First Baptist Church sponsors or supports several outreach ministries to help our neighbors in the Marietta/Washington County community.
Twice a year, in April and October, the Board of Deacons works with Marietta Memorial Hospital to sponsor bloodmobile visits at the church which are open to the public.
This program is overseen by the Board of Deacons and staffed by volunteers from the congregation to provide assistance with people’s basic needs such as utility bills and rent. Volunteers interview applicants each Tuesday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and the third and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9-11 a.m. Other volunteers review the applications and consult with local agencies to identify what help is available in the community.
Lunch is provided on the second Saturday each month for anyone who needs a meal and/or fellowship. The Singles and Doubles Class organizes the meal, but welcomes help from anyone interested in this outreach project.
The American Baptist Women’s Ministries donates $100 a year to his local shelter, and collects toys, children’s and women’s clothes, hygiene and personal care items, “feel good items”, and gift certificates for residents. For more information about Eve, call (740) 374-5820 or visit www.eveincorporated.org.
In November the church accepts donations of food and money for the Community Food Pantry operated by the Congregational Church at 318 Front Street, Marietta. Members have also volunteered their time. Pantry hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, call (740) 373-5741.
Each Sunday in November the Deacons sponsor 2:30 p.m. worship services at the Marietta Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Members are invited to volunteer their musical and speaking skills to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the residents, as well as share fellowship with them.
The American Baptist Women’s Ministries donates $100 a year to help fund camp scholarships for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club located at 136 Front Street, Marietta. For more information about the Salvation Army, call (740) 373-4043.
This organization builds houses for people willing to help themselves. First Baptist Church has been actively supporting this program since its founding in 1989, when the church donated $20,000 to build the first house. The church has made other financial contributions over the years, and individual members have donated their time and talent to help the group by serving on the board and by participating in the actual construction of homes. Find out more at www.wchfh.com.
Some members participate in this program founded by Karen Kumpf to support local food pantries and nonprofit feeding programs. The program has been expanded to include the establishment of community gardens in Marietta and other local communities. For more information call (740) 374-3438.