CAMDEN — Last week, members of the First Congregational Church of Camden Care Team delivered 634 festively adorned “cheer bags” to the four Camden congregate care facilities for all residents and essential workers, along with a collection of clever word and number puzzles (and answer keys) to each facility. The cheer bags were designed, produced, and distributed by members of the church’s Care Team as a part of its “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” initiative.

The goal of this initiative is to spread kindness, help, and hope like confetti during a time when the pandemic spreads isolation, illness, stress and hardship.

“All of the cheer bags were crafted with love to remind each resident that they ARE remembered and cared for, and to tell each essential worker that they ARE appreciated and respected,” said the Team, in a news release.

Each bag sported a colorful tag, special cards with verse and inspirations, origami cranes (the symbol of happiness and healing), a laminated book mark with verse, chocolate truffles, peppermints, butterscotch candies, and a lip moisturizer with SPF 15 (this last item generously donated by Allen Insurance and Financial for the project).

In March, the ongoing 16-member Care Team was joined by the church’s Membership Committee and other volunteers. This expanded group of 30 volunteers regularly calls and writes to 163 individuals/families to help dispel feelings of isolation and to check on their church neighbors and friends.

Founded in 1805, The First Congregational Church of Camden is an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. Worship service is currently held live via Zoom every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., and all are welcome. Call Becky in the church office at 207-236-4821 to receive a weekly invitation.

During the school year, Sunday school for pre-K through ninth grade students begins at 8:45 a.m., and nursery care is provided during worship.

The congregation is active with a number of outreach programs, including Heavenly Threads Thrift Shop, the Shields Mission, Soup’s On!, and the Friends of Music concert series, among others.

For more information about the life of First Congregational Church, visit www.camdenucc.org, follow the FCC on Facebook, call 207-236-4821, and worship with them any Sunday morning.