Elmont’s First Church of God loves its city

Congregants at Elmont’s First Church of God have been showing essential workers just how much they care with its “Love Our City” initiative.

The church founded the mission long before the coronavirus pandemic, and its members participate in community service projects, strategic partnerships and community events “to show the love of Jesus Christ to our 34,000 neighbors in Elmont and the surrounding areas.”

“We want to show a little practical application of love,” Pastor Cecil Mathew explained.

Since the pandemic began, he said, the missionaries have tried to “boost and thank the health care workers.” They set up a GoFundMe on April 3 to provide meals for the frontline workers and neighbors in need and help support local small businesses, and have since sent food and pastries to local pharmacists, hospital employees and police “as a thank you” for those who “don’t have a choice to stay home.”

The food all comes from local businesses, Mathew said, and noted that the church is also partnering with Salvatore’s of Elmont to set up a “grab-and-go” food program for those in need.

They’re willing to do “whatever we can to help,” he added.

Donations to the church’s efforts can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/love-long-island.

For more information about the church and its mission, visit www.FirstCOG.com, and to partner with the ministry, please reach out to Pastor Mathew at cecilmathew@FirstCOG.com.