“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”… “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” ~ Matthew 25:35-36, 40

 

The World Service Committee is the instrument within the church that oversees the mission interests of the church both in the community and worldwide. Through the church’s annual budget and special collections, we support OCWM (Our Church’s Wider Mission) and the annual Neighbors in Need offering, administered by the United Church of Christ. The World Service Committee is also responsible for the distribution of the Three-in-One Reach-Out funds. These funds, derived from a capital fund drive, are distributed each year into specific areas: needy children and families locally and overseas, families in crises and mission outreach and education.

 

Local agencies and organizations we have recently supported in Essex County include: the Danvers People to People Food Pantry, Danvers Community Council programs for families living in hotel shelters, the Lifebridge Mission in Salem, Open Door Food Pantry, HAWC, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Troop Support, and River House in Beverly. In the Greater Boston area we have supported Ecclesia Ministries, City Mission Society, and Outdoor Ministries in Cambridge.  Internationally, we support 3 young children overseas through Global Ministries, the Mercy Ships program, Re-Member in South Dakota, and Heifer International. For the past 3 years, the committee has sponsored a Fair Trade Advent Fair featuring products from artisans all over the world.  Proceeds are returned back to the individual crafters.

 

On the second Sunday of each month we collect donations for the Danvers Food Pantry.  We also financially support the Youth Ministry program’s annual mission trip to various parts of the country.  Our church has also been long time host to a nursery school, Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Cub Scout troops, and various other civic groups.

 

The World Service Committee, the church school, and youth ministry programs are intentional in offering many service and mission opportunities in a variety of settings so that everyone can give, serve and love.  We believe it is our call to love and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ in whatever ways we are able, using the gifts that the Lord has given each of us.