WESTFIELD-Seven women at the helm of the First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee showcased the local, national and international ministries it supports during a coffee hour on Sunday morning.
Dorothy Cichonski and Linda Hauk, committee co-chairs, joined Jean Zimmerman, Lisa Queenin, Shannon Brown, Phyllis Pomeroy and Carrie Salzer in welcoming the local representatives from several of the organizations that benefit from the church’s funds during the year. More than 110 parishioners attended the hour-long event.
Dorothy Cichonski, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and a member of First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee, shared insights on disaster relief with First Congregational Church parishioners on Sunday morning.
Sixty percent of the committee’s yearly budget benefits local organizations including the Westfield chapter of the American Red Cross, Kamp for Kids, The Kinship Fund/Our House, Lions eyeglass drive and Recycle for Sight, New Beginnings, Salvation Army, Samaritan Inn of Westfield, Westfield Community Table, Westfield Crop Walk, and the Westfield Food Pantry.
Committee funds are also distributed annually to Heifer Project International, HELO Haiti, World Vision, YMCA World Service, Back Bay Mission, Our Church’s Wider Mission, Maine Seacoast Mission, and the Morgan-Scott Project.
“This coffee hour was a new endeavor for the World Service Committee,” said Rev. Elva Pawle. “The event allows parishioners to learn about our mission projects and to meet individuals associated with the organizations.”
One of the committee’s long-time members, Jean Zimmerman, displayed the six quilts she recently made which will be distributed to the Samaritan Inn. In addition, parishioners had donated several blankets which were also on display.
Shannon Brown and Jean Zimmerman showcase the quilts that Zimmerman made for those staying at the Samaritan Inn. The women are members of First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee that raises funds during the year to benefit organizations including the Samaritan Inn.
“When people leave the Samaritan Inn, they take the quilts with them,” said Zimmerman.
Some committee members not only volunteer for the committee but are also an integral part of a local volunteer organization. For Dorothy Cichonski, volunteering with the disaster services division of the American Red Cross, she sees firsthand the needs of the local community.
“I’ve always been concerned about the need to give back to the community and I feel good about what our committee does each year, especially supporting the Red Cross,” said Cichonski.
Cichonski noted that she is particularly passionate about supporting two programs, the Pillowcase Project which teaches preparedness to elementary school students, and installing new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge in Westfield in conjunction with the Westfield Fire Department.
Mike Cichonski is given some background on The Kinship Fund by Ann Lentini of Domus, Inc. during a coffee hour at First Congregational Church on Sunday.
Ann Lentini, representing Domus, Inc. and the Kinship Fund/Our House project at the event, thanked the World Service Committee for its ongoing commitment to assist struggling students at Westfield High School.
“As our plans move forward for housing for young people on Broad Street, we have also asked committee members for toaster ovens for each apartment,” said Lentini.
For Shannon Brown, who has served on the committee for three years, bringing all of these organizations together for a morning brought home the importance of the work they are volunteering to do.
“We are lending a hand to charities that need help which is also a part of our church’s mission,” said Brown.
Linda Hauk echoed those sentiments.
“When you help others, you help Jesus,” said Hauk. “I don’t have to walk far in the city to see people in need.”
Pawle acknowledged the work that the women do tirelessly year round and thanked them for their church service.
“I love Westfield,” said Pawle. “Westfield is a good place for ministry and our parishioners generously give their time, talent and treasure to help others.”
