Mission Outreach
Serving God's people in our community and around the world is a vital part of the Christian journey for members of First Christian Church. We try to provide ways for each person to be involved in direct ministry to our neighbors in need.
REGULAR MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
"Pass the Salt" Offering
The "Pass the Salt" offering is received on the first Sunday of each month at First Christian Church. These gifts are a way for us to help directly with the ministry of local agencies. The funds go to a different organization each month, in a six-month rotation. The recipients include Interfaith Ministries, Daybreak Crisis Recovery Center, Sister Mary's Center of Concern, Habitat for Humanity, Community Enabler-Developer and Second Chance Women's Shelter.
"For Our Neighbors in Need" Food Cart
About once a quarter, the Mission Coordinating Team sponsors a special food drive, but supplies are needed all the time, so we invite you to bring in non-perishable food items any time. These donations are taken alternately each month to Community Enabler and All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern. More and more people are in need of the services of our local food pantries.
Items that are helpful include canned goods, pasta, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, corn meal, flour, and cereal. Personal hygiene items are also needed.
Week of Compassion
Week of Compassion is the disaster relief fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Gifts are always welcome, because the ministry of Week of Compassion is ongoing. We place a special focus on supporting this ministry each year, usually in February. Designated gifts following specific disasters are also a common way of supporting this vital ministry. Through the work of Week of Compassion, you can reach around the world with a helping hand to those who need a message of hope.
Reconciliation Ministries
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has claimed as one of its mission priorities the goal of being an anti-racist institution. First Christian Church of Anniston made a commitment, in August 2009, to being a "True Community" congregation, which means we are dedicate to addressing the brokenness caused by the sins of racism. Each fall, we participate in the denominational special offering for Reconciliation Ministries, which provides funds for these efforts. We are also striving to find ways to live this commitment out locally.
Community Prayer Garden
As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations, we created a Community Prayer Garden in the little lot we own across the alley, on 14th street. Everyone is welcome to use this garden to seek some moments of peace and quiet. We ask only that you respect the space as one of prayer and meditation. A ramp is available for those who have difficulty with stairs.
DISCIPLES WOMEN SERVICE PROJECTS
The Disciples Women at First Christian Church partners with the Mission Coordinating Team to lead the congregation in service projects every quarter. Examples of these projects include collecting school supplies, supporting the Christmas Clearing House, collecting supplies for women's shelters, and purchasing blankets through Church World Service for disaster victims.