Whenever you did this for one of the least important of mine, you did it for me! --Matthew 25.40
As Disciples, we believe our greatest mission lies in taking our faith into the world. Whether loving our neighbor means feeding the homeless of Huntsville or repairing churches in South Africa, First Christian is ready to act, not only with money but with caring volunteers. The following are just some of the projects we are proud to support.
Did you know that about 4 million children under the age of 12 in the United States are hungry? An additional 9.6 million are at risk of hunger. Add to these numbers all of the hungry adults. Through First Christian’s ongoing program to feed the hungry, you may bring non-perishable items, including baby food and diapers, to the church to go directly to feed the hungry of Huntsville.
St. Paul ’s Food Pantry - All food goes to the Food Pantry at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Dunn Drive. They receive calls from FoodLine telling of people who have qualified to receive help and St. Paul’s provides enough food per family to last several days.
You may also sign up to donate a weekly $15 food basket in honor or memory of someone special. This money goes to St. Paul’s to purchase non-perishable items from the Food Bank or grocery stores to fill special needs. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Salvation Army Soup Van - Volunteers distribute meals to the hungry with the Salvation Army. A van is used to distribute hot meals daily. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team. http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss.nsf
Food Line - This call-in service assists with food needs in emergency situations. Trained volunteers conduct phone screenings, and then callers are referred to a local Food Pantry. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound - CASA is a local non-profit agency that provides services to individuals age 60 and older and to the homebound of all ages. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team. http://www.casamadisoncounty.com/
Technology Assistance for Special Consumers - Volunteers modify toys and electronics for the handicapped. TASC also provides computers and instructional aids for those with physical and mental disabilities. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Nursing Homes - Along with visiting residents, First Christian volunteers also collect gift items for local nursing homes. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
HELPline - This 24-hour service provides phone counseling for crisis intervention and suicide prevention, rape victim advocacy, and an information and referral service. HELPline's 24-hour hotline numbers are 1 (256) 716-1000 in Madison County and 1 (800) 691-8426 for residents of Alabama and Tennessee. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Huntsville Assistance Program - First Christian joins many area churches who combine time, talent, and resources to help the needy in our community. We have found that most of our requests come from those who have found themselves in a first-time desperate situation (such as illness, loss of job, etc.). HAP also acts as a referral agency, connecting needy clients to other agencies. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Partners in Education - Our partnership with Lincoln and West Huntsville Elementary Schools provides one-on-one support of students. Volunteers tutor, collect school supplies, and provide snacks for students, as well as provide financial support for the schools. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Christmas Gifts – During the holidays, volunteers select Christmas gifts or fill stockings for needy children. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Andros Island Mission - Volunteers go to Andros Island, Bahamas, to provide Vacation Bible School for needy children. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Direct Aid to Designated Agencies - First Christian sends financial aid to such agencies as Christmas Charities, the Catholic Center for Concern, and the Hospital Chaplaincy. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Early Childhood Ministry - A nonprofit child care ministry allowing children to receive the highest quality programs at the lowest possible cost. All funds are used for the benefit of the child: we hire experienced teachers; maintain a safe, clean facility; and provide a warm, Christian environment for learning. FCC ECM is one of the premier programs in our city!
Interfaith Mission Service – http://www.interfaithmissionservice.org/
First Stop -
Aid to Inmate Mothers - Volunteers transport and chaperone children as they visit their mothers at Tutwiler Prison on Mother’s Day and at Christmas. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
New Futures - Volunteers assist homeless mothers and children and help them make a new start in life. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate
CAJAvolunteers act on behalf of abused, abandoned, or neglected children. For more information, contact the Community Outreach Ministry Team.
Blanket Sunday - This effort provides blankets for the needy worldwide, giving them warmth and protection. For more information, contact the Christian Women’s Fellowship.
Habitat for Humanity - Homes are constructed and sold at low cost and no interest to low-income families. We proudly help build at least one home each year for local families. For more information, contact the Habitat Ministry Team. http://www.hsvhab.org/