Outreach Ministries
Join us on our mission of engaging in service and growing in our faith as we participate in hands on ministries locally, nationally and internationally, with ongoing and seasonal ministries. We offer many opportunities for our members of all ages to personally engage in outreach. StepUp Ministry is our primary local initiative which empowers at-risk adults to achieve stability through Jobs Readiness and Life Skills training, along with serving twice weekly meals for anyone who is hungry at Hot Dish & Hope and the clothing ministry. We also provide a networking group for professionals who are seeking help and support to reenter the workforce through FPC Jobs.
“What does the Lord require of us but to do justice, have mercy, and walk humbly with our God?”
- Micah 6:8
Ongoing Outreach Ministries
Habitat for Humanity
One of FPC’s ministries serves people who are hammering, painting and shingling houses with our partner Habitat for Humanity. Several Saturdays each year, FPC and Our Lady of Grace volunteers provide lunch for Habitat work crews. What a great way for classes, small groups and pew friends to serve together!
Contact: Louise Bristol
This spring we are working on the "Building on Faith" house on McConnell Road. We need volunteers! See our event page for details.
Barnabas Network
Members are encouraged to donated gently used furniture to this organization. We provide vouchers which are used by referred individuals and families in need of home furnishings. These individuals are transitioning into new homes due to a crisis situation such as spousal abuse, homelessness, newly arriving refugees and immigrants. www.thebarnabasnetwork.org.
Mobile Meals
Deliver hot meals to senior adults along with other FPC members the 3rd Wednesday of every month, contact Alice Corey 288-3459. We also need volunteers for 5th Mondays. You will serve 4 times a year from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Please consider serving as either a regular or a substitute. To volunteer for 5th Mondays contact Mary Bolling, 274-1995. This well-organized and long-standing organization is a United Way Agency which provides hot noontime meals for those seniors who have no other means of obtaining a meal. Meals are planned to meet the nutritional needs of older adults. This service is available for the elderly who may be disabled or frail.
StepUp Ministry
StepUp Ministry embodies the commitment of First Presbyterian Church and our collaborative partners in the faith community to seek justice and compassionately serve our neighbors in need, particularly for those facing the challenges and hardships of poverty. Through supportive relationships and diverse programs, we seek to empower people to secure economic stability, build community and find hope. Reflecting God’s inclusive love, we honor the dignity, gifts and potential of all—those served and those who serve. Ministries under the StepUp umbrella include the following and details of each program are on the StepUp Ministry page:
- StepUp Jobs ReadinessTraining
- StepUp Life Skills Program (Adults)
- StepUp Life Skills Program for the Children of the Participants
- Hot Dish & Hope Meals
- Clothing Closet
- GED/Literacy Program
FPC Jobs, Inc.
FPC Jobs is networking group of women and men who have had careers, most have post-high school training, education and professional credentials, and are seeking their next career step. This group focuses on a number of initiatives that surface potential positions and prepare participants to move ahead on their career pathways. FPC Jobs meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. in the McAlister Scout Room (under Memorial Chapel). Contact, Bill Linton.
Every Member Can
Every Sunday we collect non-perishable food items at the doors to the Sanctuary and Life Center for the Urban Ministry food pantry which serves families and individuals who are experiencing hunger resulting from a crisis situation. Emergency food orders are running an average of a 20% increase from the previous months. Donations may also be dropped off during office hours in the Life Center or at the Reception area of Shelter Building.
Pennies for Hunger
Children collect change in baskets first Sunday of the month to aid projects fighting hunger locally and internationally. The money collected is distributed by the Salem Presbytery.
Refugee Resettlement Program
In 2010, First Presbyterian Church became involved in refugee resettlement ministry through the work of a non-government organization active here in Greensboro, Church World Service. Since late 2010, when two teams of FPC members welcomed families arriving from refugee camps in Nepal, the focus of this ministry has shifted from securing furnishings and negotiating necessary appointments to nurturing deepening friendships. It is a partnership built on mutual respect. Get involved in a variety of ways such as tutoring refugee students or help adults with citizenship classes, English classes, and crafts and conversations with refugee women.
Contact: Dottie Blanchard or Terri Maultsby.
Wheels4Hope Car Ministry
Wheels4Hope is a faith-based, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals by providing them reliable, affordable vehicles. FPC outreach is involved through our support of this agency and client referrals from StepUp Ministry and by encouraging car donations and volunteers. Donate your car by calling 355-9130 or see further details at www.wheels4hope.org
Volunteers are needed to work with local independent garage owners, car runners, mechanics (different skill levels are welcome!), administrative work, ambassadors, etc. For further information, please contact Larry Bowden at 337-9721.
Seasonal Outreach Ministries
Bag Hunger in August
Last year 57% of Guilford County school children received free or reduced lunches. The Summer Nutrition program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, continues to supply lunches after this school year ends through July 31. FPC, others in the faith community and civic organizations are once again organizing The Bag Hunger in August program to fill in the gap beginning August 1 until the new school year begins. We provide bagged lunches to the children in need at designated school sites. To get involved contact Alex Harrill or Karen Goldschmidt, 478-4720.
Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood
The FPC Pedalers participate in this bike tour each September. Proceeds support education, advocacy, research and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and their families.
Contact: Jeanne Johnston or Maurice Schwartz
CROP Walk - October 20, 2013
A great way to get involved and help fight hunger is by participating in the annual community 5k walk in October as one of FPC’s organizers, walkers, runners or sponsors. This one day event raises desperately needed funds to feed the hungry not only in Greensboro but all over the world. New members, church school classes, youth and other groups and families are encouraged to participate. Want to build a team to work on making an even stronger impact in 2013?
Contact: Alex Harrill
Thanksgiving Project – “Hands Across The City”
Just a few days before Thanksgiving we assemble and deliver bags filled with food, a message of hope from our children in Sunday school classes and a turkey so that families in need in our community will enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in their own homes. This annual event involves the many hands of our children, youth, and adults.
Contact: Louise Bristol
Winter Walk for AIDS – December, 2013
The Winter Walk for AIDS is a three mile annual community walk in early December that raises money and awareness to benefit Triad Health Project's client services and prevention programs. The community participation is a powerful and moving experience as we remember those lost to HIV/AIDS and look to a future when this epidemic is defeated. Make plans to help organize our walkers and pledgers for the December 2013 walk. Visit the Triad Health Project's website.
Contact: Alex Harrill
