Misson:The mission of the Community Outreach Special Teams ministry is to work within our city and community to spread the knowledge of Jesus Christ whereby souls will be won. C.O.S.T. will strive to develop relationships and programs to help the community as a whole as well as individuals. C.O.S.T. is committed to uplifting God's kingdom and giving Him all the glory.
The C.O.S.T. ministry was established because of the desire of members to reach out to the community. Southside has worked hard in community outreach since its inception; however, a more formal group was developed to address community needs on a regular basis. Members of the committee brainstormed and developed ways to find out and meet some of their urgent needs, participate in community events, and bring awareness of the local Church of Christ. The major community activities are as follows:
Ministry Leader & Contact Information Michael Washington Home: (919) 596-3732
Mobile: (919) 698-9923
Email: Michael Washington
Food Bank/ Food Pantry:Southside began a food pantry more 10 years ago to help members in need. Many outside of the church have been assisted with food baskets. Items are donated to the pantry by members of the congregation. A new item is chosen each month. In January 2004 Southside became a distributor for the Food Bank of Durham. Food is available to Southside members and non-members as long as they abide by the Food Bank guidelines. Because of our affilation with the Food Bank, food is purchased at a substantially lower price than at retail outlets and is distributed free to those in need. If you have a need, please contact Crystal Carter during the regular hours of operation: Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 11a.m. until 1 p.m.
Community Day: Southside held its first Community Day on April 2, 2004. The purpose of this event is to further introduce the community to the Southside congregation. This event also provides an opportunity for us to introduce members of the community to the Church of Christ and to help them meet their spiritual needs. Key ministries set-up tables to inform community members of all the major activities and services available at Southside. Many community organizations participate in this program. They include the Durham County Health Department, Fire Department, Police Department, City of Durham Human Resources, Sheriff's Department, NC Department of Agriculture participate, just to name a few. This event features fun activities for children, such as clowns, puppeteers, a bounce machine, popcorn, and snow cones are available for children.
Diabetes Walk:Members are solicited to participate in approximately three walks per year to raise money for the American Kidney Foundation.
American Red Cross Blood Drive:C.O.S.T. has worked alongside the Health Ministry to sponsor blood drives throughout the year.
Ronald McDonald House Volunteersim: The Ronald McDonald House, sponsored by Duke University, is for children admitted with serious illnesses. Members of C.O.S.T. volunteer to prepare meals for family members of these children.
Senior Citizen Center Volunteer:. Committee members go to various nursing homes to spend time with and play games with the seniors.
Tolietry Drives for Hospice and Nursing Homes:. Toiletries are donated by members of the congregation and then donated to our local Hospice and Nursing Home.
Holiday Food Baskets:. In addition to our Food Bank activity, C.O.S.T. solicits food items from the congregation to be distributed to members and non-members in need of food for the holidays.
Durham Literacy Council:. C.O.S.T. has asked members of the congregation to sign up for the Adult Literacy Program, where members can teach adults fundamental reading skills. Members completing the tutor training will be matched with a student and commit to tutor for at least six months.