Love isn't just an emotion, it’s an action. We strive to demonstrate our love for others through local outreach efforts. Everyone has the opportunity to serve as we fulfill our vision to be a community of faith that serves God together. As we invest our lives in the mission and ministry of Christ we take hold of that which is truly life. We find our place. We discover our purpose.
Local outreach funds provide immediate relief for those in needing assistance. First Christian Church designates 2% of all undesignated giving to local outreach. Here are just a few examples of some of our ongoing local service and outreach opportunities:
BACKPACK BUDDIES
This program, sponsored through Vineyard Family Services, feeds school children who are at risk of being hungry while at home over the weekend. As part of this program, First Christian provides food bags for children at Vincent Elementary School.
LOVELADY CENTER
We partner with Lovelady Center as they provide space for women to rebuild their lives, healing from trauma, recovering from addiction, and claiming freedom from the cycle of incarceration.
DEBBIE BLUE PANTRY
Named in memory of the daughter of a First Christian Church family, the pantry provides food and other items to those in need. Families are eligible for assistance on a weekly basis.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Partnering with teachers and administrators at Vincent Elementary School, we fill backpacks with school supplies to ensure that students have the necessary materials for a successful school year. We also provide a discretionary fund for guidance counselors to provide for students who need additional resources.
THANKSGIVING MEAL KITS
As part of our holiday outreach, FCC sponsors Thanksgiving meals for 50 families in partnership with Oak Mountain Ministries.
THE WAY STATION
We are thrilled about our new partnership with this new ministry. The Way Station is designed to serve the very unique needs of homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth. In order to best serve this often unseen and especially vulnerable population, the Way Station offers an emergency, overnight crisis stabilization shelter, and a transitional living program for older youth who may stay for up to two years.
