ALL SOULS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Jesus told us "just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Assist- JC
"All Souls Students in Service to Jesus Christ"
Our mission program has a two-year rhythm of domestic and international missions. Our students are required to participate in a homeland mission before serving with us in another culture. Currently our mission work is in Eastport, Maine, Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala and the Navajo Nation in Black Mesa, Arizona.
Jesus told us "just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." The idea of brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ becomes a very tangible reality as we work and worship with people in the communities we serve. As we follow Christ's commandment to show God's love in concrete ways, our own hearts and minds are transformed.
Currently, eighth graders and high school students are being invited to commit themselves to the work of personal preparation, spiritual focus, and fundraising efforts that are on-going features of our mission efforts.
Where does Assist-JC work?
Eastport, Maine
In Eastport we work with GEECA (Greater Eastport Ecumenical Churches Association). They help us locate people who are in particular need of the kinds of help we can offer. We often provide home repairs to elderly citizens who do not have the funds to pay for them otherwise.
Black Mesa, Arizona
In Black Mesa we have utilized the organization Experience Mission to work with Pastor JR helping to build and support a small church on a reservation.
Central America
In Guatemala and in Honduras we have worked under the umbrella organization Mission Discovery located outside of Nashville, Tennessee. We build homes for people who don't have one. We provide some medical care and we lead a children’s Bible school.
Dominican Republic
A small but growing group travels to the Dominican Republic to work on construction and health care in the area of La Romana.
Colombia
The group traveling to Columbia travels under the auspices of Water for ME. They are part of our emerging “ASSIST-JC 2.0”.
Their emphasis is on water quality testing on filters in the field. The scientists and nearly all the college students are alumni of ASSIST-JC.
How to Get Involved
Who can participate?
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Currently eighth graders and high school students are being invited to commit themselves to the work of personal preparation, spiritual focus, and fund-raising efforts that are on-going features of our mission efforts.
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Our students are required to participate in a week-long homeland mission before serving with us in another country.
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Fundraising is done throughout the two-year cycle of a mission in Eastport one summer followed by the International Trip the following summer.
How Much Does it Cost?
Our church’s goal is to support this mission program by funding 1/3 of the costs through the annual budget. Participants are expected to pay 1/3 of the cost out-of-pocket by making installment payments and taking advantage of the “Workers in the Vineyard” program through which church members “hire” ASSIST-JC workers for a wide variety of projects; these monies are deposited into individual accounts within the church financial system and are tracked by the church financial secretary.
Fundraising
Travelers and their parents are also expected to provide time and energy needed to hold fundraisers for the other 1/3rd of the needed funds. Fund-raising events associated with our mission efforts have become a familiar part of the yearly rhythm around All Souls and the community. They include:
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Making and selling sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday
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Making thousands of chocolate covered Easter eggs to sell in the community during Lent
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Year round bottle drives through Clynk
Blog
Check out our historical Assist-JC Blog
