CROSSROAD
CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES, INC. From http://www.crossroad-fwch.org/about-us/history/ Crossroad (started in 1883 as “The Reformed Orphans Home of Fort Wayne, Indiana” by the Reformed Church, later known as the UCC) is a not-for-profit treatment provider for emotionally troubled children. Behind that simple description is a long list of therapy, education and family support services provided both to children who live on our campus and to those we work with in the community. We are a team of counselors, teachers, therapists, housekeepers, cooks, groundskeepers, chaplains, nurses and others helping children as young as age six up to age twenty-one. Children come to Crossroad through a variety of avenues. Some are referred by courts, mental health professionals, public service agencies, counselors and educators. Some come to us through and with their families. What we offer to all children: Hope... Many children - either because of who they are or because of what's happened to them - have emotional and behavioral difficulties. Crossroad is where they get help, healing and hope. Values... Children who come to Crossroad learn to value themselves and others. Values provide the solid ground the children need as they learn, change and become "valuable" adults. Stability... For decades, judges, educators, social service professionals and parents have turned to Crossroad for help with troubled children. Crossroad has become the rock of certainty for its children and for those who love and care about them. For many years we were known as The Fort Wayne Children's Home. We started using the name Crossroad (our d/b/a) in 1975. In 2010 our legal name became Crossroad Child & Family Services, Inc. 
The Christmas Fund - Veterans of the Cross - Emergency Fund Downloaded December 12, 2017 from https://www.pbucc.org/index.php/christmas-fund-home [Our joy at Christmas is a response to God's promise of new life through the birth of Jesus. It is a joy we are called to share widely, through our witness and gifts, both to loved ones and to distant neighbors. "It wasn’t easy picking up the telephone to share with you my present situation. In fact, it was one of the most humiliating experiences of my life although it reminded me that grace still happens. Sometimes we as clergy persons lose sight of God’s grace when the negative stuff comes into our lives." "…thanks so much for sharing your time and ministry with me. Your most gracious gift is appreciated more than words can say as I continue to live in the 'meantime.'" These eloquent words are from a pastor who is the recipient of the caring and concern of those who contribute to the Christmas Fund Offering. You have the opportunity to be a part of this ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through your participation in this year's Christmas Fund Offering. Your gift to the Christmas Fund will not only assist pastors like the one above, but also provide for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, and Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks next December to lower-income retirees. Your gifts are needed more than ever to help the growing number of retirees whose low-income annuities make it difficult to meet increasing living costs. This is your opportunity to participate in God's promise of renewal by enabling this ministry of compassion and care.] |
Pilgrim United Church of Christ's
Free Community Lunch
Free Community Lunch is an outreach program at Pilgrim run by church members. Every 2nd Saturday of each month, with the exception of June, July, and August, the dedicated volunteers prepare and serve a home-cooked meal for those in need. We offer not only nourishment for the body, but friendship, compassion and nourishment for the soul.
Free Community Lunch
Free Community Lunch is an outreach program at Pilgrim run by church members. Every 2nd Saturday of each month, with the exception of June, July, and August, the dedicated volunteers prepare and serve a home-cooked meal for those in need. We offer not only nourishment for the body, but friendship, compassion and nourishment for the soul.
Heifer International
from https://www.heifer.org/
Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. Dan West was a farmer from the American Midwest and member of the Church of the Brethren who went to the front lines of the Spanish Civil War as an aid worker. His mission was to provide relief, but he soon discovered the meager single cup of milk rationed to the weary soldiers once a day was not enough. And then he had a thought: What if they had not a cup, but a cow? That "teach a man to fish" philosophy is what drove West to found Heifer International. And now, nearly 70 years later, that philosophy still inspires our work to end hunger and poverty throughout the world once and for all.
How it Works
We empower families to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity – but our approach is more than just giving them a handout. Heifer links communities and helps brings sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. Our animals provide partners with both food and reliable income, as agricultural products such as milk, eggs and honey can be traded or sold at market. When many families gain this new sustainable income, it brings new opportunities for building schools, creating agricultural cooperatives, forming community savings and funding small businesses.
Passing on the Gift
he core of our model is Passing on the Gift. This means families share the training they receive, and pass on the first female offspring of their livestock to another family. This extends the impact of the original gift, allowing a once impoverished family to become donors and full participants in improving their communities. The goal of every Heifer project is to help families achieve self-reliance. We do this by providing them the tools they need to sustain themselves, and it's thanks to the generosity of donors like you.
Ohio Conference
United Church of Christ Outdoor Ministries Templed Hills Camp Downloaded 1/12/2018 from http://www.ohioucc.org/outdoor-ministries/ "Partnering with local congregations to connect God’s people with nature for faith formation, spiritual growth and leadership development Outdoor Ministries of the Ohio Conference UCC provides programming, resource support and rental facilities for Christian summer camp, church and fellowship retreats (all denominations), year-round Outdoor Ministries sponsored events, Nature’s Classroom program for educational organizations, and many private and business events. All Outdoor Ministries events, church and organization retreats and other activities will be held at Templed Hills Camp." |
What does Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) support?
In the national setting of the United Church of Christ there are four Covenanted Ministry partners who are supported by gifts Our Church’s Wider Mission. We work together to change lives! The Office of General Ministries is where all communication and leadership of the UCC take place.
Local Church Ministries supports the local church in many ways. The MESA team supports ministers from their first calling to retirement by working across the church to form, equip and support faithful and effective authorized ministers for God’s mission in the world. The Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Team support on-the-ground church operations and growth for pastors and lay leaders.
Wider Church Ministries is most widely known for the mission outreach work of the UCC because of our disaster ministries. This arm of the church also serves congregations and other settings of the church who strive to be inclusive whether it is multicultural/multiracial, open and affirming, global or accessible to all.
The vision of Justice and Witness Ministries is of a more just, peaceful and compassionate world that honors all of God’s creation but leaders are needed throughout our churches and communities to help share, pursue and achieve this vision. Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing training program for church members teaches leadership skills to support justice work in local churches and UCC Conferences. Justice and Peace Action Network is a UCC grassroots advocacy effort to educate and engage church members and friends to shape public policy.
In the national setting of the United Church of Christ there are four Covenanted Ministry partners who are supported by gifts Our Church’s Wider Mission. We work together to change lives! The Office of General Ministries is where all communication and leadership of the UCC take place.
Local Church Ministries supports the local church in many ways. The MESA team supports ministers from their first calling to retirement by working across the church to form, equip and support faithful and effective authorized ministers for God’s mission in the world. The Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Team support on-the-ground church operations and growth for pastors and lay leaders.
Wider Church Ministries is most widely known for the mission outreach work of the UCC because of our disaster ministries. This arm of the church also serves congregations and other settings of the church who strive to be inclusive whether it is multicultural/multiracial, open and affirming, global or accessible to all.
The vision of Justice and Witness Ministries is of a more just, peaceful and compassionate world that honors all of God’s creation but leaders are needed throughout our churches and communities to help share, pursue and achieve this vision. Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing training program for church members teaches leadership skills to support justice work in local churches and UCC Conferences. Justice and Peace Action Network is a UCC grassroots advocacy effort to educate and engage church members and friends to shape public policy.
UCC National Disaster Response Ministry/ One Great Hour of Sharing
National Response Disaster Ministries programs are conducted in cooperation with and through the 38 Conferences of the United Church of Christ (United States and Puerto Rico). Each Conference, drawing upon the gifts of its local congregations, determines how best to serve as denominational and ecumenical partners, and witnesses of hope when disasters occur in their geographic area. A network of Conference Disaster Coordinators assists in developing preparedness measures before crises occur. Coordinators help to organize volunteers for clean-up and rebuilding efforts; as well as participate in response and long term recovery efforts in communities affected by natural disasters. People and communities impacted by disasters require assistance spiritually, physically, financially, and psychologically. The Office of National Disaster Ministries provides assistance with acute and/or long-term effects of technological disasters or events. The United Church of Christ and Church World Service Emergency Response Program work together to resource faith organizations, individuals related to the religious community, and community organizations.
The NDRM is funded through One Great Hour of Sharing which was started during WWII as an appeal for help with relief and reconstruction. This nationwide united effort by America’s Christians has an importance far beyond the practical goal of fund raising. For this great joint program not only strengthens the vitally important relief and rehabilitation work of the churches overseas, but also proves to all the world how great is the power generated when Christians unite in a common cause.
From the beginning this has been an ecumenical effort. As denominations changed and merged, One Great Hour of Sharing has varied from eight to twenty-nine participating communions. Currently, the One Great Hour of Sharing committee officially comprises nine Christian denominations.
While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their One Great Hour of Sharing funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development aid.
National Response Disaster Ministries programs are conducted in cooperation with and through the 38 Conferences of the United Church of Christ (United States and Puerto Rico). Each Conference, drawing upon the gifts of its local congregations, determines how best to serve as denominational and ecumenical partners, and witnesses of hope when disasters occur in their geographic area. A network of Conference Disaster Coordinators assists in developing preparedness measures before crises occur. Coordinators help to organize volunteers for clean-up and rebuilding efforts; as well as participate in response and long term recovery efforts in communities affected by natural disasters. People and communities impacted by disasters require assistance spiritually, physically, financially, and psychologically. The Office of National Disaster Ministries provides assistance with acute and/or long-term effects of technological disasters or events. The United Church of Christ and Church World Service Emergency Response Program work together to resource faith organizations, individuals related to the religious community, and community organizations.
The NDRM is funded through One Great Hour of Sharing which was started during WWII as an appeal for help with relief and reconstruction. This nationwide united effort by America’s Christians has an importance far beyond the practical goal of fund raising. For this great joint program not only strengthens the vitally important relief and rehabilitation work of the churches overseas, but also proves to all the world how great is the power generated when Christians unite in a common cause.
From the beginning this has been an ecumenical effort. As denominations changed and merged, One Great Hour of Sharing has varied from eight to twenty-nine participating communions. Currently, the One Great Hour of Sharing committee officially comprises nine Christian denominations.
While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their One Great Hour of Sharing funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development aid.
S.A.R.A.~~ Sharing America’s Resources Abroad
S.A.R.A.’s Mission: To offer medical assistance to improve the well-being of poor people around the world.
SARA is a nonprofit organization incorporated in Ohio. It is an ecumenical ministry affiliated with the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ. SARA distributes medical supplies, equipment and expertise throughout the world. SARA believes that by helping people to help themselves, and by giving them a boost towards self-sufficiency, the world will become a better place.
Resources to accomplish SARA’s mission come from volunteer participation and charitable donations provided by health-care providers, religious organizations, businesses, not-for-profit corporations and concerned individuals. SARA is particularly interested in working with other not-for-profit organizations who are seeking to serve others in the same way.
S.A.R.A.’s Mission: To offer medical assistance to improve the well-being of poor people around the world.
SARA is a nonprofit organization incorporated in Ohio. It is an ecumenical ministry affiliated with the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ. SARA distributes medical supplies, equipment and expertise throughout the world. SARA believes that by helping people to help themselves, and by giving them a boost towards self-sufficiency, the world will become a better place.
Resources to accomplish SARA’s mission come from volunteer participation and charitable donations provided by health-care providers, religious organizations, businesses, not-for-profit corporations and concerned individuals. SARA is particularly interested in working with other not-for-profit organizations who are seeking to serve others in the same way.
Strengthen the Church
From http://www.ucc.org/search_results?q=strengthen+the+church
Strengthen The Church (STC) is a special mission offering to re-imagine and build the future of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard.
As God calls our congregations to be the "church" in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. STC funds will also be used to award grants to help congregations communicate the "God is still speaking," message.
Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday.
Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
From http://www.ucc.org/search_results?q=strengthen+the+church
Strengthen The Church (STC) is a special mission offering to re-imagine and build the future of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard.
As God calls our congregations to be the "church" in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. STC funds will also be used to award grants to help congregations communicate the "God is still speaking," message.
Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday.
Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Family Promise of Summit County - Coming Soon!
Hope Homes
From http://hopehomes.org/
Picture from: https://www.facebook.com/389767144393690/photos/a.389767857726952.79398.389767144393690/389767861060285/?type=1&theater
Hope Homes, Inc., and Affiliates is a private, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to develop and provide community-based group homes, supported living, transportation, and day programs for persons with developmental disabilities and other special needs.
Links to more information:
Community Living, Day Programs, Nursing Respite, & CareTraining
(Hope Homes) are advocates for inclusive and self determined ways of living, and ... encourage and align with programs whose primary purpose is to provide care, housing, assistance and encouragement for people.
© 2010 - 2016 Hope Homes Inc. All rights reserved. © 2010 - 2016 Hope Homes Inc. All rights reserved.
Downloaded January 12, 2018 from http://www.ucc.org/nin/
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries(JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants.
Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. Funding is provided through donations to the Neighbors in Need offering.
Most UCC congregations will receive the NIN offering on October 1, 2017 as part of their World Communion Sunday observance. however, some local churches select another date. NIN contributions can be made on-line at any time here.
Copyright 2017 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
CROP WALK
When you support CROP Hunger Walks, you are:
· Supporting long-term development around the world
· Helping meet the special needs of refugees
· Assisting in disasters and famines
· Sharing some $3,523,000 annually to support local hunger fighting efforts across the U.S.
CROP Hunger Walks: Our Numbers Make a Difference
· 5,158,912 CROP Hunger Walkers over the past 21 years
· 1,599 CROP Hunger Walks and other community events in 2012
· 37,892 CROP Hunger Walks in the past two decades
· Food banks, pantries, and other local hunger-fighting initiatives received checks
from CROP Hunger Walks in Fall 2009-Spring 2010 totaling some $3.52 million
· Upwards of 200 corporations match employee gifts and/or volunteer hours to the CROP Hunger Walk
· $308,543,055 raised by CROP Hunger Walkers over the past 21 years
When you support CROP Hunger Walks, you are:
· Supporting long-term development around the world
· Helping meet the special needs of refugees
· Assisting in disasters and famines
· Sharing some $3,523,000 annually to support local hunger fighting efforts across the U.S.
CROP Hunger Walks: Our Numbers Make a Difference
· 5,158,912 CROP Hunger Walkers over the past 21 years
· 1,599 CROP Hunger Walks and other community events in 2012
· 37,892 CROP Hunger Walks in the past two decades
· Food banks, pantries, and other local hunger-fighting initiatives received checks
from CROP Hunger Walks in Fall 2009-Spring 2010 totaling some $3.52 million
· Upwards of 200 corporations match employee gifts and/or volunteer hours to the CROP Hunger Walk
· $308,543,055 raised by CROP Hunger Walkers over the past 21 years