COMMUNITY OUTREACH

First United Church is a faith community of generous people. Even in these times of financial difficulty, members of our congregation selflessly give of their time and money to help Bloomington and the wider community of our nation and the world. The Board of Outreach serves as the vehicle through which monetary efforts are directed, and this happens in the following ways:

Budgeted Giving – A portion of First United’s overall income is budgeted to the Board of Outreach for financial support of a number of local organizations. These are; Habitat for Humanity, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Community Kitchen, Middle Way House, Amethyst House, Monroe County United Ministries. We also support our denominations (ABC and UCC).

Special Offerings – In 2009-2010, First United also gave nearly $13,000 through special offerings. Some of these, like the World Mission Offering and One Great Hour of Sharing, benefit our wider denominational ministries. Others, such as Crop Walk, Candlelight Communion (this year for our Partners program) and Homeward Bound, benefit people in our local community.

The Love Fund – Additionally, our congregation gives generously to the Love Fun. This fund, administered by the church, serves as an emergency fund used to directly aid those in immediate need in our community.

Monroe County United Ministries Food Donations – First United gives to the MCUM food pantry each month. In 2009-2010, we gave a total of 5162 pounds, which included 1500 pounds during the month of November, which went to our Thanksgiving Harvest In-Gathering.

As you can see, we are a generous congregation. We have a strong sense of wanting to contribute to our local and wider communities, and in the upcoming year, 2010-2011, we hope to continue supporting these efforts.