Dear fellow Hanoverians:<\/p>\n
Members of First Congregational Church Hanover (FCCH) instantly mobilized
\nyesterday to answer the regional call to support the sudden arrival of more
\nthan 100 unhoused individuals on the South Shore. Divided into two groups,
\nthe arrivals include more than 60 children, transported with little notice
\nto temporary locations in Kingston and Plymouth by the MA Department of
\nCommunity and Development (MDHD), under its emergency shelter and
\nassistance programs. Many are undocumented immigrants originating from
\nHaiti or Central America, who speak little or no English.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe call came from our regional UCC minister,\u201d shares Rev. Peter
\nJohnston, lead pastor of FCCH. \u201cThere was no question that we would
\nimmediately assemble and help. We serve as a community that welcomes all,
\nand this was an opportunity to fulfill that commitment, ignite compassion
\nand propel our faith into action.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rev. Johnston noted that the assistance request originated from the United
\nChurch of Christ\u2019s (UCC) Southern New England Conference (SNEUCC), of
\nwhich FCCH is a member parish. He was informed that the unhoused were
\nrelocated to temporary locations, with 27 families diverted to Kingston and
\n12 families to Plymouth. With the region\u2019s established shelters full and
\nservices tapped due to high demand for housing, those transported were in
\nimmediate need of meals, clothing and diapers. He immediately took action,
\nreaching out to five FCCH parishioners who jumped at the opportunity to
\nassist and volunteer their efforts to make a difference.<\/p>\n
After contacting FCCH\u2019s diaconate, the church\u2019s Outreach and Service
\nMinistry, and speaking with Hanover Food Pantry Director Sally Boutin, Rev.
\nJohnston coordinated a food pantry pickup of donated groceries and coats.
\nHe then mobilized the volunteers to meet him at the church\u2019s kitchen.
\nSpanning just a few short hours, the group of half a dozen transformed the
\ngroceries into a substantial prepared hot meal, packaging many servings of
\nbarbecue chicken, rice, corn and freshly baked cookies. The group loaded
\nthe food and coats into vehicles, creating a delivery caravan, and headed
\nto the Plymouth site.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur efforts have just begun. We\u2019ve been in contact with other
\nSouthern New England Conference churches and are coordinating lunches and
\nhot dinners to be delivered through Sunday night,\u201d shared Rev. Johnston.
\nAnother local UCC church is coordinating meals for the group settled in
\nKingston. Today, FCCH volunteers are gathering more coats, as well as
\npreparing, packing, and delivering 50 lunches to the same Plymouth
\nlocation. <\/p>\n
Pausing a moment to reflect on the sudden call to serve, and the
\noverwhelmingly immediate response by parish volunteers, Rev. Johnston
\ncommented, \u201cJesus didn\u2019t feed people based on their life circumstances,
\nJesus fed people because they were hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n
To make a financial contribution to assist in FCCH\u2019s effort to support
\nunhoused families and individuals, visit fcchanover.org\/give-gift, click
\nthe \u201cother\u201d category, and note the intent for your donation in the
\ncomment field. To learn about FCCH\u2019s charitable initiatives, to
\nparticipate, or to learn more about the parish, visit fcchanover.org or
\nfollow First Congregational Church of Hanover on Facebook or Instagram.<\/p>\n
About First Congregational Church of Hanover
\nFounded in 1728, First Congregational Church of Hanover (FCCH) was
\nestablished about the same time that the town of Hanover was incorporated.
\nA United Church of Christ (UCC) parish, First Congregational Church of
\nHanover has long been a leader in equality. FCCH is committed to serve as
\na community of inclusive love that has no walls or barriers, where all who
\nenter are loved, respected, and accepted for who they are, reaching beyond
\nsocial class, gender, race, and sexual orientation, welcoming all. It is a
\ncommunity of growth and transformation, reaching beyond the status quo as a
\ncommunity filled with the love and compassion of Christ, invoking our faith
\ninto action and prayer daily.
\nFirst Congregational Church of Hanover\u2019s sanctuary is located at 547
\nHanover Street, Hanover. FCCH offices are located at Riley Hall, 17 Silver
\nStreet, Hanover. For more information, call 781-826-4762, e-mail
\noffice@fcchanover.org , visit fcchanover.org or follow First Congregational
\nChurch of Hanover on Facebook or Instagram.<\/p>\n
For “Around Town on the Web”,
\nCathy H-B<\/p>\n
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Dear fellow Hanoverians: Members of First Congregational Church Hanover (FCCH) instantly mobilized yesterday to answer the regional call to support the sudden arrival of more than 100 unhoused individuals on the South Shore. Divided into two groups, the arrivals include … Continue reading