Outreach is important to Carmel Christian Church, as emphasized in our Mission Statement:  " . . . a worshipping, caring, learning, serving Christian chuch in Carmel and beyond."

This was also reflected in the 2007 Transformation Study, "Future Story", and in the annual budgeting process.  For the 2008 budget, 10% of undesignated offerings were set aside for Outreach, with 7.5% going to the Disciples Mission Fund (DMF) and 2.5% used for committee-selected projects.  Additionally, the congregation supports the denomination's six special offerings:  Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Reconciliation and Week of Compassion.

Carmel Christian Church has been designated a Global Mission Church by Global Ministries, which requires a significant commitment to serving global needs.


OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES ~~ Global

Global Ministries Adopt-a-Child Program
On an individual basis, church members and groups participate in our denomination's Adopt-a-Child Program offered through Global Ministries.  For $25 - $30 per month, a child is sponsored at one of our partners' orphanages/schools.

Global Ministries Alternative Gift Program
Each December, our Outreach Committee promotes the Global Ministries Alternative Gift Program.  This provides a variety of projects in assorted price ranges that may be "given" to those on your gift list via a gift to one of our denomination's partner projects around the world.

Overseas Mission/Study Opportunity
Periodic overseas mission/study trips are offered.  In 2005, nine persons made a pilgrimage to Bosnia/Herzegovina.  Plans are in progress for another global pilgrimage in 2010, probably to the Caribbean or Latin American.

Homeland Ministries Work Trips
After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, Carmel Christian Church members were off to Mississippi and Louisiana with donations.  After seeing the devastation, we teamed with Speedway Christian Church on a "One Home at a Time" project, completing renovation of a home in Spring, 2007.  This effort continues, although now through Division of Homeland Ministries.

In the Summer of 2008, a group went to Cosby, Tennessee, to work with local partner, The Sunset Gap Community Center.  This trip was arranged through F.A.S.T. ~~ Faithful Advocates Serving Together, a mission trip opportunity in Appalachia co-sponsored by the United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and local partners.

CWS Blankets+ Program
Opportunity is given to participate in Church World Service's Blanket+ Program (formerly Tools of Hope).  This program assists those in need around the world providing such items as blankets, tents, food, tools, seeds, wells, literacy training and microcredit loans.  Additional support has been provided through the CWS Alternative Gift Program, and Health Kit, School Kit, and Clean-Up Kit Programs.

CROP Hunger Walk
Carmel Christian Church is an active participant in the annual Hamilton County CROP Hunger Walk, providing funding, walkers, and leadership.

Heifer International
Carmel Christian Church has participated in Heifer International projects throughout the years, especially as a service project for Vacation Bible School.  Additionally, through a dedicated campaign, three $5,000 arks were donated in the past.


OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES ~~ Community

Hamilton County Caring Citizens Angel Gift Program
Each November Carmel Christian Church participates in a county-wide program to provide Christmas gifts to those in nursing homes and other facilities in Hamilton County.

Centenary Toy Store
New toys are donated to Centenary Christian Church for their annual Toy Store, which provides Christmas gifts for indigent families.  Additionally, volunteers are provided to assist participants and wrap gifts.

Creative Spirit and Needles & Pins Groups
Two needlework groups sponsored by our Disciples Women's Ministries (DWM) meet to work on knitting and crocheting projects.  Creative Spirit meets monthly; Needles & Pins meets weekly at a local bookstore.  Projects include charitable items such as a Prayer Shawl Ministry, afghans for homeless facilities, baby items for Newborns in Need, sweaters for Guideposts, and scarves for Special Olympics.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis
Since 2001, Carmel Christian Church has partnered with other Disciples through GIDA (Greater Indianapolis Disciples Association) to build a Habitat for Humanity house.  Funding, workers, and meals are provided by the church.

Damien Center Food Pantry
As an ongoing ministry, grocery items are collected for the Damien Center Food Pantry in Indianapolis.

Underneath We're All the Same/Interfaith Alliance of Indianapolis
Carmel Christian Church participates in the annual underwear drive sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance of Indianapolis, providing new underwear items for Indianapolis community centers.

Additional Projects
 In addition to the projects listed above, Carmel Christian Church provides funding for various other local projects.