Community Outreach
Guided by the social teachings of Jesus, the Mission Social Justice team provides leadership on social justice issues through service, advocacy, and faith. We engage the church and greater community through projects and initiatives that address the dignity and rights of those in greatest need.
With mission at the center of the our work, combined, with input from the Congregation on pressing needs, the entire team is currently engaged in the following projects intended to make a difference in the church community.
We are honored to be a founding member of Interfaith Community Services (ICS). We participate in several ICS ongoing projects, some of which are listed below.
Haven House Meals
Six times a year FCCE volunteers prepare and serve a dinner meal for those who reside at Haven House, which is part of Interfaith Community Services. During COVID we were unable to serve in person. Instead, a special offering was collected from the congregation and given to “Meals in a Pinch”.
Holiday Adopt-a-Family
campaign identifies individuals and families to be matched
with FCCE adopters who helped fulfill their modest holiday gift wishes.
Canned Food Drives
Includes canned soup donations on Super Bowl Sunday and Clear the Pantry drive in April. The food is donated to both Foundation Matthew 633 and ICS for use in their food distribution operations.
Make It A Home
Donations of small kitchen appliances, furniture, linens, and other like items that help fill a small apartment for individuals who qualify for ICS housing.
Foundation Matthew 633
Foundation Matthew 633 (FM633) is in a 501 (C) (3) non-profit entity that partners with FCCE and the North County Food Bank, several Vons stores in North County, Red Lobster, and St. Michael’s Parish to distribute food on Monday and Friday mornings to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers help fill grocery bags with fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, and prepared food, and load into cars. Diapers are always available for distribution to those who need them.
La Paloma Book Club
Education Begins in The Home
A North County San Diego nonprofit dedicated to helping improve the literacy level of children is providing age and grade level appropriate books at no cost to children in our local community. The books are distributed on Mondays and Friday mornings at Plymouth House.
Neighbors in Need
Supports ministries of justice and compassion and is focused on projects that serve homeless and immigrant neighbors.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Supports the disaster, refugee, and development
ministries of the Wider Church Ministries
Strengthen the Church
This offering supports congregations across the UCC
through providing grants and other resources to grow
the church in the community.
Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross
Is a special offering that provides care for active and retired clergy and lay employees by providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premium
Our Church's Wider Mission
Provides funds in all the ways the church strives together
to be the church the world needs.
First Congregational Church of Escondido
