Purpose:
Members: Lynn Decher, Rachel Gustina, Pauletta O'Donnell
Through the years FCUCC members have faithfully supported the humanitarian work of local organizations monetarily and as volunteers. Historically, food and shelter insecurity have been a major outreach focus involving the Salvation Army, the Corning Community Food Pantry, Corning Meals on Wheels, and Steuben County Habitat for Humanity.
As new initiatives emerge in response to changing individual, family and societal challenges, our local outreach expands. The need for basic provisions, companionship, mentoring, personal safety and support become potential mission opportunities beyond our church doors.
Speakers are invited to a Sunday service to educate our congregation about their organization’s mission focus, a description of which is included in the Sunday service bulletins and in The Caller, our monthly newsletter. These specific giving opportunities are also posted each month on our church’s website to invite a broader public response.
We maintain a small library of materials for the continued promotion of these causes. This library includes LGBTQ+ educational and support materials. Our church, which is designated as Open and Affirming, participates in the Southern Finger Lakes Pride Festival in Corning each June.
In addition to supporting local nonprofit endeavors, our church is a 5 For 5 contributor within our denomination. We give to the five annual collections of the national United Church of Christ:
The Mission and Outreach team looks forward to working in collaboration with others to build a stronger, more just community. We invite you to share your ideas, enthusiasm, gifts and talents for purposeful community engagement!
As we are led in faith, we go forth to serve and are ourselves renewed.