The Council has existed since 1936. It consists of Protestant
congregations committed to working together in mission and ministry
to our communities. The Council is made up of churches serving
Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow,
Monson, Springfield, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham. In
short, you and the members of your congregation, through stewardship
of time, talents and resources, make up the Council.
Everyone in the Greater Springfield area benefits, directly or
indirectly, from the ministry of the Council. The Council has
advocated and mediated a number of social issues such as violence
prevention, substance abuse, racism, AIDS awareness, and police and
community relations. More specifically, elderly people and families
receive emergency fuel assistance, youths receive summer camp
scholarships, new mothers receive baby layettes, and children
receive mittens and scarves. In addition, countless people, many of
whom are in extremely critical situations, call the Council and
receive our support and help in connecting them with appropriate
community organizations.
The Council is an ecumenical organization made up of area
churches which are followers of Jesus Christ and believe Him to be
our Divine Lord and Savior. These churches manifest their unity
through prayer, worship, social action, mission, and service. The
Council involves volunteers in a mission of commitment to the human
and spiritual needs of people through services such as hospital and
nursing home chaplaincy, interfaith dialogue, peace and justice
issues, a monthly newsletter, and collaboration with community
organizations. We rely almost totally on church pledges, donations
from religious organizations, and individual contributions.
The Council maintains sensitivity to different faith traditions
and encourages these diverse faith communities to work in
partnership with us as we minister to all who are in need. To that
end, the Council has an Ecumenical and Interfaith Division and is a
member of the Western Massachusetts Interfaith Council. The Council
also maintains fellowship and cooperation with other Councils of
Churches, The Massachusetts Council of Churches, The National
Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.