News & Events

FOOD OF THE MONTH

    The Outreach Committee continues to sponsor a Food of the Month food drive for the FoodBank. Thank you so much for your continued support for the FoodBank! The January Food of the Month is canned meat.
    The Food of the Month for December was stars from the Christmas tree in Fellowship Hall with different items listed on each star. The FoodBank has received 108 donations from members and friends of United this month. Thank you to the congregation for embracing the FoodBank Project. It has been very successful and much appreciated by those benefiting from our efforts. You are making a difference in the lives of some of our brothers and sisters
 

SUNDAE SUNDAYS EVERY MONTH

The Parish Life Committee will be hosting a Sundae Sunday on the first Sunday of every month, not just during the summer months, as ice cream, with all the fixin’s for a sundae, is always well received, the committee decided to extend the Sundae pleasure throughout the year. Join us next Sunday during Fellowship Hour for a cool, tasty treat!  YUM!

 

OUTREACH COMMITTEE
 

OUTREACH FOCUS:
THE FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY

Question:  Is a food bank really necessary in Somerset County, one of the wealthiest counties in the United States?

The Answer:  Since the Food Bank opened in 1982; the number of people it serves has increased steadily. Many recipients have recently lost jobs or suffered a devastating illness - people who "never dreamed they'd be at a food bank."
The mission of The Food Bank is to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in our community in a manner which recognizes and advances self-worth and human dignity. The method of distributing this food is through three food pantries, located in Somerville, Bound Brook, and North Plainfield, and a warehouse in Bridgewater. The goal is to help create the opportunity for each person to become self-sufficient.
On a daily basis, emergency calls are taken from people who need help and are unable to wait until the Saturday pantry distribution. Usually, they are first-time people or people with special needs. These folks are referred to the Food Bank Network from other county agencies such as the Board of Social Services, Food Stamps, Alternatives, Richard Hall, S.H.I.P., Catholic Charities, United Way, Home-Sharing, D.Y.F.S., and Agape House. Walk-ins of people needing immediate help are also taken.
On their first visit, people are required to provide proof of identification and address and complete an application form. The Food Bank procedure is to review each application and to follow up with any necessary referrals to other agencies. The Food Bank is then able to determine how best to assist a family or individual. Review of recipients is ongoing.
The Food Bank Network also runs the following programs in conjunction with the food pantries:

•Working Wardrobe
•Aid for Friends
•Prescription Assistance
•Emergency Fund
•Back to School
•Personal Products
•Pediatric Dental
•Vision Care
•Diaper Program
•Backpack Program
•Tom Tarnowski Scholarship

Question: Did you know that United Reformed Church is the Food Bank Pantry in Somerville?  Each item we bring into on Sunday’s stays in storage at United until it is distributed on Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Question: Did you know that Pastor Walther is a member of the Food Bank Network’s Board of Directors?
During the month of November, we will donate items that would be part of a Thanksgiving dinner. Canned yams, canned potatoes, canned vegetables, boxed stuffing, cranberry sauce are some ideas. Get creative! What is your favorite item (not perishable please)?

 

OUTREACH FOCUS:   COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

   Did you know that United Reformed Church partners with Temple Beth-El (Route 206 in Hillsborough) to provide a Free Community Health Fair? The event will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2012 (snow date Sunday, January 29, 2012) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at United. The Health Fair is open to the entire Somerville Community. A few of the activities available to attendees include free flu shots, cholesterol and glucose screening, blood pressure screening, and nutrition counseling. The URC Youth Group will provide a hospitality table for the attendees. The next planning meeting will be held on January 4th at 7:30 p.m. in the Lounge. Come join us
 

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