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More than twenty years
ago the members of the First Congregational made a bold decision to expand
their one hundred and forty year old building and with it, our church's
mission. They needed additional space for staff, for programs and an up-to-date
kitchen. In making that decision, they made a choice to serve not only their
needs but many that come to us by way of the community, such as classroom space
for the school system or our ever present need for affordable
housing.
First, they added a
social hall to meet parishioner needs. However, this space offers services that
go far beyond member requirements. The social hall serves meals on a monthly
basis to many people in the community during our church suppers. For some, that
may be the only hot meal of the day or even week. The social hall serves many
other community needs from Lions Club breakfasts, receptions following funerals
and weddings, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and special Day Care
events.
Second, at the time of
the expansion, the Church moved one and renovated two large appartment
buildings. These apartments provide low income housing for people in the
community. These apartments serve as temporary housing for low income
individuals, people out of work or facing divorce. For these missions to
continue, the church needs your help. The buildings that were completed twenty
years ago require major renovation and upkeep. Roofs need replacing, siding
needs to be installed to lower long-term maintenance costs, floors need
replacing and more energy efficient windows must be installed. Some of these
needs we can do ourselves but others require funding to hire outside
contractors. As a church, we value our mission effort.
As a mission church, we
participate in the Crop Walk to benefit those in need in other parts of the
world, we give to One Great Hour of Sharing and we donate to our UCC Mission
Program. However, our buildings are our mission as well. These help those in
our community and those closest to us. They bring new members to our church
family and provide support for programs in which we or out children
participate. We hope you will make a pledge to this effort as well as
participate in our upcoming work groups. It will take all of us to suppor the
needs that we have listed. We hope you will prayerfully consider making a
pledge or donation. |
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