Outreach Opportunities

CROP HUNGER WALK - OCTOBER
The first Sunday in October church members join with people from all over the Upper Valley to walk to raise money to fight hunger. The walk begins and ends in Lebanon and all proceeds are divided between Church World Service and local hunger relief programs. For more information about walking, pledging or volunteering, contact Kendra in the church office.

CHRISTMAS MARKET with a Difference - NOVEMBER
Our church organizes and runs a wonderful Christmas Market in early November, selling international and domestic arts and crafts for non-profit and service organizations. All money raised at the Christmas Market is returned directly to the artists and organizations whose goods we sell. You will be amazed at the variety of crafts, fabrics, jewelry and art available. We need many volunteers! View the Christmas Market site for more information.

THE GIVING TREE - NOVEMBER
Every year, our church purchases Christmas gifts and clothes for families, children and adults in the Upper Valley. We do this project through LISTEN who then distributes the gifts we give. The Giving Tree is a project that begins with the Advent season.

FOOD SHELF - MONTHLY
We collect food for local food shelves on the last Sunday of every month. A reminder with suggested items is always included in the previous Sunday's bulletin.

GOOD NEIGHBOR CLINIC
We serve a light supper to the small staff at the Good Neighbor Health Clinic on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, or to volunteer, contact the church office.

MISSISSIPPI WORK TRIP - FEBRUARY
People from our church travel to Sherard, MS. to work with Habitat for Humanity. Led by our senior pastor, this opportunity includes work and many educational experiences that deepen our understanding of issues of racism and poverty in the Mississippi Delta. Our church is commited to two weeks of volunteer work in the Mississippi Delta. Young people in 8th grade and above may come to Mississippi with a parent during the first week. The second week is adults only. For more information, ask for a brochure or talk to Carla Bailey.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Four special offerings are received through the year, Neighbors in Need (October), Christmas Offering (December), One Great Hour of Sharing (March), and Blanket Sunday (May).

BICENTENIAL FUND - SPRING
The annual income from endowment is used for special purposes and ministries outside of the church budget. Groups, boards, and churches may apply for funds by submitting an application to the Outreach Board, which is received by April 1. The congregation votes on the recommendation from Outreach at its June meeting.

TEMPLETON COURT LUNCHES - JUNE
Church volunteers shop for and prepare lunches for the day-camp children who reside in Templeton Court, White River Junction.

COMMUNITY DINNERS - MONTHLY
Our church identifies volunteers to help cook and serve monthly community dinners held at the United Methodist Church in White River Junction. We need volunteers and donations. Please contact the church office for more information.

ADVOCACY SUNDAY - MONTHLY
On the last Sunday of the month, the Board of Deacons for Outreach encourages writing letters and postcards about issues of conscience, suggested by the United Church of Christ. Addresses, sample letters, and stationary are provided.

ZIMBABWE PARTNERSHIP
The church has established a partnership with a sister congregation in Zimbabwe.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE
Our church participates in the Affordable Housing Task Force of the town of Hanover. Recognizing that affordable housing in the Upper Valley is a serious problem, task force members are providing education, raising funds for an emergency grant program, and working with the Planning and Zoning boards to seek affordable housing options.

BLANKETS AND TOOLS OF HOPE
For a very modest contribution, you can provide a Church World Service blanket or construction tools for someone in need AND send a Mother's Day or Father's Day or Graduation greeting card! Watch for announcements in April and May.