Fellowship
Below is a list of mission and volunteer opportunities that may be available through First Christian Church. For more information contact the church office at 503-228-9211 or email at questions@fccpdx.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The love of knitting is combined with prayer as a way to reach out to those in need of comfort and solace. As a wrap is knitted, prayers and blessings for the recipient are weaved into the shawl. Knitters will work at home, but meet once a month to check-in with each other. This ministry is an adaptation of an ancient Hebrew tradition dating to the time of Moses. Scholars believe that Jesus wore a prayer shawl and that the persons who were healed by touching His garments were actually touching His prayer shawl, especially the tassels along the edge or hem.
Hospital Ministry
First Christian Church’s ministers participate in a lively Hospital Ministry. They visits church members, non-members, and their families when they are hospitalized or homebound. If you or someone you know are coming to Portland for hospitalization, please let us know.
Prayer Force
We are very blessed to have many successful prayer activities at our church which are devoted to meditation and/or prayer for individuals. To complement and coordinate these efforts, the Prayer Force will be praying about specific goals, needs and requests from various FCC groups and ministries.
Sew and Sew’s
This FCC sewing/quilting group creates clothes for teddy bears, lap quilts, and other hand-crafted items, which are donated to local hospitals and domestic violence shelters.
Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement Program
In partnership with SOAR and other local agencies, First Christian Church provides assistance to refugees resettling in the Portland area. Sponsors create a hospitable environment for refugees and provide for material needs upon their arrival to the United States. Sponsors also help refugees find affordable housing, greet refugees at the airport, help with transportation, and assist with other tasks necessary to a new life.
FCC Member to Member and Member to Neighbor Fund
Provides emergency monies to FCC members and non-members, on a need-by-need basis.
Portland Christian Campus Ministry
First Christian Church is one of three denominations collaborating to provide a Christian campus ministry at Portland State University. Carol Joy Brendlinger is campus minister.
Oregon Food Bank
A community-based non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and its root causes. Several times a year FCC members volunteer at the Food Bank.
www.oregonfoodbank.org
Northwest Pilot Project
Provides support and assistance to elderly, disabled and poor people in downtown Portland, in an effort to maintain their independence. The FCC Christian Women’s/Men’s Fellowship (CW/CMF) group collects donations and creates monthly “Kitchen Starter Kits” for Northwest Pilot Project’s Housing Program.
www.nwpilotproject.org
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
A statewide association of 17 Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox bodies, committed to working with congregations, ecumenical and interfaith organizations and individuals to mobilize the faith community of Oregon.
www.emoregon.org
Week of Compassion
A division of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), working ecumenically to offer assistance to those affected by emergencies, natural disasters and related humanitarian crises around the world, including social upheaval, poverty, hunger and injustice.
www.weekofcompassion.org
Habitat for Humanity
A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization that welcomes all people to help build affordable housing in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. In the past FCC has joined efforts to build a NE Portland house.
www.habitat.org (National Organization)
www.pdxhabitat.org (Local Portland Affiliate)
Raphael House
An intervention agency for women and children escaping domestic violence, working to eliminate causes of family and intimate partner violence. This is accomplished by providing housing, case management, counseling, information and referrals, community education and specially designed support services to enhance each housing program.
www.raphaelhouse.com
Transition Projects
The largest provider of shelter and emergency care for homeless, single adults in the Portland metropolitan area.
www.tprojects.org
Goose Hollow Family Shelter
A temporary emergency shelter at Portland’s First United Methodist Church. Homeless families from throughout the metropolitan area are provided with food, hot showers, laundry, sleeping areas and constructive activities for children. FCC members volunteer at the shelter one Tuesday evening a month.
www.fumcpdx.org/GooseHollowFamilyShelter/
Janus Youth Programs
Provides quality community-based services that “push the limits” in addressing issues facing children, youth and families. The agency faces the challenge of working with high-risk youth, juvenile offenders, inner city youth and families in crisis, school dropouts and homeless and runaway youth, many of whom have no other resources, no other family.
www.jyp.org
Portland Rescue Mission
Ministers to a diverse, homeless population that includes younger men, women with children, families, the mentally ill, the drug addicted, the handicapped, veterans and members of all races.
www.pdxmission.org
