Mission at Christ Church
Opportunities for us to live out the mission of Christ reach far beyond Sunday morning and far beyond Cambridge. Each of our mission/outreach activities has a powerful impact on those we serve, bringing us closer together. You can learn more about ministry activities and programs on this web page. If you find one that appeals to you, please contact the church office to learn more and get connected. We hope to hear from you!
On The Rise
On the Rise is a day program that works with homeless and formerly homeless women who do not fit the requirements of other programs. On The Rise helps women meet basic nutritional, hygiene, and safety needs while also giving them flexible support to address issues related to trauma, addiction, mental and physical health, domestic and sexual violence, disabilities, immigration, legal problems, and poverty. Christ Church supports them with donations of clothing, hygiene items, and whatever is requested.
Racial Justice Group
The Racial Justice Group (RJG) is an outgrowth of Christ Church’s Social Justice Committee. The RJG came into being during the summer of 2020 in response to an upsurge in movements for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd and ensuing studies and conversation in Adult Forum. With two co-conveners and about 25 parishioners (and growing), this is a busy group. New participants are always welcome. The RJG has created five working groups undertaking activities variously in support of racial justice.
Soup Chefs for Friday Café
The Friday Café is a ministry of First Church UCC in collaboration with the Outdoor Church. It is a neighborhood gathering place where housed and unhoused neighbors can mingle in a low-key, judgement-free setting. It features hot drinks, nourishing food, music, art materials, seasonal clothing and a community library. Christ Church volunteers make soup for the café on the 4th Wednesday of every month in the Christ Church kitchen. Helpers are always welcome!
Christ Church Thrift Shop
Christ Church operates a thrift shop on Farwell Place, behind the church, three days a week. The thrift shop is entirely run and staffed by volunteers. It offers inexpensive clothing and household items to students and anyone who is looking for a bargain. The Thrift Shop also coordinates with the Thursday Meals program and other church programs to provide clothing and shoes for those in need. Donations to the thrift shop can be brought to the shop during open hours. The Thrift Shop is currently on on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM - 3:45 PM and Saturday from 11 AM - 1:45 PM.
Thursday Meals Program
The Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, which has its home at Christ Church, has been serving a hot meal every Thursday to anyone in need for over 40 years. Its mission is to provide a nutritious meal in a hospitable environment to anyone who needs it. The Thursday meal is currently being served at 5:30 (opens at 5:00 PM) in Christ Church’s parish hall for a sit-down. “To go” meals are no longer being served regularly , but the market place is open beginning at 4:30 PM.
Volunteers are always welcome. For more information visit their website HERE.
Resources for Those in Need
Do you need help or know someone who does? Not sure where to turn? Know that you are not alone. Here at Christ Church, we help our neighbors in times of need through our own programs and partnerships with other organizations. The city of Cambridge also has a wide variety of social services, so help is never far away. Download the resources document that we’ve compiled below.