MISSION AND OUTREACH
First Congregrational Church of Ripon is compassionate about helping those in need within our congregation, locally and globally. To that end, the Outreach Committee makes monthly appeals ("Communion Offerings") for specific needs, above and beyond pledged giving. In addition, the Outreach Committee has designated funds from the budget as a "Samaritan Fund", which is used to assist local individuals or organizations facing financial hardship. Throughout the year, the committee plans and implements fundraisers to assist other worthy causes. Past fundraising recipients have included Habitat for Humanity, the Heifer Project and Servv International.

COMMUNION OFFERINGS
The Outreach Committee makes monthly appeals for specific needs, above and beyond pledged giving. Past recipients include Strengthen the Church, Tools of Hope and Blanket Sunday, One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, Veterans of the Cross, UNICEF, The Heifer Project and Habitat for Humanity. Local opportunities have included collecting funds for sneakers and school supplies for School District of Ripon children in need, Father Carr’s Place 2B and the Ripon Food Pantry.
SAMARITAN FUND
The Outreach Committee has designated funds from the budget as a "Samaritan Fund", used to assist local indivuals or organizations facing financial hardship. If you are aware of a financial need, please contact committee chair Robyn Volkmann or Pastor Jack Kraaz.

FAIR TRADE COFFEE AVAILABLE
The Outreach committee sells coffee purchased from Equal Exchange through their interfaith program. Equal Exchange buys coffee directly from the farmers. They trade with democratically organized small farmer cooperatives, paying a fair price with a guaranteed minimum — no matter what the commodity market may tell us. By purchasing your coffee through our church rather than at the grocery store, you will help coffee farmers break a long chain of injustice.