Outreach
Mission through service and mutual care is an important aspect of our identity as disciples of Christ.
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Many in our congregation work, whether full-time or part-time, with Christian Peacemaker Teams, an organization committed to violence reduction and nonviolent peacemaking in militarized zones and crisis situations around the world. We have been part of peacemaking teams in Palestine, Colombia, along the U.S.-Mexico border, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Chicago
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Our church serves as the supporting congregation for a Mennonite Voluntary Service unit located in the Pilsen neighborhood. Volunteers work in organizations across the city of Chicago as well as in our church, extending the mission and ministry of our congregation.
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We share a building with First Church of the Brethren and La Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Esperanza and enjoy opportunities to worship together and partner in ministry. We plug into the East Garfield Park neighborhood, where the church building is located, in a number of ways. In the summer we grow fresh produce in a community garden next to the church.
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Another way we partner with our sister congregations is through our mutual support for Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR). DOOR-Chicago's office and programming is run out of the church building. Current and past members have served as directors, summer staff, board members and chairpersons. We have also served as a congregational home for yearlong Dwell participants.
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A number of us have worked with Mennonite Central Committee, an international relief and development organization. We have served in the Philippines, Mozambique, Mexico, Kenya and Indian reservations located in the U.S. We stay connected with the work of MCC through our relationship with the Great Lakes office and donating relief kits, school kits and other material aid.
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We actively participate in Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA and our members have served on numerous conference-wide committees as well as on the board.
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We also relate to congregations in the Chicago metropolitan region, including regular participation in the gathering of Chicago Area Mennonites, an annual blueberry-picking trip to Rehoboth Mennonite Church and Camp, and occasional opportunities for joint worship, education and service.
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