Outreach Opportunities

Help for Ukraine

 

Like so many of you, the Mission and Outreach committee is stunned and saddened by the events in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine and to the Russian people who are equally shocked and dismayed by the actions of their own government.

As a committee, we are donating the final available funds from our 21/22 fiscal year budget of $1,450.00 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Ukrainian crisis relief.  After careful research, we have decided to contribute through UMCOR because of its four-star Charity Navigator rating and direct contacts to Ukraine.

If you would like to add a private donation to this amount, please provide your contribution by March 21st in any of these ways:

  • You may put checks or cash in the offering plate during Sunday morning services. Make checks payable to FCC-Ann Arbor. On the description line write “Ukrainian Relief”. If cash, write on the donation envelope “Ukrainian Relief”.
  • You may send a check made to FCC-Ann Arbor, PO Box 7970, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7970. Note: for “Ukrainian Relief”.
  • On-line, go to www.fccannarbor.org. Choose the Donate tab. Indicate the amount you wish to contribute. In the comment, write “Ukrainian Relief”
  • Text OPENTOALL to 73256. This will take you to the same sequence as online giving, noted above.

Please pray for peace, safety, and a speedy resolution to the conflict in that region.
As always, thank you for your continued support in times of world need.
-Missions & Outreach

Community Outreach

We frequently participate in food drives, fundraisers to help our community and country after natural disasters, and many other causes that help further and empower others. Whether it’s collecting food for Jewish Family Services or running our winter shelter program, there are lots of opportunities to serve others. It is through our members and visitors that our church is able to give back to our communities near and far. At FCC we have a long history in social justice and believe that volunteering is an important part of our human existence. We give of our time or in other ways as we have been blessed.

FCC Community Partners

FCC is proud to partner with the following community organizations. This year we were able to offer grants to programs in these organizations that were launching innovative ways to nourish our neighbors. Many of our members also volunteer with these partner organizations. 

FCC Ann Arbor Outreach Activities

Aug/Sept Backpack Drive 

As families in the community prepare for their children’s return to school in the fall, they struggle to provide the needed supplies that can include backpacks, schoolwork supplies, calculators, notebooks, and more. Our church members donate these items to make this daunting task easier for many families.

November:  Mens Rotating Shelter (SAWC)

In partnership with the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor hosts an overnight shelter in November to house guests of the Delonis Center whom is almost always at capacity. We provide a warm place to sleep, snacks, and breakfast for 15-30 men.

December: Christmas Wish Tree  

During Christmas we collect presents to help families in need provide their children with a joy-filled holiday.

February:  Warming Shelter

During the month of February we participate in our Warming Shelter every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am – 3 pm. Our members provide lunch, activities, support, and a safe and warm place to be during the cold day time hours.

Mar/Apr Easter Tree (JFS) 

During Easter we collect household gifts for the Jewish Family Services and their Refugee Resettlement Program.

Summer: Produce Distribution

During the summer we collect produce from our own gardens or otherwise purchase produce to provide fresh healthy food for local distribution banks.

Ongoing: Collection of Food and Clothing

Each week we accept non-perishable food donations as well as clothing donations.