Mission and Service - McFarland United Church of Christ

ACT to support the AIDS Network
In early August, the church forms an ACTion team of bike riders, crew members, and day volunteers to participate in the AIDS Network Cycles Together (ACT) event, also know as the Wisconsin AIDS ride. The AIDS Network provides assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in southwestern Wisconsin. Each rider participating in the ACT ride commits to raising $1200 for the AIDS Network, and trains to ride 300+ miles in four days. The church contributes to the riders’ fundraising efforts through hosting Penny Wars, spaghetti dinners, Silent Auctions, and other fundraising efforts. Go Riders! ACT Bike Ride

Befrienders
Mission Statement: As Befrienders we believe that caring is an essential part of the church ministry. Reaching out to those who are experiencing hardships, tragedy, death, illness, or isolation creates meaningful relationship. Our role is to be a friend—someone who listens, reassures, and attends to others when they are in need. We recognize that sometimes when we reach out to others, we might face situations that seem beyond our understanding. At those times, if we treat the person we are helping with dignity, use the knowledge we have gained from personal stories and practical tips, and trust in the healing power of Jesus Christ, we will generate a spirit of goodwill and hospitality. We are an extension of the church community. We believe in the power of Jesus Christ and the power of prayer in times of distress.

Church World Service’s CROP Walk/Ride
Each year Church World Service sponsors a CROP Walk/Ride for the Madison area. This money is used to help alleviate hunger in our community and around the world. Members of McFarland UCC participate by gathering sponsors’ donations and by walking or riding a set distance in downtown Madison. Church World Service

Habitat for Humanity
McFarland UCC continue to be a big supporter of Habitat for Humanity’s effort to build the Twin Oaks Community off Siggelkow Road. We have raised money for houses, and even had members and friends sharing their talents in swinging hammers to help in this effort. Habitat for Humanity of Dane County

IHN is now part of “The Road Home”
For 10 years McFarland UCC along with McFarland Lutheran and Christ the King Catholic Church have hosted families in the IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network). It has been decided that we no longer be hosting families after Nov. 2008. However we look forward to being a buddy church – with members helping out at another IHN hosting site. We are also excited by “The Road Home” which adds to the possibilities of combating homelessness in Dane County. Besides helping with hosting responsibilities, you can also become a mentor, help with driving folk to needed destinations or a whole host of other opportunities. Check out their website for more info. The Road Home

Live Nativity
McFarland UCC sponsors a live Nativity on the front lawn of the church during Advent. Church members take shifts in playing shepherds/kings/angels and Mary and Joseph. Also featured inside the church is a display of Nativity Scenes brought in by members of the church.

Sundaes on Thursdays
On Thursday evenings during the summer (June, July, August) we gather at the Gazebo in town (from 6:30pm -8pm) and sell ice cream sundaes. The money raised all goes to our designated mission projects. This year the money will be split between McFarland Food Pantry and ACT Bike Rides.

San Alfonso Mission in Juarez, Mexico
This is a joint mission project between McFarland UCC and Christ the King Catholic Church. Several groups have traveled to Juarez to help build decent houses for those in the area. This mission continues to build the faith of those who have participated, but also the understanding our need to reach out beyond ourselves as a church. Mission trips usually take place in January and during the McFarland School’s Spring Break.

Souper Bowl Sunday
On a given Sunday in February the church smells of homemade soup and fresh baked bread. It is Souper Bowl Sunday. Yes…for a donation of at least $5 you get a bowl of soup (all you can eat) and fresh baked Swedish Rye Bread….and you get to keep the bowl (a large soup mug with the church name on it). All proceeds go to help fight hunger through the Souper Bowl Program. Souper Bowl

Sunday School Outing to Pick and Save
Throughout the Sunday School year an offering is collected and at the end of the year the total is calculated. Then students, teachers and volunteers then use this money and go to our local grocery (Pick and Save) to buy items for our local food pantry. Items are brought back to church in time for the offering during the morning worship, and then taken to the food pantry that day.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF
The children are asked to Trick or Treat for UNICEF during their Halloween rounds.

Trash and Treasure Sale
The first Saturday in April (or a revised date if it conflicts with Holy Week or Easter) is our Annual Trash and Treasure Sale. The Fellowship Hall is transformed into a sales floor filled with almost anything you can imagine. The Library is turned into the “Treasure” room where antiques and other collectables are sold. We also feature a breakfast and lunch counter during the sale. All the money collected during the sale benefits the church and it’s programs.