Once upon a time, the community of FCC Bristol took care of all of the needs of our Bristol neighbors – maintaining the roads and schools, providing a place to gather for worship and community meetings, helping to feed people physically and spiritually. Now, we are honored to be in partnership with many wonderful non-profits as we continue to care for people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Building on the collection that began with FCC’s 275th anniversary in 2022, each month FCC collects items to support one of our community partners.
Every year, we ask Agape House, Brian’s Angels, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Meals for Neighbors Dinners & Food Pantry, Neighborhood Promise, Prudence Crandall Domestic Violence Center, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent DePaul Homeless Shelter for the items their clients need most.
Throughout the year, the 275+ collection might be diapers and wipes for Gloria Dei’s monthly distribution; non-perishables for Meals for Neighbor’s Food Pantry; or ready to eat foods for Agape House and Brian’s Angels day warmer centers for those without housing.
Every other Friday, with a few holiday exceptions, CT Mobile Foodshare comes to FCC’s parking lot with a no questions asked, outdoor “farmers market”. Items offered typically include fresh produce and other perishable foods. Please check CT Foodshare’s website for dates and additional locations.
Meals for Neighbors serves dinner Monday-Wednesday, 4:30-5:15pm. St. Vincent DePaul (SVDP) serves dinner for those staying at the shelter on weekends. On a regular schedule, teams from FCC go to Meals for Neighbors and SVDP to prepare and serve dinner. Please check the calendar under Events for future dates and details on how to get involved.
The thirteen churches of the Farmington Valley Association of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ gather twice a year for dinner, business, and fellowship. Every summer, the churches of the Farmington Valley Association also plan a mission trip for those 14 and older to put our Christian love in action.
On the first Saturday in December, it is FCC’s tradition to host a Festival of Food Creations to raise money and awareness for St. Vincent DePaul Homeless Shelter. Please click here to see pictures of last year’s creations, find an application for this year’s Festival, and learn more.
Every spring, volunteers plant vegetables in the First Fruit Garden and then throughout the summer and into September, these vegetables are watered, weeded, and harvested to share with feeding centers, such as Meals for Neighbors, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent DePaul Homeless Shelter in Bristol.
Partnering with the Family Resource Center of the Bristol Public Schools, FCC provides Christmas gifts and Easter baskets for children whose families can use a little extra support and generosity.
Partnering with other churches in the United Church of Christ, FCC participates in special offerings throughout the year to raise money for Neighbors in Need; the Christmas Fund for retired clergy, church staff, and their partners; One Great Hour of Sharing, and Strengthen the Church. For more information about these special offerings, click here.
Throughout the school year, FCC shops for and delivers perishable fruits and vegetables to Bristol area schools to be included in the weekend backpacks for children who are food insecure.
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The First Congregational Church, UCC Bristol, CT