2017 Missions....
Local Missions
Blessing of the Animals – In October, Pastor Kurt blessed the attending pets, pets in photos not able to attend and photos of our beloved pets who are no longer with us. All food and other donations went to a not-for profit organization. Our Coffee Connection - The coffee used at Parma Greece UCC is purchased from the Coffee Connection in Rochester. The Coffee Connection provides employment training and job creation for women in recovery from addiction and as a not-for-profit business sells fair trade, organic coffee to retail and wholesale customers. In partnership with Project Empower, they provide comprehensive, continuous support for women on their journey toward sustainable recovery. Grace House - In June, collected personal care products for use by the residents. Hilton Clothing Closet – Collected clothing throughout the year and participated in "Undy Sunday" to address that specific need. Hilton CROP Walk – We participated in the fifth consecutive year of the Hilton CROP Walk. Church World Services returns 25% to local hunger fighting organizations. Hilton-Parma Emergency Food Shelf - Our congregation supports this effort by contributing food and monetary donations throughout the year. In 2016, we conducted a food drive in conjunction with our chicken BBQs. Collected over 360 items for the foodshelf. Hilton Parma Community Council of Churches - PGUCC provided food and gifts for families to help them have a blessed and happy Christmas. Labels for Education - This is a fun and easy program where families and members of the community work together towards a common goal — “Earn Free Stuff” for their school! These are contributed to area schools. Salem Nutrition Center- Our volunteers serve lunch to the guests at Salem on the 2nd and 5th Mondays each month. We donate some of the clothing and goods for the clothing distribution on the 5th Monday of the month. Thanksgiving Baskets - Our donations filled three complete baskets given out to families in the Hilton area. |
Wider Church Missions:
National Kidney Foundation – Our collection of pop tabs was contributed to to the National Kidney Foundation. New York Christian Conference - Each year a small group of representatives from area churches meet. This year we received $406 for attending this gathering. These funds went to the Coalition for Migrant Workers. Pennies For People - Any church that collects "Pennies for People" can nominate deserving organizations to get funding grants. These grants are for non-profits that do not receive government grants and may "fall through the cracks" as far as funding is concerned. Special offerings- In 2017, our congregation contributed to: 1. One Great Hour of Sharing 2. Strengthen the Church 3. Neighbors in Need 4. Christmas Fund 5. Our Church’s Wider Mission A "5-for-5 congregation" is one that gives to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) through its church budget, while also providing parishioners the opportunity to participate in each of OCWM's four special mission offerings received during the year—One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, Strengthen the Church and the Christmas Fund. Of the over 270 churches in the New York Conference of the UCC, about 30% (in 2012) are "5 for 5" churches. Parma Greece UCC is proud to be a longtime “5 For 5 congregation". |