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Pastor(s)/Parish Relations · Missions · Adult Learning · Christian Education · Youth Groups · Pastoral Care · Fellowship · Denominational Correspondent
Missions
of the
United Church of Christ in North Hampton
Special Offerings
Neighbors In Need
Neighbors in Need benefits our disadvantaged homeland neighbors, as well as American Indian ministries in the United Church of Christ. Received annually on World Communion Sunday-the first Sunday of October.
The Christmas Fund
Gifts to the Christmas Fund provide financial aid to retired and active ministers and their surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming financial demands. Received annually on the Sunday before Christmas.
Christmas Eve Offering
Every year the Church Council designates the Christmas Eve offering for a particular mission focus. Last year all the offering was sent to Rockingham County Community Action. Previous years have split the offering among several local mission agencies.
One Great Hour of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing supports partners in more than 70 countries with ministries that feed the victims of famine, provide services for displaced people, fund development projects, and respond to natural disasters. Received annually in March.
Strengthen the Church
Strengthen the Church is an offering that supports church growth and leadership development in the conferences and national bodies of the United Church of Christ. Received annually on Pentecost Sunday.
Special Services
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
This week of prayer is an occasion to deepen our following of Christ's will for the unity of the church, to share with one another our fidelity to Christ, and to learn more about the steps the churches are taking together to deepen their communion with one another in the life of the Spirit.
Amistad Sunday
Amistad Sunday is an occasion in our worship life to bring together convictions about human rights and Christian belief. This day commemorates a significant event in U.S. history and the lasting legacy that the Amistad event had in shaping the vision and ministries of the United Church of Christ.
Zimbabwe Sunday
Zimbabwe Sunday is a special day when we remember our New Hampshire Conference partnership (ukama) with the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe and, in particular, our relationship with Emerald Church in Mt. Selinda, Zimbabwe. We have exchanged missionaries, correspondence, and prayers over the course of our relationship with Emerald Church.
Relationships
Partnership with Emerald Church in Mt. Selinda, Zimbabwe
In keeping with the United Church of Christ in New Hampshire's partnership (in Shona, ukama) with the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ), our church is in relationship with Emerald Church in Mt. Selinda, Zimbabwe. Several of our parishioners have an ongoing correspondence with people at Emerald Church, children in our Sunday School have sent letters, we have exchanged special gifts with one another, several people from the UCCZ have visited with us in our church, and we have even sent one of our own (Frances Winch) as a missionary in partnership to Zimbabwe. Our Sunday School is beginning a Lenten project to support Heifer Project at work in Zimbabwe. Please contact Cindy Baker if you are interested in being a part of the Zimbabwe Partnership.
Senior High Mission Trip to San Antonio and Mexico
During Spring Break, Senior High Youth participate in a mission trip to SALSA (Service and Learning in San Antonio). Service involvements include assisting at youth and recreation programs, serving and preparing meals for homeless persons, assisting at a youth crisis shelter, helping with child-care for inner city children, and painting and repairing homes for low income persons. Exposure to the U.S./Mexico border and immigration issues will also be a significant part of the trip this year. The Senior High youth have invited adults from the church to join with them this year in what is becoming an incredible relationship. Please contact Dick or Brenda Tharp if you are interested in participating or supporting this mission experience.
Preparing and serving meals at Cross Roads House in Portsmouth
The fourth Friday of every month our church prepares meat loaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, and a dessert for the guests at Cross Roads, a homeless shelter in Portsmouth. Our church also serves the meal (sometimes up to ninety guests) that evening. If you are interested in helping prepare or serve the meal, please contact Ann Colcord, Trish Johnston, or Tracy Heilman.
Greater Hampton Area
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Every third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. the Greater Hampton Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GHAIHN) meets in a nearby local church. GHAIHN seeks to provide shelter and assistance to homeless families in transition. We have signed on to be one of a possible eight to thirteen churches which will provide a place for these families to eat and sleep for a week on a rotating basis. Several members of our church are involved and Jim Colcord, Beth Seaverns, and Janet Sanborn are Trustees for GHAIHN . Please contact one of the Trustees or Rev. Mulberry if you are interested in participating.
Charitable Work
Food Pantry for Rockingham County Community Action
Our church collects items for the food pantry in the church narthex (the entry way between the front doors and the vestry). Please remember to purchase an extra item while shopping to help those in need. Please contact Colleen Ridge for more details.
Heifer Project International--Zimbabwe
Heifer Project International is a partnership ministry which gives animals to individuals and communities to pass on to other individuals and communities when those animals have offspring. This Lenten season (2002) our Sunday School began filling up ark banks with coins which correspond with a Lenten calendar that asks them to think seriously about their relationship with God and creation. The money will go toward baby chicks which may provide eggs, improve a family's crops and diet, and free up finances to pay for items like school, clothes, and medicine. These arks will provide shelter from the storms of hunger and poverty for families and communities in and around Mt. Selinda. Please contact Tracy Heilman if you wish to participate or want an ark.
Greater Seacoast Habitat for Humanity Supper
Each year our church and members of our congregation help host the dinner to raise money for the Greater Seacoast Habitat for Humanity Supper. This year's dinner will be on Saturday, April 13. Please contact Jim or Ann Colcord for more details.
Souper Supper to increase the Bill and Peggy McConnell Endowment Fund
Last year we began an event that promises to be an annual extravaganza. To provide more money for the ever greater need on the Seacoast and to honor the long and faithful ministry of Rev. Bill and Mrs. Peggy McConnell, an endowment fund was established which will help increase the Critical Needs Fund in the church budget. People attending the Souper Supper are asked to make a donation and then sit back and enjoy good soup and the many levels of “talent” within the congregation. Look for more information about this lollapalooza come fall!
Thanksgiving Turkeys
During the time leading up to Thanksgiving, turkey donations are accepted to give to families who might not otherwise have such a meal. These donations go through Rockingham County Community action. Please contact Colleen Ridge if you are interested in donating.
Christmas Stars for Rockingham County Community Action
During the Sundays leading up to Christmas, stars are placed on a Christmas tree in the vestry. Each star represents a person and/or a family that would not be able to afford Christmas gifts without our help. Even with more stars on the tree last year, our congregation left the tree bare! Rockingham County Community Action is very often the last resort for families in need on the Seacoast. Watch for announcements and notices as we approach Christmas. Please contact Lisa Strouss or Trish Johnston as the time approaches.
SERRV
Also leading up to Christmas is the opportunity to buy alternatively for Christmas. SERRV is a nonprofit alternative trade organization that promotes social and economic justice for people in developing regions of the world by marketing their handcrafts and food products in a just and direct manner. Last year Clara Whitney had a catalogue available so that orders could be placed. Please contact Clara if you are interested throughout the year.
back to: Programs
Pastor(s)/Parish Relations · Missions · Adult Learning · Christian Education · Youth Groups · Pastoral Care · Fellowship · Denominational Correspondent
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