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The mission work at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme encompasses many pro-active initiatives, and is one of the strong foundations upon which we build our understanding of the gospel and the kingdom Christ has called us to build here and now.
Our Statement of Mission Believing in God's love, as shown through Jesus Christ, we engage in Mission. We believe Mission is a partnership that requires reaching beyond ourselves. We believe that this involves: Active listening and mutual sharing Being willing to learn from others Increasing opportunities for involvement Working with others for justice We do this with profound love, profound humility and profound hope.
Our Board of Missions disperses approximately $100,000.00 per year to various agencies and initiatives both in our own immediate area and to the broader world. Through work in our own partnerships we make an intentional effort to engage the members of our congregation in the "work" to which Christ has called us: the building of bridges of hope and friendship connecting people everywhere.
In addition to many trips and activities sponsored by our partnership boards, we are active in New London County in the work of feeding and housing those who are in need. We work in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut (based in New London.) We also support and encourage our members in the local work of Old Lyme Affordable Housing. At our own facility we house an extensive food pantry which operates on Saturday mornings, under the auspices of the Shoreline Alliance of Soup Kitchens. Also at our facility every Saturday at noon we provide hospitality for a soup kitchen that feeds approximately 50 guests each week. We also provide a meal on the last Sunday evening of every month at the New London Community Soup Kitchen on Montauk Avenue. All of these activities appreciate any volunteers who offer support. For additional information about the activities above contact
these coordinators: Old Lyme Affordable Housing - Les Reynolds @ 434-3392 Old Lyme Food Pantry - Louise Lynch @ 434-7062 Old Lyme Soup Kitchen - Louise Lynch @ 434-7062 New London Soup Kitchen - Julie Kuja @ 739-9498
The Board of Missions also supports shelters and transitional housing projects in New London County and offers special support through the International Rescue Committee of New York in some specific areas of the world. They also help to sustain chaplaincy programs, educational initiatives and inter-faith networks. Special monetary support is given to several institutions which we have come to know through our partnerships in New York City, South Africa and South Dakota. A full listing of our mission giving and activities is included in the (click here) Annual Reports of our church. The members of the Board of Missions encourage the input and interest of all members of the congregation.
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