Outreach programs
Vacation Bible School: VBS is a long-standing tradition at First Congregational Church. Every summer VBS is a great opportunity for children from our church family and from the community at large to spend a few days getting to know one another, participate in Christian centered activities and just have fun.
Community activities
The members of the First Congregational Church have service to others in their hearts. An example is we gather food for our local food pantries, provide Thanksgiving dinners to the needy and hold an annual Christmas “Giving Tree” which helps clothe and surprise needy children inside and outside our congregation. Our semi-annual Rummage Sale generates funds for our charitable giving.
Our service to humanity does not stop at home but extends worldwide. Our Congregation became involved in the needs of the Congregational Christian Hospital in Palliyadi, South India. We supported the building of a Clinic to help address their urgent medical needs. At a time when there was no hospital around the area and people had no easy transportation to other faraway hospitals, this much-needed hospital was started with financial support from the First Congregational Church, Mansfield, Ohio, and the Missionary Society of the NACCC.
Fellowship
Book Discussion Group: The First Congregational Church has a large lending library. Books may be signed out at any time. New books are acquired through donations as well as purchased with funds from the church budget. This ensures that the library remains current and interesting. The Book Club meets in the library on the third Monday of each month. A slate of books is chosen annually by club members. It is open to all who are interested; for more information, contact the church office at 419-756-3046.
Church Life Committee: Church Life plans some of the Thanksgiving Eve Service and the Hemlock Trails Service in August. It also plans social activities such as sponsored trips for baseball, soccer; etc.
Men’s Breakfast: The men’s group meets in the Plymouth Lounge from 7:30 to 9:00 each Wednesday morning for a light breakfast and conversation. Participation is not limited to church members. No preparation is required, just good fellowship and sharing of ideas around the breakfast table. Diverse participation is encouraged and unlimited subject matter is pursued…an old-fashioned “bull session” with an exchange of thoughts, views, ideas, and beliefs. Participation may even change how you think about your own thinking as personal dogmas may be challenged! No reservation required…just come.
Men’s G.I.G (Guys Investigating God): This men’s group discusses current issues and selected books weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm at the Church (usually in the library). It provides a safe place for men to share their thoughts and provides opportunities for men to examine their faith with other men. Participants purchase their own books for the topic of discussion. This group is open to all men who may be interested.
Ladies G.I.G (Ladies Investigating God): This ladies group meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm at the church (usually in the parlor). The purpose of the gathering is to encourage each participant in her own unique walk with Christ. The group explores a rotation of popular Bible studies for women, usually DVD-driven and requiring a workbook. Participants purchase their own books for the topic of discussion.
Monday Morning Bible Study: This Bible study group meets at the church on Monday mornings at 10:00 am. Its purpose is to study the Bible and to understand its message. The coming year’s focus will be to study Luke. The class is led by Carol Kautz, an ordained minister, and is open to anyone interested in learning the deeper meaning of the words in the Bible. Anyone interested in attending can “show up” or call Carol at 419-756-5802 for more information.
Primrose Bible Study: This Bible study is an outreach program at the Primrose Retirement Center on Millsboro Road. It is open to anyone interested and is well attended by, but not restricted to, the residents of Primrose. The focus for the next year will be a study of the Gospel of Luke and Book of Acts. This group meets weekly at Primrose Retirement Center on Mondays from 3:30 pm to 4:15 p.m. in the chapel.
Rummage sale/christmas bazaar
Twice a year, the First Congregational Church produces a rummage sale of grand proportion. In fact, it has become a well known and anticipated event in our community. Rummage is donated by the church membership and then sold in one-and-a-half-day-long sales occurring in April and October.
The holiday season also brings out the crowds as the church puts on their annual Christmas Bazaar featuring the more “elegant” rummage treasures, as well as seasonal items.
OUTSIDE GROUPS
The First Congregational Church maintains an impressive heritage of sharing our church with the community for its needs. From Alcoholics Anonymous to a 60 member barbershop chorus, many groups use our facilities for positive purposes.
Certain activities are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to:
-The use of tobacco products and/or alcoholic beverages as well as the use of non-prescription, controlled substances.
-Events specifically designed to raise funds or make a profit.
-Events designed to promote political candidates, political campaigns, or political issues. However, the facility may be used as a polling facility and can be used for general discussion of community issues if ALL sides of such issues are represented.
To see if our facility might be available for your purpose, please call the church office at (419) 756-3046.
Outside Groups Schedule
Al-Anon Tuesday 12 noon: Plymouth Lounge/Mayflower Entrance (West Parking Lot) Open
Al-Anon Winners Tuesday 6:30 PM: Plymouth Lounge/Mayflower Entrance (West Parking Lot) Open
AA Tuesday 8:00 PM: Blymyer Hall/ Main rear Entrance (West Parking Lot), Closed
AA Thursday 10:00 AM: Plymouth Lounge/ Mayflower Entrance (West Parking lot) Open
AA Big Book Discussion Saturday 8:00 PM: Plymouth/ Mayflower Entrance (West Parking lot), Closed
Fun Center Chordsmen Monday 7:00 PM: Blymyer Hall/ Main rear Entrance (West Parking lot)
Beauty of the great outdoors...
Hemlock Trails
Available for youth conferences or camping is our 56 acre “Hemlock Trails Forested Retreat” south of Mansfield. To see if this facility might be available for your purpose, please call the church office at (419) 756-3046.
