Community Ministries

"A chance to give back."
"Make a difference."
"You receive more than you give."
"Pay it forward."

These are some of the trendy ways people today talk about serving. We prefer the way Jesus said it in the Story of the Good Samaritan: Love your neighbor as you love yourself. The Lord's love in our hearts transcends any motivations based merely on social obligation or seeking a warm feeling. Civic duty is pretty boring compared with the devotion to Christ that energizes a believer's service. Whatever you do for one of the least of these . . . you do for me. As The Fellowship gets more and more involved in community ministries, we are learning to be . . . The Church Without Walls.

As we try to find ways to help people in the compassionate Spirit of Jesus, the following list of community partnerships is one result. We know them to be worthy opportunities. You are encouraged to explore and get involved.

A WOMAN'S CONCERN. A group of five pregnancy health centers in the region, specializing in meeting needs in a crisis pregnancy. 617-825-0838 www.awomansconcern.org

AGAPE FUND. Crisis help, holiday baskets, and other resources. Call Jane Natola, 508-238-7998.

ANGEL TREE. Christmas gifts and other help for children of prisoners and others. Call Trish Hawksley (508-261-6157) or Melinda Butt (508-543-7961).

BETHEL MEDICAL GROUP. Physicians provide family health care, but with a Christian foundation and message. 508-588-1200

BROCKTON CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. In the heart of Brockton, for grades K-8. 508-588-4669

CHARIS COUNSELING SERVICE. Fully trained & licensed counselors who address a range of needs from a Christ-centered standpoint. Appointments in Easton or Middleboro. Call 508-947-1901 or see Charis leaflet.

CHILDREN'S HAVEN. For over a century, clubs, tutoring, camps, and other activities reaching urban children on the mean streets of Boston & Worcester, 508-476-7766.

EMMANUEL GOSPEL CENTER. Multi-faceted, in-depth ministry serving the homeless, ethnic churches, urban youth, and much more. 617-262-4567 www.egc.org

EASTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. Community wide network of volunteers to build affordable homes for those otherwise unable to own a home. Call Alan Siegel (508-238-0406) or Ed Meade (508-543-8138).

IVCF AT WHEATON. The student led Christian Fellowship at Wheaton College (Norton) is helped by IVCF staffer.

JESUS' FOLLOWERS. A special needs ministry for children and adults with mental disabilities, led by Pete & Sandy Willis 508-828-2603.

OPEN FRIENDSHIP GROUPS. Home hosted gatherings bring neighbors and church acquaintances together for deeper friendships and for exploring God's Word. See leaflet "Where Learning Warms Up".

PIONEER CLUBS. For each age from 4 years through grade 5, a club of Bible based activities, serving children from across the community. Tuesday evenings. Call Rita MacKinnon, 508-230-3692

PLYMOUTH JAIL CHAPLAIN. Dan Croce provides church services, Bible studies, discipleship and other ministries to prisoners. To help, call 781-871-4477.

PRISON MINISTRIES. Several from our church lead Bible studies or other ministries among incarcerated adults or teens. Call Ken Adams (508-285-5390).

TEEN CHALLENGE. No longer primarily for teens, this is a Bible-based residential program for recovery from addictions to drugs. 508-586-1494. www.teenchallenge.com

JONI AND FRIENDS GREATER BOSTON. We partner with Joni and Friends ministries that helps churches develop ministries to people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. www.joniandfriends.org or call Linda Smith, 617-723-1750

OTHER. "Christian ministry to community needs" is not limited to volunteer work. A number of professionals in our church understand their employment as social workers, educators, medical personnel, non-profit staff, etc. as a spiritual ministry to those in need.