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Outreach Commission

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

— (Micah 6:8)

Black cap with tan brim and yellow embroidered text that says "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR".

The Outreach Commission oversees First Mennonite’s ministries that go beyond serving our own congregation. Our core mission, as the prophet Micah says, is to bring about greater justice and compassion in our society, grounded in our service to God. In particular, we are seeking to address:

  • Racial justice

  • Poverty

  • Homelessness

  • Immigration

  • Conflict resolution

As a congregation, we are involved in the following ministries, and we invite those within and beyond our congregation to get involved as you feel called by God.

  • Close-up of a person's hands threading a needle with white thread, sitting at a table with a floral tablecloth and scissors nearby.

    Refugee Support

    Working with International Rescue Committee, we sponsor refugees that have moved to the Richmond area. They often need transportation, guidance for navigating complicated systems, and other forms of assistance. If you would like to help, contact Don Oswald.

  • A buffet table with trays of baked goods, colorful vegetables, and various dishes, including chili or stew, in a kitchen setting.

    Circles RVA

    This ministry involves the cooperation of multiple congregations seeking to empower individuals and families as they move out of poverty. Every few months, our congregation supplies a dinner for 65 people. If you would like to help, contact Jean Oswald.

  • Satellite view of a strong hurricane over a desert region, with swirling clouds and a visible eye at the center.

    Mennonite Disaster Service

    Following floods, tornados, and other natural disasters, the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) sends teams to help clean-up and rebuild. FMC periodically recruits volunteers to participate on a MDS team. If you would like to be notified when team members from First Mennonite are being recruited, contact Jay Rohrer.

  • Lamb’s Basket

    Lamb’s Basket

    This local organization collects and distributes food and supplies for those living in poverty. The congregation collects food at the church and it is periodically delivered to Lamb’s Basket. To get involved, contact the chair of the Outreach Commission.

  • A group of children and two adult men standing on a grassy field outdoors, holding maps and pamphlets, possibly participating in an educational or outdoor activity.

    Peace Camp

    The Peace Camp runs for several days during the summer at FMC. The camp provides children’s programming with a peace emphasis and is held in cooperation with other churches. Peace Camp is for rising K-5 graders, and middle or high schoolers can be helpers.

    See our website Events page for more details!

  • A group of people playing volleyball outdoors on a grass field surrounded by trees. They are smiling, and there is an orange cone in the foreground. One person is about to hit a green ball in the air.

    National Neighborhood Night Out

    Since 2011, our congregation has participated in the National Neighborhood Night Out program. In 2022, 2023, and 2024 we co-sponsored a Night Out site with the Northern Henrico Civic Association. Snacks and games for the children are provided. We usually have representation from the Henrico County police, fire officials and county administrators.

  • Students in a classroom participating in a group activity at a long table with books and supplies.

    School Kits for Mennonite Central Committee

    Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the relief, development and peacebuilding organization of the Mennonite Church.

    As a peace church, FMC is committed to addressing pain and suffering in the world. One avenue is through MCC. During the month of August and September, school supplies are donated and bags sewn for MCC School Kits. Each kit includes 4 notebooks, 8 pencils, colored pencils, a ruler and an eraser. In late summer, the children and youth of FMC gather to assemble the bags. The task of "stringing" the bags is taken on by even the youngest children who attend Sunday school. The bags are delivered to the 'Gift and Thrift" shop in Harrisonburg, and are taken to Pennsylvania before being shipped to refugee camps around the world!

  • A red bicycle with a black seat locked to a rusty pole, with a shopping cart and a table with books and other items in the background, at an outdoor marketplace.

    Yard Sale

    Every Spring, we host a church yard sale, inviting anyone in the community to set up a table of items for sale. Any items donated for the church to sell are “pay what you can” and ALL funds raised by the church are donated to Lamb’s Basket.