First Congregational Church

Ministry of Community Outreach seeks to extend the mission of the church near and far.  First Congregational Church participates, both through its pastor and its members, in numerous community-based partnerships.  Among these are Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministry (F.I.R.M.), Fresno Metro Ministry, and Faith In Community (PICO).

Additionally, First Congregational Church is an active partner with Poverello House and Naomi’s House, critical providers of shelter and services to men and women.  We provide continuing support throughout the year through service projects undertaken by youth and adults, as well as providing a special Christmas season project.

This ministry coordinates an annual yard sale (that coordinates with a general neighborhood yard sale event), from which proceeds are used to underwrite our continuing partnerships and other special projects.

Community Outreach each year develops its “Chip-Away” project, in which the church goes into the immediate neighborhood, identifying a house in need of exterior refurbishing and painting, and undertakes that task in collaboration with the home owner.

As part of its mission, Community Outreach will sponsor Learning Circles in which issues of justice, peace, and the environment are key components of our church’s needful awareness and action.  Community Outreach actively participates in Fresno’s annual Gay Pride Parade and Festival, including staffing a booth at which our church’s ministry and mission is shared.