Mt. Zion’s Outreach Ministry focuses on the surrounding community of Chatham-Kent, as well as donations through the Presbyterian W&D Fund. Below are some of the means by which we attempt to share our good fortune with others.
New To You: Since 1980, our congregation has sponsored a Consignment Store in Ridgetown. Through this non-profit business, consignees are able to sell (or donate) slightly used clothing and small items for a percentage of the selling price. Customers make good use of the opportunity to shop for reasonably priced clothing. The store’s proceeds are donated to individuals or groups in need of support. Beyond many in Chatham-Kent, Evangel Hall in Toronto and the Canadian Aid For Chernobyl (Belarus Project) are among the beneficiaries. (See New To You page for information on current Sales and Events.)
Quilters: The Quilters are a group which developed from a side project of New To You in 1999. They meet on Wednesday mornings in the Church Hall and welcome members from within and beyond our congregation. Over the years, they have donated well over 4000 quilts to charitable groups and individuals:
Matthew House – an organization that provides a temporary home and settlement supports to refugees
Victoria Park Place – a homeless shelter in Chatham
Crieff Hills Community – a retreat centre run by the Presbyterian Church
Hope Haven – a homeless shelter in Chatham
Individuals and families in need eg. Stranded travellers during the recent Christmas snowstorm
Recently they also began to sell a few quilts each year to cover the expense of material and batting. Quilters page
Kiwanis Dinners: For 55 years, the Ridgetown Kiwanis Club has made the Mt. Zion Church Hall their home.
Lunch Bunch: As part of an ecumenical town project, Mt. Zion takes their monthly turn at providing a hot lunch to appreciative local residents – soup, sandwiches, cookies and companionship.
Ridgetown Ministerial Association Events: Included are Vacation Bible School, annual Live Nativity, sponsoring a Youth Minister, and various other projects.
‘”When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord. “(Psalm 102:22)