Norfield Church Board of Outreach and Social Action: Serving with Love and Compassion

At Norfield Church, our Board of Outreach and Social Action provides meaningful opportunities for community service, inviting individuals to use their gifts and talents to support those in need. Our mission is to live out the Gospel by reaching out in love and action to people locally, nationally, and beyond.

We carry out this mission through charitable grants, fundraising initiatives, and hands-on service opportunities that foster spiritual growth, learning, and community engagement.

We do this in a number of ways:

1. Grants to community not-for-profit organizations ("beneficiaries")

Charitable Grants: Making a Difference in Our Community

We are committed to supporting organizations that align with our Christian mission of compassion and justice. Our charitable grants provide financial assistance to the following organizations:

• Bridgeport Rescue Mission – Providing essential services to the homeless, restoring hope, and transforming lives.
• Center for Family Justice – Offering free, trauma-informed support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
• CLASP Homes – Lifelong care and support for adults with autism and developmental disabilities in Fairfield County.
• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants – Strengthening the lives of refugees, immigrants, survivors of trafficking, and unaccompanied minors.
• Norfield Youth Ministry – Creating a nurturing Christian environment for youth to grow in love, faith, and service.
• Person-to-Person – Promoting economic opportunity and dignity for families in need.
• Pivot Ministries – Offering faith-based addiction recovery and rehabilitation for men battling substance use disorders.
• Weston Social Services – Supporting the physical and mental well-being of Weston residents through advocacy and vital programs.
• Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport provides safe housing for victims of family violence, as well as other support services for these mothers and children.

2. Fundraising

Fundraising Initiatives: Supporting Our Mission of Service

In order to support these and other organizations, the Board of Outreach and Social Action coordinates with other committees to organize fundraising events to support the organizations and missions mentioned above. These annual events create opportunities for fellowship and allow us to fundraise for our shared goals.

• Derby Night at the Races – A fun-filled spring event that combines fellowship and fundraising.
• Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Fund – Helping Weston Social Services and the Weston Senior Center during the holiday season.
• Person-to-Person Toy Drive – Supporting 40 families in our community by fulfilling their Christmas wish lists.

Some events in the past have included:

• The Norfield Giving Fair (a Day of Service and Action) Giving Fair FLyer and Giving Fair Slideshow
• The Norfield Country Fair Fair Slideshow
• Annual Dinner Auction Auction Dinner

3. Other service opportunities

Service Opportunities: Hands-On Ways to Give Back

At Norfield Church, we believe in taking action to serve those in need. There are many service opportunities for individuals and families to participate in:

• Gillespie Center Meals – Volunteer to prepare and serve meals for residents at Homes for Hope.
• Day of Giving – Join our annual fall day of service, which includes activities like yard work, meal prep for refugee families, church clean-up, and a dance party for CLASP residents.
• Committee Work – Serve behind the scenes to plan and coordinate our outreach efforts.
• Mission Trips – Life-changing service trips both locally and internationally for youth and adults.
• Senior Center Luncheon – Host and serve meals to Weston’s senior citizens at our yearly luncheon event.
• Vacation Bible School – Volunteer with our vibrant summer program for children aged 5–11, filled with Bible stories, crafts, music, and fun.
• Mike Tine Teen Center – As part of our Youth Ministry, the Tine Teen Center offers a safe place for middle school students to hang out with each other after school, regardless of their families’ affiliation with Norfield. This ministry is supervised by Jack Mahoney, our Associate Minister for Children, Youth, and Families.

Would you like to help us even more? Become a Committee Member of the Board of Outreach.

Get Involved with Norfield’s Outreach and Social Action Board

Whether you’re ready to serve, want to learn more about our committee, or feel called to give back, we invite you to get involved with the Board of Outreach and Social Action at Norfield Church. We are always looking for passionate individuals to contribute to our mission of service.

Have questions or want to volunteer?
Please contact: Gerri Lyons.