How do we serve our community?

Fundraising Concerts

We have invited guest musicians in from all genres of music to teach and to delight us with their virtuosity and diversity. Gospel, folk, blues, Dixieland, accapella, and classic 60’s. Piano, organ, trumpet, ukulele, guitar, cajon (box drum), maracas, and jingle bells have all been played here. Profits have funded our own music program as well as music lessons for area children.

“Neighbors in Need (NIN)” and “One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS).”

NIN is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the UCC Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts and direct service projects. OGHS is focused on international disaster relief & economic assistance to our friends in need outside the U.S.

Heifer International

How much fun is it to buy a flock of chicks or a hive of bees? That’s what we get to do when we offer our contributions to Heifer. Kids of all ages love this project!

Homeless Families Living in Route 1 Motels

The State of Massachusetts has run out of space in emergency shelters to house homeless families, and instead use local motels to house them. The average stay is 1-1/2 years. This means a family studies, cooks and sleeps in the same room. We collect diapers, personal hygiene items and both summer and winter clothing for them (including handmade hats, scarves & mittens)as a way of showing that we care.

Angel Tree Giving for Saugus Teens

It’s easy to shop for a young child who wants toys at Christmas, but what about needy teens? We decided the best present would be gift cards to use as they want. In conjunction with the Saugus Fire Department, we try to make Christmas a little brighter for Saugus teens.

Back-to-School Supplies

Low-income or homeless students find it hard to buy all the supplies school requires these days. So we donate new backpacks, pens, pencils, markers – you name it – so Saugus kids can come to school ready to learn.

Saugus Community Food Pantry

With this monthly collection of non-perishable food, we help to feed hungry people in Saugus. The pantry is located at Cliftondale Congregational Church, 50 Essex Street, Saugus. Hours of operation are Fridays 9:30-11:30AM.

Pumpkin Patch

And, of course, our highest-profile outreach event is our Annual Pumpkin Patch! Ever see an orange lawn? Well, come on down beginning the last week of September through October 31st to see one. This month-long event is a collaboration between Pumpkins USA (http://www.pumpkinsusa.com/), the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry of New Mexico ( http://www.navajopride.com/ and churches and non-profits across the country. This is a green endeavor (all pumpkins are non-GMO), helping to sustain economic independence for indigenous peoples, and promoting traditional uses of the Earth.

Want to volunteer in the Patch? On the last Saturday of September (and often at least once more in October) come help unload the tractor trailers that arrive with a grand total of 4,000 pumpkins. Earn Community Service credits, too, and help raise a portion of the proceeds towards a scholarship for
a graduating High School student. So, come on down!

​An Open & Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ