Make a Difference in Lancaster, PA & Beyond
Outreach & Mission Ministries
We believe God has uniquely gifted and called each of us to make a difference. Discover how you can use your gifts to bring love, hope, and hands-on help to the places and people who need it most.
Compassion In Action
The ability to reach out to those in need, whether locally in Lancaster, nationally, or worldwide, is a huge part of who we are as a church.
These efforts are coordinated through our Action Compassion Team (ACT), a dedicated group of volunteers who explore how we can best show the love of Christ in places of need. As situations arise throughout the year, ACT seeks the best way to help and warmly invites you to join in our efforts.
Local Hands-On Outreach
Serving Our Neighbors in Lancaster, PA
Caring for our Neighbors
We take seriously the call of Jesus to love our neighbors as ourselves. Below you'll find all of the ways we are currently involved in and around Lancaster, PA to care for those in need.
Reach out with questions or to get involved.
Food & Clothing Collection
We collect clothing and food in baskets in our narthex, which are filled to overflowing each month! These donations are distributed locally to support the Lancaster Food Hub, Church World Service (specifically assisting local immigrants), and the local clothing bank. We also collect other specific items as unique community needs arise.
Community Meals
We regularly prepare and serve meals to those in the city who are hungry. Specifically, on the third Tuesday of alternate months, our volunteers gather to prepare and serve an evening community meal at First Reformed UCC in Lancaster city.
Annual Crop Walk
Walking to End Hunger:
Every year, our congregation laces up our sneakers to participate in the local Lancaster CROP Hunger Walk. This community-wide event raises vital funds and awareness to combat hunger and poverty both right here in our own neighborhoods and around the globe. Whether you want to walk alongside our team, help raise funds, or simply cheer us on, it is a joyful way to enjoy fellowship while taking literal steps to make a difference. Visit our Happenings Page to see when the next event will be.
Neighborhood Community Events
Right across from our front doors is Hamilton Park. We love utilizing this shared green space to connect with our community! Throughout the year, we host a variety of open, family-friendly events in the park. From welcoming neighborhood picnics and educational climate fairs to joyful fall pumpkin activities for the kids, these gatherings are designed to bring our Lancaster neighbors together.
A Shared Space for Our Lancaster Neighbors
We believe that being a good neighbor means sharing the resources we have. We proudly open our doors to provide a welcoming, accessible gathering space for various local organizations. From hosting meetings for the Hamilton Park Climate Action Neighborhood to providing space for the Lancaster Township Democrats, local Girls Scouts, Lancaster Friends School, and Iglesiapentecostal BajoelfuegodelEspiritusanto, we love seeing our building utilized by groups who are working to support, educate, and strengthen our community.
Robin's Nest Donation
A yearly donation we give to a local charity or nonprofit doing impactful work in our Lancaster, PA community.
National & Global Missions
Serving the Wider World
We are proud to partner with our denomination to support vital ministries across the country and around the globe. Click on any of the outreach ministries below to learn more or contact us to get involved.
One Great Hour of Sharing
This fund provides immediate and long-term support for disaster relief, refugee assistance, and global development activities.
Strengthen the Church
As God calls us to inspire disciples, this special fund supports the planting of new churches and the implementation of fresh, new ideas in existing congregations.
The Christmas Fund
A charity that provides direct financial support and assistance to those who have faithfully served the church and are currently facing financial difficulties.
Neighbors in Need
This special mission offering supports incredible ministries dedicated to justice and compassion across the United States.
Our Church’s Wider Mission
A foundational fund that benefits the full, diverse range of the United Church of Christ's mission efforts across the country and around the globe.
Get Involved
Whether you want to help serve a Tuesday evening meal, organize a clothing drive, or help plan our next Fifth Sunday Workship, we need your unique gifts.
Reach out today to get involved with any of our outreach ministries!