The Outreach and Service Committee’s mission is to serve people in need. We do this by engaging our Church community in projects that empower people and provide for their necessities. We give aid - both service and financial - to local and global organizations that help the homeless, disadvantaged, disabled, unemployed, and oppressed. Additionally, we support stewardship of our planet, God’s creation.
Our Hands-on Outreach Includes:
The Open Door
We serve dinner on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (Feb. 12, Mar 12, Apr 9…) 2 volunteers are needed from 3:30-6:30 on each of those dates. You can sign up on our Sign Up Genius online or by speaking to Jim Brennan.
Manchester Essex Conservation Trust
We recently began to partner with MECT to do trail cleanup and stewardship projects.
Seaside Parish Knitters
We knit and crochet items for baptismal events at the church, shawls and blankets for friends at home, scarves, neck gators, and helmet liners for our veterans in combat, and mittens and hats for Cape Ann children. The Seaside Parish Knitters are always looking for knitting needles and yarn that you might be considering “casting” aside, especially wool. We welcome anyone wishing to join us.
Stephen's Ministry
First Parish Stephen Ministers are highly trained lay volunteers who stand ready to provide confidential, one on one presence and counsel for anyone facing a life challenge such as divorce, job loss, major illness, or bereavement, under the direction of our Minister. This service also provides referrals to local agencies which can provide tangible assistance for needs such as housing, energy, or medical care. This program is part of the national interdenominational Christian movement described here: stephenministries.org. If you or anyone you know might benefit from this service, please contact Rev. Katherine or Stephen Leaders Linda Crosby and Steve Carhart. To learn more, click here.
First Parish has continuing collections for –
- The Open Door Most needed items – canned chicken & tuna, peanut butter, healthy snacks, 100% juice boxes, cereal, hearty soups, canned fruits & veggies.
- Operation Troop Support Socks, and small board and card games.
- The Grace Center Gift Cards from local grocery markets for perishables like cream, butter, milk.
Drop items at the Chapel (inside and outside bins) and at the Church
Seasonal Activities
Throughout the year, our church provides direct support for children and families such as loaded school back packs, holiday baskets and presents, and winter clothes.
Each year we ask parishioners to donate requested items to create Holiday gift bags for seniors. We fill bags full of goodies that are distributed through the MBTS Council on Aging for a holiday treat.
Our financial outreach includes direct donations & gift cards to:
Lifebridge North Shore A non-profit that 
supports homeless and vulnerable individuals on their path to recovery, stability, and hope. By offering shelter, housing, meals, and other supportive services, Lifebridge promotes safety and physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health in the community.
- The organization’s Main Campus in Salem provides emergency shelter, showers, and permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. At this location, anyone in the community (housed or unhoused) can eat free and nutritious community meals and use the Day Center to relax, escape bad weather, charge a phone, use the restrooms, or get support from a case manager.
- River House in Beverly is the only women’s shelter on the North Shore with room for 14 women (in times of heightened need up to 17). 30% of River House clients have escaped domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking and some struggle with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Residents receive one-on-one case management services. Since the shelter opened in September 2023, 75% of tenants have transitioned to permanent housing with on-going case management support.
- The Grace Center in Gloucester provides a safe environment during the day where those in need can eat free and healthy breakfasts and lunches. In addition, the Grace Center offers case management and referrals to partner agencies, as well as training for professional and personal skills.
You can support this organization through financial donations, collections for items needed in the shelters, or through hands-on services (https://lifebridgenorthshore.org/donate/#give-now). For further information and/or on how to get involved please contact Christiane Alsop.
Other organizations we support:
- Action, Inc. (Homeless)
- American Legion - Amaral Bailey Post 113 (Veterans)
- Operation Troop Support (Veterans)
- Beverly Bootstraps (Homeless)
- Wellspring House, with a location in Gloucester, integrates job training for adults and young adults, education, skills development and homelessness prevention services, making it possible for people to achieve financial security by earning a living wage. Their comprehensive programs and resources use personalized support that enables participants to navigate through barriers that hold them back from reaching their goals.
- Elevate New England (Youth Enrichment)
- Gloucester Office for Veteran Services (Veterans)
- Habitat for Humanity (Homeless / Poverty)
- Heifer International (Hunger / Poverty)
- United Church of Christ (National and Global Outreach)
- Manchester Essex Conservation Trust (Climate / Environmental)
- The Open Door in Gloucester (Hunger / Poverty)
