Social Justice
Emmaus members at the 2018 Crop Walk, part of Hunger Action Weekend
We seek to make manifest God’s love and caring in a troubled world through committed outreach. A number of excellent United Church of Christ and Emmaus programs enable us to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors near and far.
Here are some of the programs that we either lead or support:
V.O.I.C.E
Because our faith demands and our democracy requires we stand together as people … Emmaus is an active participant in V.O.I.C.E., Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. Partnering with V.O.I.C.E., we are committed to bringing people together across religious, racial, economic, and political party affiliations to build a stronger Northern Virginia through concrete actions. Our congregation is active in local, grassroots organizing on various issues, including transportation, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and immigration. Additionally, we are active participants in “GOTV” work in Northern Virginia.
First Gifts Service
First Gifts is a worship service during Advent when we prepare our hearts and sanctuary to welcome Jesus. During the service, we assemble the cradle that is the centerpiece of our upcoming pageant. Each year we work with a local organization to support their clients with appropriate gifts of the season. In the past our efforts have provided diapers and clothing for young mothers at Second Story, holiday gifts and grocery gift cards for families in need through CHO and supporting the unhoused population in conjunction with the Lamb Center.
Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action month is a church-wide focus on alleviating hunger locally and overseas. Everyone rallies around a constellation of intergenerational service projects, with a culminating week in October. Levels of enthusiasm and participation are high as we engage in work to help feed our brothers and sisters. Activities include meal packaging with Rise Against Hunger, the Vienna CROP Hunger Walk with Church World Services and the Empty Bowls fundraiser.
The Shepherd’s Center is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting and supporting purposeful, independent living for mature adults through volunteer opportunities, transportation assistance, support services, lifelong learning and cultural enrichment opportunities. Several of us serve as volunteer drivers for the elderly through the Center’s coordination. To learn more, visit scov.org.
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna
OGHS is the refugee, relief and development offering of the United Church of Christ. This collection transforms lives through health, education, agricultural, and emergency relief initiatives in 138 countries. The offering is usually gathered in March. To learn more, visit ucc.org/oghs. Our participation in OGHS, as well as other programs, make Emmaus a “5 for 5” UCC church.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)
NIN is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. The offering is usually gathered in October. To learn more, visit ucc.org/nin.
Neighbors in Need (NIN)
CHO is an all-volunteer organization that helps by providing Emergency financial assistance, Emergency food aid, Clothing, Furniture, Meals on Wheels, Transportation. Emmaus collects and delivers needed items for the food bank each month. We also support CHO each year through our fundraising with the CROP Hunger Walk and as part of our First Gifts Christmas program. More information about CHO can be found at their website https://cho-va.com/
Committee for Helping Others (CHO)
In September 2020 the Emmaus Youth Group received a $500 service grant from the Potomac Association to build a Little Free Pantry (LFP), a project that was chosen by the Emmaus Youth Group members.The mini pantry movement is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods. Since the installation the LFP has amassed quite a following in the community, with many individuals and groups contributing to the effort on a regular basis. Want to donate or learn more? Visit our LFP Page here
Little Free Pantry
The Lamb Center is a non-profit organization, providing a daytime drop-in shelter for those who are experiencing homelessness in Fairfax County. It provides services without cost, including breakfast, lunch, hot showers, laundry service, a clothes closet, a storage locker for a minimal rental fee, job counseling, Bible studies, AA meetings, a nurse practitioner clinic and dental clinic, and more. Its mission is to “transform lives and share God’s love.” It is an outreach ministry of many local faith communities, Emmaus included. Our work with the Lamb Center has provided needed supplies.such as toiletries, underwear, Ziploc bags, and bananas and snack bags packed by the church children.