Ways to Give

Amanda Osterby was a beloved young woman in our congregation. Her courageous battle with cancer inspired our Christian community and upon her passing, this Amanda Osterby Fund was established to support the needs of critically ill children in our church and community.

Financial gifts given to the Book of Remembrance allow a loved one to be remembered at the time of their passing. Their name is written in the Book of Remembrance, and funds given are used to purchase lasting gifts that support the entire First Congregational Church community. In the past, Book of Remembrance gifts have purchased a new sound system for the Sanctuary, created handicap accessible bathrooms, and provided the Nursery ministry with fire evacuation cribs.

1. Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and the anniversaries of a loved ones passing are special moments to remember. There are four opportunities to honor or remember loved ones. 2. Christmas Flowers: Poinsettias are given during the Advent and Christmas seasons to honor or remember loved ones. The poinsettias are used to decorate the Sanctuary for worship and are given to our homebound members. Please contact the church office for more information. 3. Easter Flowers: Easter lilies and other spring flowers are given for Easter Sunday to honor or remember loved ones. The flowers are then delivered to homebound members. Please contact the church office for more information. 4. Flowers for Sunday morning worship: Throughout the year, flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor or remembrance of loved ones. Please contact the church office for more information. 5. Tower Lightings: For $5, you may also choose to “light” the FCC bell tower on a specific date to honor a special occasion.

The Outreach and Service Committee donates to local and global non-profits that transform the world with love. Designated gifts may be given to any of their current outreach ministries. Learn more about our outreach initiatives.

The Silver Lake Fund provides the opportunity for youth from FCC to attend summer camp at Silver Lake Conference Center, our United Church of Christ Outdoor Ministry in Sharon, CT. In this holy place, youth and adults are nurtured in their love of God, love of neighbor, and love of creation. Learn more about Silver Lake.

Through gifts to the Special Music Fund, FCC is able to host special concert series, provide special musicians for worship, and purchase and repair FCC’s instruments, which include three pianos, djembe drums, tone chimes, and handbells.

The MEA fund provides one time, emergency assistance grants to active members of FCC who have encountered a time of financial difficulty.

The First Congregational Church is blessed to belong to the wider United Church of Christ. Together, united, we are able to minister to more people than alone. Our many shared ministries include Disaster Relief, Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries, and Justice and Witness Ministries. There are four annual special offerings that support the ministries of the United Church of Christ. Learn more about UCC.

Samuel Newell was the first pastor of The First Congregational Church. This fund was created to honor and acknowledge all who have contributed or promised to contribute in the future the minimum sum of $1,000 to the Endowment Fund. Throughout the generations, generous members and friends of The First Congregational Church UCC have given money for the perpetual support of the ministry and facilities of The First Congregational Church UCC. Their faithfulness continues to allow us to welcome, nurture, and transform the world with Christ’s love. Please consider your gift that will bless future generations of God’s people.

For those who wish to provide a financial gift to maintain and renovate the church’s facilities, you are invited to give a gift to the Capital Improvement Endowment Fund. In the past, this fund has been used to improve handicap accessibility, paint, update fire code measures, and repair roofs. FCC’s historic buildings are a source of pride for the entire city of Bristol, and their proper maintenance allows Christ’s ministry to flourish in this community and beyond.

Learn more about The Endowment Fund by clicking here.