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"Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers..."
James 1:22
Mission
We at First and St. Stephen's United Church of Christ are committed to helping our needy brothers and sisters in our own neighborhoods as well as in our larger world community. The variety of our mission projects reflects the diverse personal interests and commitments of the members of our congregation. Following are some examples of our recent mission commitments:
Refugee Resettlement
The church seeks to be involved in global issues and ministries. We have sponsored the resettlement of families from Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Liberia. This has involved meeting the families at the airport, providing initial housing and necessities, and helping in the difficult adjustment of life in America.
Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity
Through partial house sponsorships, workdays, and our support of visiting Habitat work groups, we have helped Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity rehabilitate houses for families who would otherwise not be able to afford a simple, decent home.
Supper Club
For over a decade now, on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, we have provided a meal for the hungry on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore. We are now famous for our meatloaf! Volunteers are always needed. Can you help?
Special Offerings
"For God so loved the world, Jesus, God's only son, was given. Being part of that world, and feeling that amazing love, we choose to respond with gifts of our own, gifts of love for the world."
Periodically throughout the year in addition to our regular offerings, we receive special offerings. These include: One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), which is received during Lent; Neighbors-In-Need (NIN) is received on the World Wide Communion Sunday; and a special offering for Lancaster Seminary received on the last Sunday in April.
Earl's Place
We are committed to supporting Earl's Place, a single residency occupancy home for homeless men in transition. Earl's Place was started by a coalition of UCC congregations.
Assistance Center of Towson Churches
We are one of a collation of area churches that provides emergency assistance to needy persons in the greater Towson area. We provide regular monetary support to ACTC, as well as food and supplies, such as our "Macaroni and Cheese Month" and annual Thanksgiving basket collections.
OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission)
The way in which we are able to join the wider United Church of Christ to provide financial and human resources for special needs, including disaster and humanitarian relief.
Social Action
Many of our members participate in advocacy concerns for justice and peace on a variety of issues from local and global. A way to be involved is through the United Church of Christ Justice and Peace Network.
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