The First Congregational of Scarborough ministers personally and financially to the local and world community.

Our congregation is committed to dedicating 10% of its income to agencies and missions outside of our church. We also are dedicated to providing our time and talent to serving others in need.

Our Missions group oversees the distribution of church funds, raised by our congregation, to organizations that serve human and community needs locally, nationally and world wide.

The number of local agencies who have benefited from our members contribution over our 290 years is significant. Recently the following is a small sample of our Church’s support to its community:

• Red Cross
• Preble Street Soup Kitchen
• Habitat for Humanity
• Seeds of Peace
• Camp Sunshine
• Bible Society of Maine – Missions
• Protestant Hospital Ministries - Mission
• Family Crisis Center
• The Smile Train
• Child Fund International – Sponsor 5 children
• Heifer International
• Brackett House
• Partners for World Health
• The Giving Tree
• Simple Gifts

THANKSGIVING OFFERING

This year's Thanksgiving Offering is dedicated to the Scarborough Food Pantry.  The food pantry is housed in our Parish House and is open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.  It has been in operation for many years in one form or another - from a simple supplying of a few items to the current method.  The current operation, with folks driving up to pick up food, started during the pandemic.  Prior to that, they came into the Parish House and waited in the Ladies Parlor until they could go "shop" for their food.  

The clients may come once a month to pick up two grocery bags of non-perishable foods, a bag of fresh produce, eggs, frozen meat and bread products.  Part of every set of groceries come from the USDA surplus food program or from Wayside Food Program.  The more expensive items, of course, are the fresh foods and meat.  The wonderful food pantry leaders shop weekly for non-perishable foods and fresh fruits and vegetables.  They sometimes receive donations of the fresh foods - especially fruits and vegetables during the summer months.  

Please consider a donation to the food pantry to help with these kinds of purchases.  As we go into the holiday season, they will see an increase in the numbers of people seeking assistance.  So whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated.  

Thanksgiving themed offering envelopes are in the pews, please use those or mark checks with Thanksgiving Offering.

Household Assistance Fund

A fund supplied by Hannaford ClynkBag donations has been established to help individuals in our church struggling to heat their homes in the winter and pay for other utilities.  Please contact our Pastor at the church office at (207) 883-2342.  All requests are confidential between our members and Pastor.

The Scarborough Food Pantry  is always looking for donations to help those who have food insecurity.  Please consider a weekly or monthly donation of food or personal care items to help out.  Checks are always appreciated to help purchase items that are needed to stock the shelves with food.  Checks can be made out to "The Scarborough Food Pantry" and dropped off at the church office or mailed to First Congregational Church of Scarborough, 161 Black Point Road, Scarborough ME 04074

"For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you'.”

The Scarborough Food Pantry has existed formally since 1992.  Due to our strong history of collecting and donating food for those in need in our community, this church was designated as an official state food pantry where it could receive food from the federal government’s surplus foods program. A team of volunteers started The Scarborough Food Pantry, which is still going strong 30+ years later!

This food pantry has served thousands of families over the past 30+ years and delivered over a million pounds of food to those in need.  The volunteers always treat the families with care, respect and a generous spirit. There are no residency requirements and the food pantry is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.  For more information, please contact Ellen Parenteau or Terri Brown at 207-303-6410.

During the month of October 2024, we served 146 individuals who picked up food from the food pantry which equals 381 family members being fed.  Of those individuals, 19 were new to the food pantry.

Our church is blessed with an atmosphere and pastor who believes that a church family takes care of one another.

Rev. Linda Hey, a United Church of Christ pastor,  spends many of her days visiting the house-bound or ill members of our church community.  She has a gift of compassion and hopes that brightens up those who meet with her. 

Our Spiritual Care Committee sends cards of support to these individuals also, ensuring that they are in our prayers and not alone.