On Going Missions
Tithes & Offerings
Tithes and offerings are intended to be a joy and a blessing. As we follow our faith we know that a church's human resources and infrastructure needs are no different than any other non-profit. We know we need leaders who can offer spiritual guidance and management expertise. Knowing this we believe every tithe or offering should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. We reflect within ourselves, searching our minds and hearts, and we pray. From these many perspectives we offer our tithes and offerings, and, as it says in Corinthians, “Each person should give what he s/he has decided in her/his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Give
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
At the beginning of each month we celebrate communion at First Parish. As part of that worship service we offer individual support to those within our parish and community who need help with fuel oil, food, clothing, and the like. Our Senior Minister weighs each request with prayer and with the knowledge that he carries our church’s spirit of caring and love to each person in need.
Give
Caring Cards
Caring cards are filled out by parishioners each month and these are mailed to a recipient designated on the address side of the card. This caring and loving feature allows you to let someone know that there is hope and love as they carry a burden or know that others are celebrating a milestone in their life.
Prayer Shawls
This FPC ministry consists of knitters and crocheters who follow their passion for their craft, creating garments that are blessed by prayer. These works of hope and love are given to the poor, sick and disadvantaged, and are used to celebrate joyous occasions such as weddings, graduations and baptism.
Johnson/Atkinson Fund Projects
The Johnson/Atkinson Fund is a gift to the church to inspire and support development of church ventures to faciiatate spiritual growth. It is intended to serve as a catalyst for new energy and commitment to grow in the knowledge and love of God in Christ and radiate God's love in an ever-changing world. We are thankful for the thoughtfulness of this gift from Bill and Mary Johnson who established this fund. Recipients are chosen each year by the J/A Team.
J-A Fund Application
Saco Food Pantry
The Saco Food Pantry
(located at 67 Ocean Park Road) provides food for local Mainers in need through
short-term and intermittent help, or long-term help for those who continue to
struggle. The pantry is run by a volunteer staff which includes a Board of
Directors. Days and Hours: Monday - Friday 9 to 11 a.m. Call 207-468-1305. All
members of our congregation are invited to place non-perishable food (for the
Saco Food Pantry) into the church’s shopping cart.
Saco Food Pantry
Bon Appetit
This meal program, open to the public Monday to Friday starting at 4:30 pm, is located at Second Congregational Church, 19 Crescent St., Biddeford. The director is Jim Cortwright, who may be contacted at jimcort@metrocast.net. First Parish Congregational Church supports Bon Appetit with donations, and by providing one or more volunteer(s) to prepare, serve, and clean up the meal. The sign up sheet for volunteers is posted on the bulletin board near the office of First Parish Congregational Church-UCC.
Shoe Ministry
The Mission Team
collects and stores new and slightly used footwear to give away to those in
need. We display a shelf of shoes in the
church’s Atrium. We also give away shoes on our MLK day of sharing, and to any
charity or person who requests shoes. Some of our footwear goes to Open Hands
Open Hearts (free clothing for children), located next to the Saco Food Pantry
(67 Ocean Park Road, Saco).
Welcome Immigrants Our New Neighbors
When Christ Federated Church in Kennebunk, Maine, is in need of more donations for the new immigrants who are seeking asylum near us, then a mission team member communicates the needs to the congregation. Furniture, household goods, and used washers and dryers, are stored in Biddeford. If you have an item to donate, please contact Mathew Gerken at mdgerken19@gmail.com to see if the item is needed. If you would like to sponsor a new immigrant, please contact Judy Cadmus at judy1060@gmail.com.
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Each year first Parish Church opens its door on MLK's Day of Service to provide services for anyone in need.
Back to School Giveaway
Our first back to school giveaway started in August, 2022. We gave away school supplies, clothing, and haircuts to anyone in need before the start of the school year. We hope to offer this service yearly.