FIRST CHURCH INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK Twice a year First Church takes its turn hosting several homeless families (up to 14 people) as overnight guests in our building. This highly successful program helps carefully selected families on their way back to self sufficiency. Dozens of volunteers provide meals, serve as hosts and do many support tasks. David and Anne Marchant and Marianne Thomas are recent coordinators.

LA ROMANA MISSION Week long mission trips in March to the Dominican Republic help to build a hospital and bring direct medical care to poor Haitians in rural sugar cane villages. Medical personnel, folk with construction skills, and most anyone in reasonably good health can contribute. It's a vacation you'll never forget! Others help with local fundraising efforts. Contact Jonathan Wright-Gray.

PALM SUNDAY PROMENADE FOR PEOPLE Sterling 's ecumenical walk on Palm Sunday raises thousands of dollars to help people locally and even in our Sister Village in Guatemala . The walk will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, and you can join a dedicated and experienced group of people as they find creative ways to keep it expanding. Paul and Susan Jones are the First Church contacts.

SERRV FAIR TRADE HANDCRAFTS Volunteers are invited to help with the periodic sales of craft items from around the world. The sales benefit craft makers in third world countries by marketing their items at a fair profit. Profits from the sales here are donated to other charitable causes. Janet Baker is the coordinator.

BLOOD DRIVES Volunteers help staff some of the non-medical functions of putting on a local blood drive, usually held in July. Linda Holman is the coordinator.

STERLING COMMUNITY THEATER This church based group reaches out to the community with high quality dramatic and musical productions. Both children and adults, actors and non-actors, can get involved with the many aspects of a putting a show together. For more information contact Gordon Smith or visit www.sterlingtheatre.com .

TREASURERS OF THE COMMUNITY AUCTION An energetic volunteer group organizes this major fundraising event each spring. A dinner-dance and auction are heald in early May to support IHN, La Romana Mission and First Church community outreach. Contact Linda Davis or Phil Holman for more information.

VILLAGE GREEN PRESCHOOL For over 20 years this nationally accredited church sponsored program has provided a quality service to families with young children in Sterling and beyond. A volunteer committee supports the school in various ways. Linda Greene is the director.

CUB PACK 34 & BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 First Church has a long tradition of sponsoring these scouting units, which serve over 80 boys in our community. Contact committee chairman Charlie Kretz who can tell you how to become part of the large team of volunteers that make these programs successful.

WORKDAYS FOR ADULTS AND YOUTH IN SERVICE (WAYS) On the last Saturday in April and the last Saturday in October, volunteers of all skill levels help to fix up homes for the elderly and others in need, or work at an area social service agency. A chance to join with folks from other churches through the Worcester Area Mission Society. Contact Shantia Wright-Gray or Mellyn Shurtleff .