Opportunities for Service
Volunteers Needed
The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. is in the process of recruiting new volunteers. Please contact Pat A. Corradino at 203-315-7510 or e-mail pnowak@hospice.com for more information.
Branford Refugee Welcoming Committee
There is a mission opportunity to serve a refugee family right here in Branford. This may appeal to those who wish to do mission work but who do not want to travel a distance to do so.
In 2009 the Branford Refugee Welcoming Committee (BRWC) was formed to help settle a refugee family in the Branford area. Its co-sponsor for this project is Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS), a New Haven-based aid agency. For 25 years IRIS has helped refugee families who have been approved by the US Federal government integrate into American society. BRWC is currently raising funds to support this project in order to be able to settle a family in Branford some time in the near future.
This committee consists of members from area churches and the Branford community. If you are interested in joining this group or are just curious about learning more please contact Vance Taylor or Betsy Gay. Regular meetings are held at the Short Beach Union Church.
Midnight Run Spring 2010
Unbelieveably we have to begin thinking about our Spring Midnight Run. This will take place the weekend of May 14th. Please think of us as you do your Spring-cleaning. We will need clothes (obviously lighter than our winter run). The Spring Run will also have a need for women’s clothing.
Knitting, Purling and Praying
We will resume our meetings on the first and third Thursdays beginning Thursday, September 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Russel Room.
Now that the heat of summer is past, it’s time to get the needles clicking again, the yarn weaving, and our voices joined in conversation and prayer. All knitters, beginners as well as professionals, are welcome. We share our lives and our concerns for other’s lives as we create shawls and other items of comfort. Do join us.
Camp Totokett Dates - Volunteers Needed
We are ready to start planning for this summer. As you make your summer plans please consider leaving the week of July19-23 available to volunteer at Camp Totokett, which is our summer camp for children from New Haven whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. We will need high school mentors, adult group leaders, and help in many areas including art, kitchen, fishing, transportation and so much more. If you are interested in helping that week please see Barb Colley or Theresa Borchetta.
Veteran's Outreach Mission
Come, Follow me, Jesus said “and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19
Mission Statement
The Veterans Outreach Mission is to provide Christian outreach, engagement, and support to our veterans in the local Community. To provide friendship and comfort to the vets and their staff through a relaxing activity that gets them out of the hospital environment.
Founded in 2007 the Veteran's Outreach Mission works with the CT VA Healthcare system in West Haven. The cornerstone of the program is the "Take a Vet Fishing" program. In 2008 we took 125 vets fishing over six events from May till October. This year we added a fly tying program for blind veterans.
In addition to fishing we were able to secure 60 tickets to Yale football and brought the vets. We also provide rides to Sunday service.
Volunteers are always welcome. Fishing is not a requirement, many vets come for a day out of the hospital and are just looking for fellowship. Help is also needed to serve lunch.
Please contact the church office at 203-488 - 7201 or
Jeff Buggee e-mail: j.buggee@sbcglobal.net
Phone 203-488 - 5240
Gifts of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
It has been suggested that, in these difficult times, we consider collecting fresh fruit and vegetables once a month for distribution to the Branford Food Council and the Community Dining Room. The Board of Deacons approved this activity and suggested that it take place on the last Sunday of the month, during our Together As One worship service.
Purchase Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate
The members of the Friendship Bible Study would like to thank everyone who has supported our “Coffee, Tea & Chocolate” sales after Sunday Services to date. We wanted to let you know the results for last year. Thanks to you, in 2008 we had $940.50 in sales. Out of that amount, $642.80 was the cost we paid for the items and $297.70 was the amount of profit. In addition to this, we received $16.50 in “keep the change” donations, for a total of $314.20 that went to support the FCC Veterans’ Outreach Programs!!! AND THERE IS MORE - Not only have you helped in FCC’s outreach to Veterans – providing enough funds for a day of “Take a Vet Fishing” when it warms up, but the cost of the products actually supports farmers in some of the poorest countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia through payment of FAIR TRADE prices for their coffee, tea and cocoa, PLUS all of the items we sell are organically grown by these farmers in a manner that is sustainable and ecologically sound!! Thank you so much!