Interfaith Night Shelter at First Congregational February 13-27, 2012
Locally, the Occupy movement has drawn much-needed attention to the plight and concerns of our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness. Here at FCC, through our participation in the Interfaith Night Shelter Program, we have been providing hospitality to families and individuals experiencing homelessness for over twenty years. We’ve shared countless meals with our shelter guests and listened to their stories of courage, resilience, and heartbreak.
You are invited to participate in this vital ministry once again, February 13-27. Volunteer opportunities include donating food, serving breakfast or dinner, driving the bus to and from First Place, and more. (We especially need two lead dishwashers who could split the evenings of the second week, February 20-26. You would have lots of help from the dinner crew.) Signups take place in the lobby after worship on January 29, and on February 5 & 12.
If you have questions, please phone Sara Burant (541-345-9042) or Ann Fidanque (541-485-0199).
How can you help?
- Help with setup on Monday, February 13 at 9 a.m.
- Help with take down on Monday, February 27 at 9 a.m.
- Drive the van to and from our church to First Place Family Center (Mornings at 7:45 a.m. and Evening at 4:45 p.m.)
- Be on the morning cleanup crew (8-9:30 a.m.)
- Help with childcare after dinner (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Spend the night - 2 adults each night (9 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.)
- Help serve and clean up at breakfast (6:30-8 a.m.)
- Help serve and clean up at dinner (5:30-7:30 p.m.)
- Two lead dishwashers who could split the evening of the second week (February 20-26). You would have lots of help from the dinner crew.
Supplies are also needed:
- Sign up to purchase some of the food for the kitchen
- Make cookies and brownies for desserts
- Donate money to buy food and supplies
Please, no clothing donations. If you want to make a donation of clothing, you can do so at First Place Family Center (1995 Amazon Parkway).
Thanks to the generosity expressed last year, our pillowcase pile is complete for 2012 shelter guests and summer fun campers. Please share your creative talents by volunteering above.
Egan Warming Center Recruits Volunteers
The Egan Warming Center, a service of St. Vincent de Paul and supported by many organizations and individuals throughout the community, is seeking volunteers who are willing to serve as evening, overnight, or early morning staff at four sites who host homeless community members when the temperature falls below 28 degrees. Volunteers are required to attend an orientation and training and are “on call” as much or as little as desired. Members of FCC participated last year and found it to be a great experience—well organized, safe, and compassion-building. For more information go to: http://eganwarmingcenter.com
Administered by the church office. Funds are distributed to assist with utilities, rent, gas vouchers and medical expenses in amounts from $15 to $50. Recipients call in directly or are referred by other agencies, including First Place Family Center, Catholic Community Charities, etc.
We actively support as volunteers and with funds the construction of affordable homes for families in need. At the right are photos of our people building a house for Habitat that our congregation completed the summer of 2009.