February 23, 2012
Local Mission
Mission is key to who we are at FPC and the One we serve.
Agape House
Agape House was created by FPC and other Jefferson City congregations nearly twenty-five years ago to provide a low cost, safe, Christian atmosphere for families who come to our area to visit family members in local prisons. Almost 50,000 families of prisoners have stayed at Agape House since it was established. Volunteers are often needed for repair work.
Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry provides non perishable food items for families in our community as we give away 12 to 15 bags of groceries per week. Those receiving food also receive counseling and prayer.
Members and friends are asked to bring non-perishable food items for our Pantry on the first Sunday of each month.
Habitat
for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity was initiated by our Deacons with invitations to community churches to develop this exciting, ecumenical mission, which has flourished with the construction of more than 60 homes! Habitat is continually seeking volunteers for construction work- and to provide meals for volunteer workers.
Hands for Mission
Hands for Mission is a group that works on various sewing projects, including “Prayer Shawls” for members and friends of our congregation. This group also makes baby blankets for our newborns, school bags, denim quilts and baby gowns—and other projects as needed. If you knit, crochet or sew or would be willing to learn, this group can use your talents.
Kenneth R. Locke Apartments
The Kenneth R. Locke Apartments (formerly Westminster Heritage) were built by our congregation in the mid-‘80s and continue to be a lively center for retired persons and others. Our Deacons and others provide Saturday lunches twice a month, lead Wednesday afternoon Vesper Services, and provide other services for the residents.
Mentoring Program for School Children
Mentoring at South Elementary School is an outreach into our community through our members who give the gift of one hour each week to mentor a child during the school year. This involves meeting the student at the school and helping them with school work, or just talking and playing games with them. Additional Mentors are always needed - you can make a difference in the life of a child!
Old Town Community Center
Old Town Community Center is a new Ecumenical Ministry supported by First United Methodist, Grace Episcopal, Central United Church, and First Presbyterian Churches. Using a building at the corner of Clark Ave. and Atchison Street, this mission will host after school mentoring, community group meeting space, a coffee shop, a Fair Trade Store, a benevolence office and other ministries reaching those in need in the community.
Salvation Army
Our Salvation Army Ministry involves the preparing and serving of meals at the local Salvation Army Shelter for the residents of the shelter and others in our community. Currently children, youth and adults from our congregation serve meals six or more nights per month, and additional volunteers are welcome to participate.
Samaritan Center
The Samaritan Center provides assistance in many ways (food, clothing, dental care, help with utility bills, legal guidance, tax preparation, cooking classes, Christmas gifts, etc.) for those in our community who are in need. More information about Samaritan Center services and programs.
Each Christmas our congregation adopts families in partnership with the Samaritan Center. “Stars” are posted showing needs, and church members purchase and wrap the items, and return them to the church. Gifts are sorted and delivered to the family.
