MISSIONS BOARD

"A tradition of outreach that goes back to the time of the Mayflower."


While charity, it is said, begins at home, in the cause of Christ and his church, it cannot stay there. Jesus in his parting words to his disciples commissions and commands his followers to go out into the world and take the gospel to people in every land, and to communicate the message in every tongue. Matthew 28:18-20.


So we seek to help those who are involved in Christian work both at home and abroad, and through the larger work of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, we send and support men and women who are teaching new skills to local people to enable them to better farm their own lands and feed their own people.


The missionaries of today are sensitive to the cultural climate of the country in which they find themselves and they seek not to control the indigenous people but to assist them, not to dictate but to direct, to show the love and compassion of Christ in practical ways, and when the opportunity arises to share their faith and explain what they are doing and why,, so many miles from home.


The Congregational Church of Sun City has a history of generosity. Through our Missions Board, we strive to assist, support and encourage those who are working in the name of Jesus, whether that work is going on in Scottsdale or the Sudan, Peoria or the Philippines, Mexico or Maine.


Many worthy Christian charities have benefited from our gifts. When you have ideas or concerns about the church's outreach, contact a member of the Missions Board.


How are income sources generated?

  1. A line item in the annual church budget
  2. Special offerings at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
  3. Special offerings as a need becomes known

What is the priority list in considering a missionary effort?

  1. Congregational related
  2. Christian connected
  3. Christian connected but not previously supported
  4. Not Christian connected by deemed worthy of support

Every dollar given to missions goes to missions. Nothing is withheld for administrative purposes.

LOCAL MISSIONS

Local missions are reviewed by our missions board. Personal visits are made to mission sites, and financial statements from those who receive our funds are examined. Our visits to the missions have brought back enthusiastic reports from those visiting. Additionally, some of our church members volunteer at local missions.


RECENT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED BY OUR CHURCH:

  • Benevilla
  • DOVES (age 50+ abused women)
  • Phoenix Rescue Mission
  • Salvation Army
  • Street Light USA
  • St. Mary's Food Bank
  • Sunshine Acres Children's Home
  • Valley View Community Food Bank

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

We reach out to these mission needs through the National Association of Congregational Churches (known as the NACCC). An associate executive at our national office, located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, keeps close contact with our national and international missions. The mission review process includes on-site visits every couple of years, as well as quarterly statements from each mission showing how funds are being spent.


RECENT REGIONAL & NATIONAL DONATIONS:

  • Indian Trails (Naco, Mexico)
  • NACCC International missions supported and vetted by the NA Missionary Society in Argentina, Bulgaria, Ghana, Honduras, India, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, and the Philippines
  • Interfaith Cooperative Ministries (ICM)

SPecial needs & Pastoral involvement

SPECIAL NEEDS

We address special needs individually when they occur. Natural disasters are a fact of life, and we aid victims through the One Great Hour of Sharing Fund, that is administered by the NA Missionary Society.


PASTORAL INVOLVEMENT

We provide limited funds for emergency relief for those with special needs. Money has been provided for rental assistance or food through a contingency fund. We also have a Pastor's Discretionary Fund that is administered by our pastor for similar needs.