Come Join Us!
Open and Affirming
All are welcome!
Participate in one of our many ministries!
Open and Affirming
All are welcome!
Yes, we want you!
Open and Affirming
All are welcome!

Outreach/Fellowship Ministries

First Congregational Church UCC of South Haven strives to support and promote the following Ministries and Outreach/Fellowship Groups.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate in any or all of the groups as able.

Bike Group

Our bike group is a very loosely organized group of people who enjoy spending time together on their bikes.  We encourage all adult and family cyclists to join us; there is someone with whom to ride at all ability levels.

All local rides leave from the church parking lot and typically last 1-4 hours.  We will vary the destination according to road/trail conditions utilizing the KalHaven Trail, VanBuren Trail, or local roads including the North Shore Loop, Covert and Van Buren State Park areas.

Ride Schedule (dependent upon weather)

  • Sundays at 2PM
  • (Please call the Church for an accurate departure time.)

Additional rides may be organized upon request.

If you would like to be added to the Bike Group Email List please contact Chuck and Nancy Garber.

Cub/Boy Scouts

First Congregational Church is the charter organization for Cub Scout Pack 188 and Boy Scout Troop 188.

Cub Scout Pack 188

Boys and Girls in Kindergarten through fifth grade are able to participate in Cub Scouts.  Cubs are organized by grades into Dens.  All the Dens meet once a month for a Pack Meeting at the church.  The rest of the month, they meet as dens, sometimes at the church and sometimes elsewhere.

  • Lions Cubs (Kindergarten) – In this age group, boys and girls work with a parent or adult partner.   The group usually meets once a month for an activity.  
  • Tiger Cubs (1st Grade) – In this age group, boys and girls work with a parent or adult partner.   The group will usually have a meeting at the church and a field trip (called “Go See It”).   These are to places like the library, fire station and other areas in town.
  • Wolf Cubs (2nd Grade) – A Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader organize the individual meetings.  Both at home with parents and during Den meetings, the Scouts  work on achievements toward their Wolf Badge.
  • Bear Cubs (3rd Grade) – Bear Cubs is similar to the Wolf Cubs in that a Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader organize the individual meetings.   During this year, the Scouts work on achievements toward their Bear Badge.
  • Webelos – (4th & 5th Grade) – Webelos is a two year program.  The boys now work toward a Webelos Badge and individual Activity Pins in a wide range of subjects.  Not all Scouts need to earn the same pins.   Many of the activities take more than one meeting and most require work at home.  There is still a Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader to guide the boys.  One of the goals of Webelos is to earn the Arrow of Light Award, which is the highest award in Cub Scouting.   It requires earning a number of Activity Pins and knowledge of scouting.  Webelos often ends by March or April of fifth grade, as this is when the Scouts can cross over to Boy Scouts.

For more information about Cub Pack 188 please contact:

Boy Scout Troop 188

Boy Scouting is one of the traditional membership divisions of the Boy Scouts of America.  The program achieves the BSA’s objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness.   Troop 188 has an outdoor activity each month and will go camping many months of the year.   They are active in service projects around South Haven.

It is available to boys and girls who have reached at least one of the following criteria:

  • Have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old
  • Have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old
  • Are at least 11 years old, but not yet 18 years old

Meetings:  Currently the Troop is meeting on Sunday evenings at the church at 6 p.m.

For more information about Boy Scout Troop 188 please contact:

Food Pantry

At the First Congregational Church Food Pantry we are dedicated to providing food to our most needy families within the greater South Haven area.  We provide nutritionally balanced and complete meal packages.

Starting January 2024, the South Haven First Congregational Church food pantry will only be able to serve people living in: 49013 Bangor, 49026 Bloomingdale, 49027  Breedsville, 49043 Covert, 49056 Grand Junction, 49063 Lacota, 49090 South Haven and 49416 Glenn.   This is consistent with the area served by the We Care Community Resource Center.

Our food stock is obtained through We Care partner churches, community organizations, the South Haven Farmers Market, and individuals who donate food items as well as provide financial support.

In addition to the normal pantry, this ministry also distributes Thanksgiving Baskets and Christmas Baskets.  On various occasions throughout the year, we host the Feeding America Truck that distributes 5000 pounds of food to needy families.

Thousands of individuals benefit from this pantry every year.

Pantry Schedule: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon – Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Food Pantry Volunteer Leaders:  Ann & Scott Raue, Don Kitchin, Cathy Siler, Georgia Yurkinas, Dave and Sue Murphey

Our staff of countless volunteers are committed to helping alleviate hunger in the South Haven area. We hope to make a difference for people who are going through difficult times.  Please contact the church office (269-637-3804) or We Care Resource Center (http://www.wecare-inc.org/) if you would like to volunteer or know of someone in need.

Please consider making a financial donation to the pantry this year. Checks should be sent to First Congregational Church and can be made out to First Congregational Church Food Pantry or to First Congregational Church with We Care food pantry in memo line.

If you would prefer to donate food, items that are always needed include soup, cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, beef stew, pasta, peanut butter, and tuna.

 

Garden Club

The South Haven Garden Club generally meets at our church at 12:30 PM on the 2nd Monday of every month.  Participating in various events and activities throughout the year, their mission is “to educate and beautify.”   

To learn more about this wonderful group of people or get involved yourself, please visit their website:

 

 

Girl Scouts

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912.  Today it is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts consisting of nearly 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries. The mission of Girl Scouts is to “build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts Organization strives to be the premier leadership organization for girls, and experts on their growth and development.”

Our church has supported Girl Scouts for many years and frequently opens its doors to provide meeting locations for this well-esteemed and valuable organization.

For more information please visit their website:

Men's Breakfast and Coffee

All men are invited to participate in these fellowship opportunities.  Just meet us at the church at the designated time.  From week to week, our group size varies, as does our conversation.  We’d love to have you join us!

  • Wednesdays 9:00 AM – Fellowship Hall (breakfast)
  • Thursdays 9:00 AM – Fellowship Hall (coffee only)

After the Wednesday breakfast, some group members stay over at the church to help with small maintenance tasks.  Once again, all are welcome!

Prayer Fellowship

Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Our Prayer Fellowship group meets every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the lounge. We discuss updates on those for whom we have been praying and also add new names and events that have been made known to us.

Call Nancy Garber for meeting location details.

Not only do we pray for those who suffer from illnesses or loneliness, but we also give praise for prayers answered, new births and the beginning of another day. We have those who pray out loud and those who pray silently. All are invited to join us as we talk with God.

You will notice that prayer request forms have been placed throughout the Sanctuary and also in the Narthex.  If you have a prayer request, you are encouraged to fill out a slip and place it in the collection plate or prayer request box in the Narthex.  Not only do we lift up our collections to God with praise, but also our prayer requests.

Prayer: The act of communicating with a deity or spirit in worship.[1] Specific forms of this may include praise, requesting guidance/assistance, or confessing sins. Praying can be done in public, as a group, or in private.

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

prayer shawl, in Christianity, is a piece of cloth blessed in honor of a saintangel, or deceased person. They are blessed by the clergy and can be informally blessed through prayer by the laity. They are to be given to a person who is ill, injured, or in bad fortune.[1] They may also be given to people for celebrating events such as childbirth, baptism, or confirmation. (Wikipedia)

First Congregational Church, UCC in South Haven, MI. has a growing Prayer Shawl Ministry. Many are needed to make this a success.

We are not limited to knitting or crocheting, so don’t worry if you are not handy in these areas.

We need people willing to:

  • purchase or donate money towards supplies.
  • knit/crochet or sew shawls (or learn this skill).
  • compose personal prayers.
  • deliver shawls.

The Lord calls us to minister in many different ways. Is this your calling? If you are interested in joining this group please contact the church office (637-3804) or Shirley Sollman (269-637-4868 H) (269-330-1432 C)

Centered on Wellness

A branch of Centered on Wellness Counseling of South West Michigan is located in our church. Established in 1974, this faith based counseling center strives to uphold its mission of “providing professional services that help to find a balance between spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, and relational elements.” They offer counseling, coaching, consulting, education and prevention services.  We are proud to have them share our building and benefit from their expertise.  For more information please contact the Centered on Wellness office. (269.637.6236)

Thursday Night Supper

Note: this outreach is temporarily discontinued.

November through March we host a dinner every Thursday evening at 6pm.

All are welcome to attend, especially those in need of extra help during these difficult times.  The Marcoux family, owners of Phoenix Street Café, a local restaurant here in South Haven, generously supplies the food for each dinner.  It is served in our Fellowship Hall here at First Congregational Church, by many individuals and groups of volunteers from throughout the community.

Some of the volunteers include: Kiwanis, Rotary, Beta Sigma Phi, St. Basil’s youth, Boy/Cub Scout troop 188, and members of our own congregation.

Through this ministry, 50-94 people are fed every Thursday night.

Care Team

The Care Team incorporates the following ministries:

  • Flower Ministry – provides a flower “pick-me-up” to our home bound members or those in need.
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry – provides a lovingly made and blessed prayer shawl to those going through difficult times.  It is meant as a reminder that they are loved and lifted up in prayers.
  • Card Ministry – provides “get well” or “thinking of you” cards on behalf of our church family.
  • Visitation – offering visits and phone calls to church members and friends.
  • Rides and special needs Ministry – rides to doctors appointments, errands, yard work, etc.
  • Meals Ministry – provides meals for people recovering after a hospital visit or traumatic life event.

This Ministry supplements the congregational care provided by our minister and is offered by members with warm hearts and good listening skills. The Ministry is flexible: volunteers may participate regularly or only occasionally, as they have time. If you would like to become part of this vital ministry of caring please let us know. Current Care Team coordinators are Mary Pietenpol and Elaine Kitchin

If you know of someone who may be in need of our Care Team ministry or if you are in need yourself.  Please do not hesitate to contact us. (269-637-3804)

 

We Care Community Resource Center

We Care Community Resource Center is an ecumenical helping ministry in South Haven, Michigan.  First Congregational Church is proud to be one of the founding churches.  We regularly support this ministry with staff, funds, and volunteers.  The Food Pantry at our church is a part of We Care.

Mission: We Care Community Resource Center exists to serve all of our neighbors.  We accomplish this by:
  • Providing caring, professional conversations with individuals to determine the services needed.
  • Connecting people to resources available through the We Care office or through local churches and other non-profit organizations.
Vision: We Care envisions a community that works and acts together to love, value, and to serve our neighbors.
Values: Faith, Hospitality, Integrity, Love, Respect, Service, and Volunteerism.
We Care Community Resource Center shall operate exclusively for the purposes described in Section 501(c)(3) of the internal Revenue Code.

Launched in 1982 as an ecumenical project of area churches, the We Care Community Resource Center is a nonprofit with a simple mission: to be THE resource center for anyone in our area, serving all our neighbors. Whether you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer, donate or need assistance, We Care is here to help.

At the heart of our work are the almost three dozen pantries, ministries and programs, from food and personal hygiene pantries, to heat assistance and seasonal programs all coordinated through our centrally located offices. We Care has a variety of programs, all designed to assist people facing an emergent need, or to help fill the ongoing gap that exists for so many in our community.  The ALICE population (which stands for Assest Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is another segment of our communities that We Care works. 

In addition to connecting people with these ministries, We Care has partnered with a wide variety of human-service agencies, community organizations, support groups, and other resources in our area to better assist those who have a need. Don’t know where to go?  We’ll help you find the best resources for your unique situation, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

We Care also offers a plethora of volunteer opportunities – from working in one of the two offices, in any one of the pantries, or assisting clients through our programs.  We Care also offers annual workshops and special programs to the community, and to help those we serve  understand the circumstances surrounding poverty.  

Thanks to the generosity of countless volunteers and donors, every year We Care is able offer a helping hand to meet over 700 needs a month.  Amazingly, during the COVID-19 crisis, We Care has served over 1,000 families a month.  This amounted to over 5000 adults and children.  Currently, we are meeting over 10,000 needs a year.

Though we continue to be fueled by our faith tradition, We Care is an independent nonprofit that serves all people – period. Our goal is to imitate the life and teachings of Jesus by offering love, compassion and help to all. 

Do you, or does someone you know, need support? Are you looking for ways you can be involved? Call one of our offices for an appointment or stop in during office hours. We would be delighted to offer you a cup of coffee and a warm welcome! 

We Care Resource Center central office is located at:

1301 M-43 Hwy, Suite 2B
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-4342

wecare-inc.org

Womens Fellowship

“The purpose of Women’s Fellowship is to cultivate the spirit of Christ in every area of human life, beginning in our own lives and reaching into home, community and the outermost part of the earth.”

All women of the congregation are automatically members of Women’s Fellowship. We encourage all women to participate and bring visitors.

Please call the church office to find out about additional activities/meeting times.

Activities include:

  • Interacting with guest speakers
  • Assembling of special projects (baby layettes, school kits, health kits and hospital gowns)
  • Organizing and staffing the Spring and Fall rummage sales
  • Providing funeral luncheons or meals for other special events

Please Join us for one or all of these activities!

See what we have been up to: Click Here

Women's Breakfast

The women from First Congregational Church are currently meeting on Wednesday morning at 9:00 at Golden Brown bakery.

There is no obligation. Meet with us one Wednesday or every Wednesday. The group is never the same.

Enjoy a great breakfast with great conversations and fellowship.

 

Youth

Information coming soon.

See what we have been up to: Click Here

Mission Board

The Mission Board has a new mission project each month. In June of 2018 we are finishing up our diaper drive for H.O.P.E. which helps young mothers who may need extra supplies or advice.

In June our mission project is Strengthen the Church. Information on this project can be found by going to:   ucc.org/stc

See what we have been up to: Click Here