As part of the Body of Christ, we extend the words and deeds of Christ in ways that foster grace and justice for all God’s people in our community, in our nation and throughout the world.
The Justice and Mercy Commission is charged to maintain and expand the role of First Congregational Church as a beacon of social justice and mercy that creatively responds to the myriad needs of a wide variety of missions in our church, our community and in the broader world.
Mission Offerings
Every Sunday, designated offerings go to the Mission of the day. We support local, national and international missions.
Mission Partners
Good Samaritan Fund
The Good Samaritan Fund, supported by an Endowment Fund and the ongoing donations of the congregation, helps those who come to our door in need each month. Every effort is made by those administering the fund to meet the unique needs of each person seeking assistance.
Faith Mission
First Church helps prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Columbus through LSS Faith Mission. Those interested in volunteering should contact home@first-church.org
The Gladden Community House
The Gladden Community House is a settlement house located in the heart of Franklinton on the west side of Columbus. It was founded in 1905 by Rev. Washington Gladden and Mrs. Celia Jeffery as a neighborhood outreach mission of First Congregational Church.
Laundry Love
Laundry Love partners with individuals, groups and local laundromats throughout the US to help wash the clothes and bedding of individuals and/or families living in poverty. We invite you to join us in fellowship and service at 5:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at Wash Land Laundromat, 1469 West Broad St.
BREAD
First Church is a founding member of BREAD (Building Responsibility Equality and Dignity), an organization that draws together people of faith to address local community issues and pursue justice through relationship building, direct action, and negotiation with state and community leaders. First Congregational Church is one of nearly 50 congregations making up the organization, which represents more than 40,000 people.
The Largest Table
Every Wednesday for more than ten years, volunteers provide food for individuals and families in the community who are in need. The First Church meal team gathers on the third Wednesday of each month to make and pack lunches. Your gifts will help purchase the supplies for our meal team to support this feeding ministry. Thank you for your generosity.
Special Mission Offerings
The supports the wider mission of the United Church of Christ through United Church of Christ Special Mission Offerings each year:
Bethlehem on Broad Street (BOBS) was started many years ago in response to a single request for dinner on Christmas. Since that start, BOBS has expanded its mission through three events: Broad Street United Methodist food giveaway, Project Help clothing giveaway, and the Christmas day celebration at First Congregational Church that serves several hundred guests each year. These services have been accomplished through the efforts of many volunteers from many churches of different denominations, different faiths, and various service organizations.
Bethlehem on Broad Street
