As a diverse congregation united in Christ, we believe it is our responsibility to show God's love for all people through our actions. We reach out to our community through our community lunches, food pantry and block parties. We support kids in need through backpacks of school supplies and various clothing donations. We visit the homebound and sick, support new mothers and infants, and provide a helping hand and a listening heart to those in emotional turmoil. We support our military abroad by mailing frequent packages of goodies and personal supplies. Since God loves all of his creation, we, as God's instruments in the world, do this without proselytizing and with no strings attached.
We financially support various well-established national non-profit organizations, world missions and relief agencies. Our youth work hard on their yearly mission trip to a struggling US community.
Each year the junior and senior high youth groups embark on a mission trip to a community in the US that really needs their help. These are true mission trips to help those who have asked for assistance. Although the accommodations are spartan (often involving sleeping bags on a church floor), the sightseeing is modest (what can be seen from the bus window), and the weather may be hot and humid, the labor is hard, the friendships are for life, and God's world is improved just a little bit. What better way to spend a "vacation?"
Contact Arlene Richardson (269-684-2858) for more information.
Stephen Ministry is one-on-one Christian care giving provided by trained members of our congregation. The Stephen motto “Jesus' love of people through people,” explains our work. Stephen Ministers provide gender specific compassionate ministry to a person in need. Stephen Ministry has been a part of First Presbyterian since 1978 with thirteen Stephen Ministers of our church currently actively providing care as part of the church’s Pastoral Care Team. Services are available to church members and the community at large. Those with needs or those who feel the call leading them to this vital ministry should contact the church office (269-683-7600).
The Reap sewing group uses donated fabric and supplies to make everything from lap robes to door draft dodgers. Last year the group made bibs, baby blankets, lab robes, children's clothing, baby sweaters, hats and scarves of all sizes, tote bags, slippers, and hospital gowns. They also fill new baby bags for the Pregnancy Care Center to distribute. New members are always welcome. Meetings are the second Saturday of each month in the Manse. Contact Arlene Richardson (269-684-2858).
This dedicated group of women cut up bedsheets and roll them for bandages for Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital in Sierra Leone. Sheets of all sizes, (white, colored, printed, and thin flannel) can be donated by labelling them for Mission Workshop and dropping them off at the church.
The group meets the second Wednesday of the month, 10:00-noon. Contact Karen Tucker (260-473-5101) for details.