One of the main focuses at First Parish is fostering support for our community and beyond through projects that reach out and lend a hand. Ministries have coalesced around caring for those who are less fortunate both physically and financially, providing companionship to those who are lonely or troubled, offering resources and support to our neighbors locally and abroad, and caring for our planet.
We are always seeking new ways and opportunities to make a difference in our world. These activities are open to all.
[learn_more caption=”Adult Mission”] The Adult Mission group tries to provide a variety of trips locally, nationally, and internationally for adults who like to participate in these types of missions. Past trips have included visiting New Orleans and New Jersey to offer disaster relief help; South Dakota to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to do service projects such as wheelchair ramp construction and production of earth bricks (used in the construction of houses); and local Habitat for Humanity builds.
Often, these trips offer cultural exchange, touring, and educational opportunities for participants. The church provides some support in defraying costs and occasional scholarships for people who might not otherwise be able to participate.
For more information, contact the Adult Mission ministry leader through the church office at 846-3773. [/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Caring Connection”] Caring Connection is a group of caring adults who provide support to shut-ins and those in rehabilitation or assisted living facilities through visits, phone calls, and cards. Their companionship often comes with cookies.
The group also welcomes church visitors and new members, and delivers prayer shawls to those who are undergoing a difficult time. Part of the Caring Connection activities involves making meals for those who cannot do so themselves due to illness or some other incapacity. Caring Connection can also host funeral receptions if requested. Caring Connection is led by the pastors and meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month.
For more information, contact the pastors through the church office at 846-3773. [/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Earth Stewardship”] Earth Stewardship is a group of like-minded individuals from the church and the community who care about the resources of our earth. Through collaborations with public and private organizations, the group educates the public, connects people to work together on specific projects, and raises money to fund their work. The group formed the Royal River Alliance, whose purpose is to raise awareness of the Royal River ecosystem, including its life and natural processes, the conserved land along its banks, its connections to Casco Bay, and the current fisheries management.
The group’s current effort has been to raise awareness of the Royal River ecosystem, including its life and natural processes, the conserved land along its banks, its connections to Casco Bay, and the current fisheries management.
For more information, contact the Earth Stewardship ministry leaders through the church office at 846-3773. [/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Bean Supper”] Bean Suppers are held regularly throughout the year at First Parish. We do not view these suppers as fundraisers, but rather as opportunities to invite the public into our church to share a meal and fellowship.
The suppers are moderately priced and served family style. Leftovers provide meals for shelters and goods for the Yarmouth Food Pantry. There are many opportunities for volunteering to help at the suppers. We always need bean makers, as well as biscuit, coleslaw, and mac and cheese makers; pie makers; coffee servers; waiters and waitresses; dish washers; and folks to help with cleanup. This is a great way to get to know others in the church, as well as serve the public.
For more information, contact the Bean Supper ministry leader through the church office at 846-3773. To help at an upcoming bean supper, add your name to the Bean Supper sign-up sheet in the vestry. [/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Friendship House”] Friendship House is an organization in South Portland that is committed to helping men who are trying to overcome their addictions. They provide guidance, encouragement, and a family atmosphere in a home setting that is staffed by individuals who understand addiction and live with the guests.
First Parish supports Friendship House by providing them with a meal once a month. Each month, you can use the Friendship House sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the church vestry to volunteer to make part of the meal. One of the committee members then delivers the meal. The group always needs cooks and drivers.
For more information, contact the Friendship House ministry leader through the church office at 846-3773. [/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Project Holiday”] Project Holiday happens during Advent, when a tree is set up in Fellowship Hall displaying cards that reflect the gift wishes of local families in need for the holidays. Parishioners are invited to take cards from the tree and purchase the items they describe. They then wrap the gifts and return them to the church for distribution to the families. This is a holiday ministry for all ages.
For more information, watch for announcements in December, or contact the Project Holiday ministry leader through the church office at 846-3773. [/learn_more]
[learn_more caption=”Yarmouth Food Pantry”] First Parish houses the Yarmouth Food Pantry, which is located in the lower level of the church near the rear entrance. While not directly affiliated with First Parish, the Food Pantry is a great way for our parishioners to get involved with the community.
Open several days a week to residents of Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Cumberland, Pownal, and Freeport, the Pantry is staffed, supported, funded, and operated as a volunteer effort by members of those communities.
All are invited to contribute goods, money, and time to this effort. For more information, see the website http://www.firstparishyarmouth.org/yarmouth-community-food-pantry/ or contact the church office at 846-3773. [/learn_more]