area of the Jonah Center is the lower Coginchaug River which enters the spectacular “Floating Meadows.” This rare marshland habitat can be viewed from the North End Peninsula, site of the city’s closed landfill.