| HELPING HANDS FOOD CUPBOARD FOODSHELF
The mission of the Helping Hands Food shelf is to provide our neighbors in need with approximately 7-10 days worth of food per month. We encourage the community to help us in this mission by donating food and money to the food shelf. Money is primarily spent at the Western MA Food bank. We are able to purchase food there for .18/pound!
Presently the HHFoodshelf is ministering to 50 families a month. We provide food on the third Thursday of each month. A confidential intake may be arranged by calling 323-7442.
If you would like to help, please call 323-7442 and let us know. Financial contributions can be sent to: The Helping Hands Food Cupboard Food shelf, c/o BUCC, 18 Park St., PO Box 603, Belchertown, MA 01007
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| DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT GROUP
The board of missions employs a trained facilitator to care for women in and around Belchertown around issues of domestic abuse/violence. The drop in group (free of charge) meets twice a month, and free childcare is available with a 5 day notice of such need. Art and writing exercises are used to help women who have experienced abuse find strength and resources for surviving and thriving.
For more information please call 323-7442 or email Rev. Farnsworth at bcongoucc2002@yahoo.com. All calls and emails are treated confidentially for the safety of people in danger.
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| LOAVES AND FISHES SOUP KITCHEN
Five or six times a year we prepare a meal for the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in Springfield, MA. People interested (or able to attend) bring the food to the Soup Kitchen and serve it to the people who gather for the meal. Many folks who have participated in this ministry proclaim it as “life changing,” and “spiritually uplifting.”
If you would like to participate in Loaves and Fishes, please contact the church office for the time and date of the next visit.
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CROP WALK
Each October our members join with others in the community to walk and raise awareness about hunger. Walkers are encouraged to gather pledges and money received is given to Church World Service. 25% of money collected helps local food shelves, including the Helping Hands Cupboard.
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Several times a year members are invited to participate in local Habitat builds. Jobs include, yard work, painting, construction, and hospitality. No training necessary. Call the church office for times and dates of upcoming builds (323-7442)
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| Special Offerings
These missions’ offerings are received and facilitated by the United Church of Christ.
Neighbors in Need: Justice and Compassion Like a Mighty Stream
Supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including ministry carried out by the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) and by the national offices of Justice and Witness Ministries.
One Great Hour of Sharing Giving Help, Hope and Life
Supports partners in the United States and more than 70 countries with ministries that fund development projects, feed the victims of famine, provide services for displaced people, and respond to natural disasters.
The Christmas Fund: Remembering Those Who Serve Our Church
Assists clergy families and church workers who are in dire financial need due to unforeseen circumstances.
For more information you may go to www.ucc.org
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| RELAY FOR LIFE
Each June our church creates team BUCC’S ANGELS to walk with our neighbors who have been affected by cancer. In the past two years, our minister has been the luminary lap speaker. We raise money through pledges and we eat heartily through the night, sharing stories that bring tears of sadness and tears of laughter to everyone gathered around the fire pit.
Details are usually available in late May or early June.
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