At North Church of Portsmouth, we put our faith into action. We believe it is our mission to help others in any way we can–whether volunteering with other local non-profits, knitting winter items for the unhoused in our community, collecting school supplies for students, or serving Lunches of Love. By engaging in service, we live out our belief that everyone is a child of God, worthy of dignity, respect, and care.

There are a variety of activities, services, and programs aimed at serving the community by addressing specific needs or supporting organizations that focus on specialized needs. All of our programs are available for people of all ages–there’s something for everyone to do!

North Church in the Community

Each month, the North Church community solicits and prepares a variety of donations, including tangible items, like food and clothing, and financial contributions through monetary donations to non-profits and distributing gift cards to those in need. We collect and donate non-perishable food items to GATHER, a hunger-relief organization in our community. We knit scarves and hats to give to those who are cold, and we make shawls to give to folks who are in need of a visit, some warmth, some care after surgery, or during an illness. 

Each season, there’s a new way to donate to organizations in our community and nation. We regularly set up collections for: Salvation Army Meatball Monday Meals, World Central Kitchen, UCC Disaster Relief Ministries, Cross Roads House Back to School Initiative, Seacoast Family Promise Thanksgiving Dinners, and more.

We participate in annual events, such as the CROP Hunger Walk which helps to fight hunger on the Seacoast of New Hampshire and around the world. 

We prepare hygiene kits that hang on outside on the church’s fence and are available for anyone who needs them. These kits usually contain: snacks, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, fresh socks, sunscreen, wet wipes, chapstick, other self-care items, and blessings and affirmations to remind people that they are deserving of warmth and love. 

At Lunches of Love, we distribute meals to any who are hungry in downtown Portsmouth.

Our local service and outreach programs mean that people in need will have adequate food, adequate clothing, a meal, or gas for their vehicle to get to work. Sponsoring or contributing to organizations such as the CROP Hunger Walk means that our impact reaches across the country and around the world.

Get Involved

Showing up can be hard, especially if you’re new or nervous. That’s okay! 

If you need a pep talk, contact the office. Pastor Jenn would be glad to hype you up, and we’ll all be excited to see you at whichever service or outreach activity you choose to participate in. 

There’s a certain magic that happens when people gather together, join hands, and put themselves to work helping others. In those moments we make friends, see the face of God in our neighbor, and have our inner cup filled with joy at making a difference. 

We believe that God loves everyone–no exceptions, no restrictions. We believe that God moves among us and calls us to repair the broken parts of our world by loving our neighbor, standing up for justice, and putting our faith into practice. Whether we’re raising funds for disaster relief, marching in the Seacoast Pride Parade, putting together Thanksgiving meals for families and neighbors in need, or knitting scarves and hats for anyone in the cold, each of these actions are born of our faith and love for others. 

We hope to see you soon!