Madison Outreach and Beyond

Cambodia- Foods Resource Bank What initially started in 2006 as a soybean growing partnership between First Congregational and Zwingli UCC of Paoli has now grown to include Washington Reformation UCC of Monticello and in 2010 we grew pigs rather than soy or corn. In 2011 the project will partner with a local dairy farmer in Paoli. Proceeds from weekly garden markets held on Sunday mornings in the summer also go to support our Foods Resource Bank project to help farmers in South Cambodia. To learn more about the project, view our brochure. Hygiene Kits We were able to assemble 100 hygiene kits with the assistance of the congregation.  Many young people participated in this "hands on" project in September, thanks!  These kits are sent by Church World Service to people in disasters all over the world,  including  Haiti, Pakistan, and the U.S.

Refugee Resettlement

In 2010 we began a partnership with Lutheran Social Services to sponsor a Bhutanese family from a refugee camp in Nepal.  During the Advent season, members pledged a variety of household items, including furniture to furnish an apartment.  In Jan and Feb these items were collected, after we learned when our family would be expected.  We set up a whole household complete with food from their native culture.  In one of the snowiest blizzards our family arrived!  View the story.

Egypt

The SW Association has a relationship with the Coptic Church in Egypt. Several groups from Wisconsin have gone to Egypt to learn more about the social action projects of the Diocese of Beni Suef. Sisters from Beni Suef and Cairo have also come to Wisconsin. FCC made a $10,000 pledge to the work of the Diocese through the WI Conference Forward in Faith campaign in 2002.

Chiapas, Mexico

Members of First Congregational have a long relationship with the people of Las Marguaritas, Chiapas, Mexico. Groups from the congregation have visited a number of times. Children in the Sunday School have written cards to the children in Chiapas.

Organizations Supported By Our National and International Mission Dollars

• Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) supports the state, national and international work of the UCC church through mission dollars from the church budget.
• One Great Hour of Sharing Once a year interfaith offering; focused on world mission.
• Neighbors in Need Once a year United Church of Christ offering, focus on social justice, human rights and advocacy.