Outreach & Missions

Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me. Matthew 25:40

Red Tent Project

JUMP has asked FCCEJ if we would be the “White Sock Church.” The need is for all-cotton, new white
socks in original packaging. Tube socks will fit most any adult foot. Look for the “red tent” in the Marvin Lounge!

First Congregational Church’s service and outreach ministries strive to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, both here in Essex and around the world.  Whether it is through hands-on service, financial support, or building awareness about marginalized communities, members of our congregation seek opportunities to live Christ’s love through active engagement in our world.

There are many ways for adults, youth and children to participate. To learn more about our outreach ministries and how to get involved, click on the links below:

Other ministries (scroll down or use the links to take you directly there):

Dismas House

The Dismas House in Winooski is a place for people who have served their prison sentences to live until they get their feet on the ground. Volunteers coordinated by FCCEJ have been taking meals to the Dismas House on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Typically, one person makes a salad, one person makes an entrée and one person makes a dessert. Pre-COVID, volunteers were invited to stay and eat with the House residents but due to COVID, meals are dropped off. Currently, we provide a meal to feed 10-12 people.

If you would like to sign up to provide a meal, please sign up using Sign Up Genius or contact the church office. If you have issues using the Sign Up Genius, please contact the church office to register for providing a meal.

Sign Up!

JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project)

First Church is proud to work with JUMP via the Missions Committee. Also, members have helped raise money for the organization by participating in the annual “Run for JUMP”. Watch the video to learn more about the services that they provide to our neighbors in need.

Called to Care

Called to Care (C2C) is a lay visitation ministry where teams of two volunteers visit and support members who need some love and attention during both challenging and joyous times. This ministry expresses the Christian love and concern we genuinely feel for one another by fostering an atmosphere of warmth and concern within our church family. Many of the folks visited are no longer physically able to get out of their homes, and also may no longer be able to attend church services. Some have little or no living family members, or any they do have, may not live in the area. Often these individuals have had to leave homes where they lived independently and move into assisted living or nursing homes. Knowing that they have not been forgotten by their church family is priceless!

The Called to Care ministry falls under the umbrella of the Deacons and is spearheaded by Beth Volker. Volunteers meeting twice a year to regroup, share experiences, educate and support one another, and acquire any additional training that may be needed.

For more information or to request support for yourself or someone you know, or to share your needs, concerns, and joys, please contact Beth Volker (denverhead@gmail.com; 238-2713) or the Church Office.

Other Organizations We Support

First Church supports many different organizations in our community, country and around the globe:

  • Valentines for Vets
  • Re-Member: Pine Ridge Reservation
  • COTS
  • Trans Lifeline
  • UCC Disaster Relief
  • Jed Foundation (teen and young adult suicide prevention)
  • Vermont Foodbank
  • Lund Center
  • Planned Parenthood
  • RIP Medical Debt
  • Heifer International
  • Vermont Adaptive Sports