The Board of Outreach Mission Statement Bylaws of West Parish of Barnstable, May 2, 1993 The mission of the Board of Outreach of West Parish of Barnstable is to encourage personal, group and congregational participation in local, national and worldwide ministries as set forth in the bylaws. The board develops a vision and a plan of action for making that vision real. The board provides information to and seeks input from the church as a whole, as well as from church organizations, including children and youth, in creating and carrying out this plan. The board is responsible for educating and informing the congregation about mission opportunities and progress. It does so through placing articles and reports in church publications, providing special literature, bringing in guest speakers and films, sponsoring field trips, creating forums for discussion and speaking to church groups and to the congregation as a whole. The board is responsible for encouraging support of mission enterprises with time, money, and expertise. It does so by promoting volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, sponsoring special offerings, providing opportunities to participate in fundraising activities, and advocating line-item annual budget support. In carrying out its mission for the congregation of West Parish of Barnstable, the Board of Outreach seeks above all to lead the parish into visible and physical manifestations of commitment to the teachings and understanding of our mission in the world, as followers of Jesus Christ. BUDGETED MISSIONS Barnstable Association of the UCC (support for costs of the Barnstable Association and some of the Massachusetts Conference expenses) Homeland Mission (Charles Hall Youth Services) World Mission (Ahmednagar College) Theological Seminaries (Andover Newton, Hartford, Bangor) Friends of Prisoners
Education for Peace Cape Cod Homeless (Housing Assistance and Council of Churches) Cape Cod Council Churches United Church of Christ (Our Church’s Wider Mission-Basic Support) SPECIAL OFFERINGS AND FUNDRAISERS Cape Walk for the Homeless to benefit Housing Assistance Corporation. Heifer Walk to benefit Heifer International held annually in May. Neighbors in Need - UCC Homeland Mission. This offering is received on Thanksgiving Sunday. Veterans of the Cross - UCC Retired Clergy. This offering is received on Christmas Sunday. Thanksgiving offering - proceeds go to the Service Center Food Pantry. Christmas Eve offering - proceeds go to homeless ministries of the Cape Cod Council of Churches and Housing Assistance Corporation. One Great Hour of Sharing - UCC Worldwide Mission. This offering is received on Palm Sunday and Easter. Food is collected weekly for the Council of Churches’ Service Center. A cash box is provided for those wishing to donate funds to be used for food purchases. CHURCH GROUPS Several groups support the overall mission of our parish. The Women’s Guild, Men’s Association, Youth Group, Family School, and others raise and send money and provide other forms of support to various agencies and groups. The Board of Outreach maintains liaison with these groups to both coordinate and inform the process. The Family School is itself a mission of West Parish. The Family School Board oversees the school, and the Board of Outreach affirms its important work. |