Missions - First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Poughkeepsie, NY

*FCC/UCC MISSION STATEMENT* Sharing a message of hope, justice and peace, we are an Open and Affirming congregation committed to building Christ’s diverse and compassionate community. We are a loving family that worships, prays, and shares fellowship together and actively seeks God’s Word and wisdom for ourselves and our children. Together we strive to help meet the needs of our downtown community, our nation, and the world. We value our historic traditions of working toward social justice, and we continue to seek to empower those in need, shield the vulnerable, and care for the afflicted. As followers of Christ we welcome everyone, no matter who they are or where they are on their spiritual journey, to worship with us as we seek God’s presence in our world. As amended for ONA by a vote of the congregation Oct 28, 2007 Local Missions Sponsored by First Congregational Church Coalition for the Homeless Hudson River Housing Dutchess Interfaith Council Amani Africa Meals on Wheels Dutchess Mental Health Association Habitat for Humanity Grace Smith House	*Missions in Our Community* On weekdays our building is home to Community Family Development, a United Way daycare provider for almost 100 children. FCC/UCC is also the county intake site for the Hudson River Housing homeless shelter program, providing 3000-4000 overnight beds each winter. We have collaborated with other congregations to feed and clothe those in need of shelter. FCC/UCC sponsors refugees from Africa, helping them settle comfortably in our community (through Amani Africa). We raise funds to pay school fees for AIDS orphans in Kenya. Members of the congregation are active in a wide array of community organizations, with particular emphasis on service to children and to the hungry and homeless, both in our community and in the wider world. Some of our members volunteer, for example, through various programs of Hudson River Housing; through Dutchess Outreach with Dutchess County Habitat for Humanity; and with Advocates for the Homeless, which meets Fridays at 5 PM in Room 209 of the Family Partnership Center