In the fellowship hall following Second Congregational Church services on Sunday, Nov. 6, a dozen church members shared ways in which their faith leads them to support different causes and projects beyond the church walls. Tables were colorful with informational displays and brochures.

Represented were groups that address needs for food, warmth, and housing, including the Ecumenical Food Pantry, Warm Offerings (the free Wednesday meals at the church program); the Central Lincoln County Diaper Drive; Stepping Stone Housing; Tedford Housing and Case Management; Habitat for Humanity, and the Ecumenical Council for Homeless Prevention.

Also represented were gifts of time and talent to different service institutions affiliated with Second Congregational: The Carpenter’s Boatshop, CHIP (Community Housing Improvement Program), and H.O.M.E., Inc. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment, based in Orland, provides material and housing support to those in need, and helps with educational and employment connections).

A beautiful display showed stewardship of the Regional Land Trusts and Preserves.  Skidompha Library is so much more than a literary-loaning resource, with its wealth of educational and community offerings; the Anti-Racism Project seeks to build bridges of compassionate understanding, healing, acceptance and justice to our diverse communities; and Karl’s Kids, founded in memory of Karl Berger, assists Lincoln County youth surmount expenses or other barriers that might impede their participation in sports.

Church members are very familiar with sponsoring church walkers for the Breast Cancer, CROP, and Habitat for Humanity fundraisers. Laurie Chandler’s Unbound Programs involve a different kind of commitment, wherein a sponsor engages in a relationship with an individual child or adult worldwide and assists them with financing his or her needs and goals. She was delighted to initiate sponsorships for a child in Guatemala, a child in El Salvador, and a Honduran woman with special needs. Likewise, other presenters struck up lively conversations and received names of interested volunteers.

This fair did did not encompass the efforts of many others who regularly volunteer in hospitals and senior homes, support those affected by domestic violence, and take part in a variety of other projects in order to realize the message of the Gospel through good works. We will hope to include them at the next Mission Fair.

The fair was sponsored by the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle, UCC, an open and affirming church and we welcomes all.