Abolish Poverty - End Suffering
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.”
D&C 151:9
D&C 151:9
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Community of Christ's Mission Initiative to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering represents a deep commitment to transformative social change, grounded in the belief that every individual deserves the dignity of self-sufficiency and a life free from despair.
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This initiative is not merely about offering temporary relief but is aimed at fundamentally altering the conditions that perpetuate poverty and suffering. Through its compassionate ministries, the initiative seeks to empower individuals, helping them transition from states of dependency to leading productive, fulfilling lives. This approach underscores the importance of self-respect and personal worth, recognizing that true assistance means supporting people in a manner that respects their dignity and potential.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Community of Christ's efforts to realize this ambitious goal. By partnering with other faith communities and organizations, the initiative amplifies its impact, pooling resources and expertise to tackle the complex, multifaceted challenges that underpin poverty and suffering. These partnerships enable a more holistic approach to service, ensuring that interventions are not only addressing immediate needs but are also working to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep people in cycles of poverty. It's about creating a synergy that transcends individual efforts, fostering a collective movement towards a world where everyone can live with dignity and hope.
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The call to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering is a powerful rallying cry that invites us all to play a part in this noble endeavor. It's a reminder that the fight against poverty and suffering is not the responsibility of the afflicted alone but a shared moral obligation. Whether through direct service, advocacy, or support, everyone has a role to play in making the vision of a world without poverty and suffering a reality. This initiative embodies a profound expression of faith in action, challenging us to look beyond our immediate concerns and commit ourselves to the well-being of our global family.
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We invite you to join us.
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"Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?”… And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25: 37, 40 NRSV
Matthew 25: 37, 40 NRSV
Doorstep Topeka
Click picture to visit Doorstep website.
Doorstep provides Topekans with the support they need to live fuller, more self-sufficient lives. From combatting hunger to offering individuals and families the services and resources they need to enjoy independent lifestyles, Doorstep is committed to extending a helping hand to our forgotten friends and neighbors in their time of need.
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Topeka Community of Christ works to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with other faith communities and organizations, such as Doorstep, that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
We do this by providing volunteer service, tangible goods and financial support to Doorstep.
For additional information regarding how you can assist Doorstep, please contact Darrel Loar who serves as our congregation's liaison with Doorstep.
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Doorstep Facebook Post: (August 29, 2025) This week’s Mission Member Spotlight falls on Topeka Community of Christ! Community of Christ donated over $2,000 in 2024 in addition to offering volunteers to assist during service hours. We appreciate all you do for us!
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Doorstep News
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This year Doorstep is adopting 286 Households and they need our help. Here’s how:
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2025 - 2026 Doorstep Events
Nov & Dec Collection of items for Christmas Adoption Project Doorstep adopts 260 households from the Christmas Bureau each year. We need help providing gifts, food, health kits, blankets, toys, school supplies, and gift cards for 800+ individuals. Gifts needed by Tues, December 9th Dec 16th – 18th Christmas Adoption Project distribution days. Volunteers needed! Call the Doorstep office to sign up, lots of tasks to do! 785-357-5341 January 18th Soup Line 2.0 ~ An Updated Version of Soup Line 2026 Due date for pre-orders & payment of soup and chili. Soup Line 2.0 is a drive-thru pick-up process to be held at First Christian Church Super Bowl Weekend. Pick-up Sat, Feb 7th from 5pm-7pm and Sun, Feb 8th from 1pm-4pm Feb 7th – 9th SouperBowl Weekend – Collection of soup and crackers Mar 15th – 21st Online Auction for Doorstep Theme Baskets and other items. Late April Appreciation Banquet & Quilt Drawing ~ Date & Place to be announced at a later date June 6th 60th Anniversary Celebration ~ Family Friendly Event (Saturday) 9th Annual Neighbor Helping Neighbor Walk/5K Fun Run Lake Shawnee June 2026 – 60th Anniversary Year ~ Capital Campaign $600K May 2027 As part of the Strategic Planning Doorstep completed in 2024, one of the tasks is evaluating our building, our spaces and the flow of every aspect / service at Doorstep. We are working on a remodel of our current building to better suit our needs and stay located in central Topeka. |
“I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.”
Mosiah 2:43
Mosiah 2:43
Community of Christ Oblation Ministry
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The first Sunday of each month, all undesignated offerings received are forwarded to Community of Christ Headquarters for Community of Christ Abolish Poverty & End Suffering Ministries. In addition givers can specifically designate their offerings for this purpose at any time.
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Oblation was established to help the church be faithful to its commission to care for the poor and needy (Doctrine and Covenants 42:8).
The law and practice of the church since this action of the 1917 Conference (GCR 773) has been to receive funds during all Communion services for the express purpose of the care of the poor and needy. |
“Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9 NRSV
Proverbs 22:9 NRSV
Pennies for Africa Offering
Pennies for Africa
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We work to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with other faith communities and organizations that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
The third Sunday of each month, our friends and members bring their loose change, which they have saved during each month, for our Pennies for Africa special offering.
This special offering is contributed to the Community of Christ Africa Mission Centers to be utilized by the mission centers, as may be needed. Since this special offering was started in 1997, the Topeka Community of Christ congregation has contributed over $24,000 through our Pennies for Africa offering.
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Do you have some of these?
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Beth Marolf is collecting aluminum beverage cans and recycling them with the proceeds going to our Pennies for Africa Offering.
There is a collection bin in the church kitchen. Please rinse out the cans before placing them in the container. |
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Did you miss our Pennies for Africa special Offering?
If you are unable to contribute to this offering during the third Sunday of each month, you may place your Pennies for Africa offering in this jar, which is located at the back of our sanctuary.
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“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.”
Proverbs 14:31 NRSV
Proverbs 14:31 NRSV
Outreach International
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We work to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with organizations, such as Outreach International, that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
Click picture for Outreach International website
In addition to our tithes which fund Community of Christ operations, programs and missions; the Topeka Community of Christ congregation also provides funds to support the ministry of Outreach International as we work in partnership with others to Abolish Poverty and End Suffering.
Some think the end to poverty is a pipe dream. Outreach International has nearly 40 years of experience working alongside our community partners around the world that says otherwise.
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Outreach International believes when communities work together, they can overcome the challenges of chronic poverty.
Their work supports groups who construct new water wells, establish low-interest loan programs, repair roads, grow vegetables, and much more. It empowers people to lift themselves, sustainably, into a future defined by opportunity. We invite you to join with us in supporting the ministry provided by this organization.
During the four Sundays of Advent, the Topeka Congregation participated in the Outreach International Advent Stable Children’s activities. A special offering was accepted each Sunday during Advent to support Outreach International, in addition to our usual Disciples Generous Response. This Advent Children's Ministry raised $473.46 for Outreach International.
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"God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare."
D&C 163:4a
D&C 163:4a
