Service and Outreach

At Chapel Hill Christian Church we believe that we are called to go into the world to show the love of God through service.   We take this responsibility seriously.

One of our primary service projects is our relationship with the InterFaith Council. IFC is the local agency that provides for the needs of the homeless and poor.  In 2006 we declared ourselves the Jelly Church.  Each week we provide 30 or more jars of Jelly to the InterFaith Council Pantry.  We collect jars of jelly each week and the Jelly Jar is always available for donations.  In addition we have two JELLY FUNDRAISERS each year.  The first is our sale of Jelly Cards designed to be used as Christmas cards and gifts.  In addition, during Lent we collect change to support our Jelly Ministry.

We also provide fully packed backpacks to all of the children housed in the Project Homestead (the women's and children's shelter of IFC)  In 2007, we outfitted 11 children with backpacks and everything they would need for the year in school supplies.   Our total contribution to InterFaith Council in 2007 was $3,765.

Rebecca McCulloh also serves on the Board of Directors of IFC.  Doris Colomb is our congregational liason.

Chapel Hill Christian Church also supports the ministry of service through the Disciples of Christ supporting the Week of Compassion and Reconciliation Fund.

This past year, we united with other Disciples of Christ congregations in the area to assist in the relocation of a Burmese family to the US.  We stocked their pantry and provided 2 weeks of fresh food.  We also contributed $300 to their home start expenses. 

In 2007,  we provided the funds for 3 members of our congregation along with a staff person to attend Camp Rainbow - a week long camp experience at Camp Caroline for developmentally delayed persons.  We are committed to sending five members in 2008.

In 2007 we hosted a Simple Christmas Fair.  Women from Freedom House sold earrings to support their ongoing project of working the 12 Steps of AA/NA in art projects as well as providing each participant in Freedom House program of recovery with an art box.  Participants in Children's House sold hats.  We also sold Jelly Cards and Edwina CD's to raise money for our Jelly Ministry.  Robin Davis donated CD's which we sold to fund a subsidiary of the Jelly Ministry known as Strawberry Ministry. Everyone received a copy of "Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?" a guide to simplifying Christmas.

In our short history, we have also participated in other service activities.

Project 5000  For  for two years. During Lent, folks collect a box of food designed to serve of family of 4 for 4 days. These boxes are given to the Inter-Faith Council. 100% of our folks have participated each year.

Cookies for Kinston . Vision Builders is a Disciples organization helping churches to build places for ministry. Grove Park Christian Church in Kinston NC is the project for the summer of 2004. We provided 50 dozen home made cookies for the volunteers. 

Water for the HOT  The 4th of July in 2004 was on Sunday. As a service and outreach activity we distributed 600 bottles of icy water to those attending the Carrboro Fair.  

Earrings for Freedom  Each year the women of Freedom House, a half way home for recovering women, learn to make and sell beaded earrings. Chapel Hill Christian Church hosts the Earring Project between Thanksgiving and New Years to sell earrings. The profits provide art education for the women. 

Summer Food During the summer months, the InterFaith Council faces increased requests for food when children are not in school.  Children who receive free or reduced cost breakfast and lunches are home and stretch the resources of the family.  During the summer of 2005,  Chapel Hill provided $2,500 worth of food to IFC. 

Equipping Ourselves for Service At Chapel Hill Christian Church, we believe that service requires knowledge. We ask community experts to provide us with important information on ways to serve the community. In 2004 we hosted Rev. Myles Walburn discussing the Missionof the Church.  We have also hosted Stephen Dear from People of Faith Against the Death Penalty.  Chris Moran from the InterFaith Council has also joined us for conversations.   We welcomed misionaries Andy and Ellen Collins to discus their ministry.   Representatives from Lutheran Family Services assisted us in helping the Burmese family to relocate.