Congregational United Church of Christ
Newton, Iowa
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome!
God Is Still Speaking!
Come Listen with Us!
AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION
Service and Outreach to Our Local Neighbors
Jasper County
Animal Rescue League
On the third Sunday of each month we collect items to help the Jasper County Animal Rescue League (JCARL). Their current wish list is: paper towels, garbage bags, raw hides (for big dogs and small), peanut butter, bleach, dish soap, Fabuloso (the purple kind), laundry soap, liquid hand soap, rubber gloves, kitty litter, canned shredded and filet cat food, canned dog food (Purina), dry dog food (Purina), and dry cat food (Indoor Purina).
Food Pantry Sundays
The first Sunday of each month we receive donations for the Salvation Army Food Pantry. The Salvation Army is in special need of pasta sauce, tuna helper (not hamburger), canned soups, cereal, and boxed macaroni & cheese. Of course, other canned or packaged foods are always accepted. They also need any kind of personal care items such as diapers, bath soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and laundry soap.
Cleaning Project
with Progress Industries
Our congregation works with PI participants and staff for a church cleaning project. Through this partnership, a small group from PI does some light cleaning and dusting in the sanctuary, library and other areas of the church building. This ministry takes place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10:00am. Thank you to Heidi Grandstaff-Fresh for her willingness to work with PI to continue this ministry.
“Doggone Good Treats” Project
We partner with Progress Industries to make and bake all natural dog treats takes place on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 1:30pm. PI participants and church members Stormy Storms, Marti Barker, and Suzanne Van Zandt work together to mix ingredients, roll out the dough, use cookie cutters to make bone-shaped treats, and bake them with assistance from a PI staff person.
The dog treats are then transported either to JCARL or to the Farmer’s Market where donations are accepted for the bagged treats. The funds received will go to JCARL. Obviously, this combined PI and CUCC project has resulted in many happy dogs and dog owners and will surely do the same into the future!
Christmas Gifts
for Nelson Manor Residents
As a member of Mission Coalition, our church members purchase Christmas gifts for residents of Nelson Manor during the holiday season. Volunteers sign up to purchase a gifts requested by residents and then bring the wrapped gifts to the church for delivery to Nelson Manor so that they have their gifts in time for their holiday celebration. This is a simple and meaningful way to spread a bit of joy during the holidays.
Body Shop Collection
We take up a collection of items for the “Body Shop” at Newton High School three times during the school year (the second Sunday in March, September and December). The Body Shop is a method of providing high school students with personal care items and cleaning/hygiene supplies at no cost. The shop is free and open to any high school student.
The supplies that they can use include such things as shampoo and conditioners, razors and shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, body wash and body spray. Sarah Patterson, the high school coordinator of the program, says that like teenagers everywhere, students prefer brand name and good smelling stuff. They also prefer body wash to bar soap. She has plenty of trial/hotel sizes and hopes that we will donate regular size products.
McCann Flea Market
The McCann Flea Market is held each year on the third Saturday in October from 9:00am-2:00pm. Our congregation contributes to the sale by to baking eight pies to donate to t he back sale. In recent years, the proceeds have gone in memorial to Shirley Dont’s causes, which are the Sacred Heart Meal Ministry, Salvation Army Food Pantry, and IMPACT (formerly RRACAP). We are grateful to Stormy Storms, who organizes our congregation's contribution each year.
The Caring Crew
The Caring Crew is the name given to several members who call on those of the congregation who are unable to attend worship. The present group consists of Marti Barker, Duane & Carolyn Hobbs, and Tom Turk.
Other than occasional visits, we usually accompany Rev. Jessica when she offers home communion. Anyone in the congregation is welcome to become part of the crew. Also, we welcome suggestions of those who may want visitors. Please contact Carolyn Hobbs for more information.
