Outreach Ministries Under Current Church Structure

In recent years, we have been experimenting with new ways to do church business. Under the current model, there are two main ministries: Outreach and Nurturing. Outreach, in this context, includes evangelism, fellowship, and mission. Nurturing includes Christian Education, Worship and the arts.

Disciples House

Big dreams became a reality, in 2005, when we were able to move a house slated for demolition onto our church property.  With the help of countless volunteers from the community, the old house became Disciples House, a charming, comfortable 3 bedroom home.  Disciples House is now a part of the Interfaith Coalition's Family Housing Program.

Crop Walk

The Crop Walk of Whatcom County is an annual occurrence started in 2005. 80 percent of the funds have gone to Church World Service and the remainder to local food banks (Bellingham Food Bank, Maple Valley Inn, and Ferndale Food Bank). We look forward to participating again on September 28, 2008.

Community Garden

A group from First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), broke ground in May 2007 to get dirty, enjoy the sunshine and rain, and create community. We have been dreaming and planning the garden for more than three years.

One of the members attended a 3-day workshop in Portland, OR called “Back to the Garden” sponsored by the Disciples Homeland Ministries in 2005. We were inspired to create a garden on our property to serve the neighborhood.

Our church occupies a portion of several acres next door to the Spring Creek Retirement Center,and near several apartment complexes and retail businesses. Offering a place to plant flowers, vegetables, or fruit seemed to be a logical step in inviting our neighbors to meet each other as well as care for and watch out for others. We felt that gardening on some of the under-used land would help our community and be better stewards of our resources.

Providing extra produce to people in need is another goal for our community garden. We plan to donate food to the local food banks as well as the hot meal programs that serve meals to needy people in Whatcom County. Of course, participants will also enjoy much of the produce.

We hope to have a space for friendship, helpful resources, guidance and just great community building. To achieve this goal, we need you to participate! If you are interested in having a plot or volunteering to help with any aspect of the community garden, please fill out the application available at the church office and let us know what you would like to do.

Cold Weather Shelter

Members of our congregation (among others) participate in this program of the Interfaith Coalition. Shelter is provided in two local churches for homeless men, women and children during periods of very cold weather.