Social action and community service programs and initiatives are integrated into the fabric of Channing Memorial Church. The congregation’s Social Action Committee (SAC) engages in service, advocacy, education and political action programs and projects to support and promote justice, human rights, and care for our neighbors. Other committees, departments and groups, such as Family Ministry and Religious Education, Interweave, and The Learning Center also engage in social justice projects. Involvement in all programs is welcomed.
Social Action and Community Service Programs & Projects of Channing Memorial Church.
- Community Meal — a dinner meal prepared and served each month for homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals ( approximately 600 meals a year).
- Breakfast at the McKinney Shelter – a breakfast meal prepared and served once a month to the Shelter’s residents.
- Holiday giving drives – a giving tree for children and teens, providing 20 – 30 gifts each Christmas; gift bag with various items for individuals at the December Community Meal.
- Pajama Gift Project –pajamas distributed through a Newport school to economically disadvantaged children.
- Born This Way Prom – A free dance held in April for LGBTQ teens and allies.
- Share the Plate Program –a portion of the Sunday offering each month given to a social service agency (approximately $6000 annually).
- Guest at Your Table – an annual collection donated to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to support their justice and emergency relief work.
- Brunch for the Bus – an annual potluck brunch with free-will donations collected to purchase bus passes distributed to various Newport agencies for homeless and low-income individuals. (approximately 300 passes a year)
- Sharing Locker – collection and purchase with funds made from the resale book cart of toiletries distributed through local food pantries.
- Natural disaster aid – special collections for natural disaster assistance.
- Support of Fair Trade products – coffee and other products sold each Sunday.
- Food collections – a monthly collection of non-perishable food items and an annual special collection of high protein foods, donated to local food pantries.
- Margit Baum Fund Endowment grants – grants given to agencies and programs serving Newport’s economically disadvantaged residents.
- Green Congregation – support of environmental and climate justice initiatives and monitoring the church for eco-efficiency.
- Social Justice Education – workshops, lectures, movies to explore aspects of social justice.
- LGBTQ Support – education and support programs; including PFLAG meetings.
- Vegan Dinners – non-meat dinners hosted in conjunction with an animal rights organization.
- Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Rhode Island (UULMRI) – work with other congregation on legislative education and lobbying at the State legislature.
- Singing for Shelter – host annual fund-raising concert event without charge.