NMCC supports the United Church of Christ (UCC) Out Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) as well as three international organizations: Connecticut Quest for Peace, Go-Haiti and NightLight.
Connecticut Quest for Peace
Connecticut Quest for Peace is the ecumenical grassroots group through whom we minister to our sisters and brothers in Nicaragua. Since 1987 church members from Fairfield and New Haven Counties have sent 42 container trucks full of supplies to the John XXIII Center in Managua where it is divided and sent out to communities with whom the organizer for Quest for Peace has been working. The goal is to use the goods, summer clothes, computers, school supplies, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc., to support the goal of each community to which it is sent. The goods are sold for a token amount to the villagers, and the money earned goes to meeting the village’s goal, be it a classroom, a teacher’s salary, a well, a clinic, or electrification. So the goods help twice. The villagers receive badly needed goods, and the village is strengthened in working together for the common good.
In addition, CT Quest for Peace has helped to build and staff schools in several villages, and is feeding 1500 children a day, a meal that may be their only meal. CT Quest also supports the work of a number of orphanages, and schools for street children.
Our church collects goods in June, and again in September, The school children gather school supplies which in make it possible for many children, who would not otherwise have been able to, to go to school. We also are involved in packing a container truck early November each year. Questions should be directed to Gail Faithful or call 203-421-2290.
GO-HAITI
Generation of Hope, Haiti is a non-profit dedicated to reaching the lost and poor of Haiti, especially abandoned children and the sick. GO-HAITI’s overarching goal is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the Haitian people, empowering them with the tools to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their lives.
GO-HAITI is home to 23 children, infancy through teenage years. Founder and Director, Dr. Franco Jean-Louis, M.D. is a surgeon, licensed educator and ordained minister. He knows firsthand the plight of his people; he, too, was raised in a Haitian orphanage.
Dr. Franco shared his ministry with NMCC at worship service in February of 2011. In addition to offering a safe home for children, Go-HAITI provides medical clinics, feeding programs and spiritual guidance and counseling.
For additional information feel free to talk to Karen Stigliano [add email/phone], volunteer at GO-HAITI and member of NMCC.
NightLight International
NightLight International in Bangkok, Thailand offers exploited women an alternative method of employment, such as making jewelry which is sold online. As a Christian organization NightLight also offers spiritual, educational, and psychological support for the women and their families. NightLight is a jewelry-making business designed to provide exploited women with an alternative means of livelihood through employment at NightLight. NMCC’s Mission Committee asks hopes that you will join us with your support for these women trying to change their lives. We have purchased some of the jewelry made by the Thai women and will have these pieces for sale periodically after church. Or you can visit and shop NightLight’s online store at to place your order. When you are asked “How did you hear about us?” please select “NMCC”. Please share this web site with others and pray with us for this ministry which is difficult and dangerous.
Contact Joyce Tierney with any questions.
Our Church’s Wider Mission
Our Church’s Wider Mission is designed to keep the church strong as it engages in missions and outreaches to others. The Church has a unique and important role to play in our society and the world, today and for future generations. Funding provided by UCC churches supports work of UCC Conferences, for the work of the UCC’s national ministries, conferences, local churches and members, as well as for ecumenical, prophetic and missionary ministries on behalf of the UCC. Special UCC collections include: Neighbors in Need, The Christmas Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Spread the Love.
Neighbors in Need: Justice and Compassion Like a Mighty Stream
This collection is made on World Communion Sunday, the first Sunday in October. The Neighbors in Need offering supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including ministry carried out by the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) and by the national offices of Justice and Witness Ministries.
The Christmas Fund: Remembering Those Who Served Our Church
This collection is made on the Sunday before Christmas. It provides financial aid to retired and active ministers and their surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming financial demands. This is a ministry carried out by the Pension Boards.
One Great Hour of Sharing: Giving Help, Hope and Life
This collection is made on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It supports partners in more than 70 countries with ministries that fund development projects, feed the victims of famine, provide services for displaced people, and respond to natural disasters. These ministries are the responsibility of Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources.
Strengthen the Church: Faithfully Building the Body of Christ
This collection is made on Pentecost Sunday. It supports church growth and leadership development in the conferences and through the national offices of Local Church Ministries. The link for more information on the UCC is below.
