GLOBAL INVOLVEMENT:
CONGO AWARENESS
First Christian is a global missions’ church that emphasizes a special partnership with people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We seek to educate the local community about political, economic and medical hardships affecting the Congolese and to put faith into action to affect change where we can.
Ways we are involved:
- Congo Awareness Week – 3rd week of October
- Sponsorship of Congolese women to receive education and trauma counseling
- Support for local Congolese student
- Medical Supplies fund raiser for Bolenge Hospital
WEEK OF COMPASSION
We are an active supporter of Week of Compassion – the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada which seeks to equip and empower disciples to alleviate suffering through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development and the promotion of mission opportunities.
www.weekofcompassion.org
LOCAL INVOLVEMENT:
OWL CREEK SCHOOLS
First Christian is partnered with Owl Creek Schools through a mentoring program and the “Snacks for Packs” program. Volunteers encourage and befriend youth through visits to the school during the lunch hour. Ready to eat snacks are collected and delivered to school social workers who discreetly distribute items into the backpacks of children facing food scarcity at home.
COOPERATIVE EMERGENCY OUTREACH
First Christian is proud to be a founding member of Cooperative Emergency Outreach, a local agency with a 20-year track record, which is supported by more than 20 area churches and helps persons facing critical financial hardships and challenges. Collection sites are located in the church for food donations. Volunteers operate the agency, deliver food, interview clients, and stock the shelves.
SEVEN HILLS HOMELESS CENTER
“Kitchen Angels” prepare a delicious home-cooked meal each month to deliver and serve to clients of Seven Hills Homeless Center. Collection sites in the church encourage donations to help meet ongoing needs of those benefiting from the services at 7 Hills.
BUTTERFIELD TRAIL VILLAGE
With the vision of long-time members, First Christian partnered with four area churches to help establish Butterfield Trail Village Retirement Community. Along with these churches, First Christian leads Sunday vesper services for the residents on a rotating basis.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Each year we celebrate that the month of December shouldn’t corner the market on people’s generosity and giving. Emphasis is placed on selecting a local need and global charity to share blessings through fund-raising efforts. Owl Creek Library, Bolenge Hospital in Congo, the Phoenix Project in South Africa, and the NWA Free Health/Dental Center are a few beneficiaries.
COMMUNITY KIDS’ CLOSET
We are a supporting congregation of Community Kids’ Closet which seeks to provide new clothing to school children in need throughout Washington County.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
First Christian is a covenant partner with Habitat for Humanity helping to provide volunteers as needed for work days and lunches. We were participants with several area faith communities on Habitat’s local “Apostle Build.”
