Outreach
As disciples of Jesus, Christ First is interwoven with the community we call home. We are here to serve with humility as Christ’s ambassadors, in south Mississauga and beyond. For the growth and spiritual nurture of our congregation and community, we share our faith and our resources through welcoming and inclusive hospitality, continuous learning, and compassionate action.
South Mississauga Nonprofit Networking
In 2022, Christ First was awarded a three year Seeds of Hope Grant from The United Church of Canada Foundation. With this, we have launched the local initiative called South Mississauga Non-profit Networking. Christ First continues to grow our community ministry, connecting intimately with local non-profit organizations, and providing physical and virtual support for staff and volunteers at these organizations. By promotion and networking, we are supporting and encouraging the outreach work that is being done in our community far beyond our church walls.
We continue to hold regular breakfast events, where we have featured various presentations from different local organizations, as well as personal wellness workshops such as “Relational Wellness for the Overworked Professional,” and “Resilience and Self Care.” We have developed personal relationships with over 30 organizations across Mississauga, with a much wider following on social media. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram!
The Compass
Christ First was one of a group of local Christian Churches to found The Compass in 2002. The Compass is an outreach program in Mississauga, Ontario, with a focus on providing a safe and welcoming place for people in need of food and spiritual support. Over the years, operations have expanded to deliver a variety of services to the community, powered by staff and volunteers. From sorting food donations to assisting at events, among many other activities, volunteers help The Compass make an impactful difference in the community. In 2021, The Compass was honoured to be named by Charity Intelligence Canada as one of the top 10 Canadian charities, top 10 food banks and top 5 charities in the Toronto region. Christ First is actively engaged in supporting The Compass year-round, through volunteer power and physical and financial donations.
Join us in supporting The Compass by donating here.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawls become tangible symbols of love when words can’t be found to express one’s feelings. Prayer shawls and patches have been given to those we know and love, and through ministries such as the St. Joseph’s hospital chaplaincy, to unknown recipients, benefiting both the recipients and the givers. Prayer Shawls are kept in the cupboard in the Merigold Room, where you can find shawls of various sizes. Shawls can be taken at any time to be passed along people in need of support or a warm hug (receivers may be members of the church or also friends and neighbours.) When our friends wear these shawls, they may be reminded that they are connected with many people throughout our faith community. The gift of a shawl is a reminder that you are not alone. Supplies are also available in the cupboard for anyone wishing to knit and donate a shawl.
Community Engagement
Christ First is an active member in our community, often supporting and participating in local events and celebrations.
United Church Mission and Service
The people of the United Church are committed to turning compassion into action. Christ First enthusiastically supports the wider United Church of Canada through financial support to a unified fund called Mission and Service. In 2021, total Mission and Service gifts—including congregational and emergency giving, will and life insurance gifts, special gifts, and support from the United Church Women—amounted to an amazing $25,686,000. At this very moment, we are working alongside 72 partners in 21 countries around the world. Find out more about the United Church Mission and Service projects here.
Help Christ First support The United Church of Canada's Mission and Service by donating here.