Community and World Outreach
CROP Walk - CROP Walk 2007 was a rousing success bringing more people together and raising more money than ever before in Galesburg's 15-yr history of hosting a walk. On September 23, 2007 over 180 walkers raised more than $13,000 for hunger relief through Church World Service and three local agencies. This year over 21 churches and organizations participated in the walk, but it was led in strong numbers by the Presbyterians who accounted for nearly 1/3 of the participants! The CROP Walk is very important to us and an easy way to raise money for hunger. Contact Kathy Woodward for more details.
New Orleans Mission Trip - On October 6-14 a group of people from FPC as well as the community will be traveling to New Orleans to help with hurricane relief clean up and rebuilding. We will be praticipating with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and staying in a volunteer village in Luling, LA. Please pray for this group during the trip and see this link to the direct page to find out how things are going while they are away working for the Lord.
FISH Volunteers - FISH is a food pantry ministry that provides for those in need. Volunteers are used in a number of ways, including organization and distribution. This is ministry is a regular mission that we support year-round by collecting food items and monetary donations for their services.
Africa Inland Missions- Working with missionary, John Haspels, and family we have formed a bond with AIM in helping to build a high school outside Lokichogio, Kenya. A mission team has been planned for the future to travel to Kenya and help John and the other missionaries out. Until then funds are donated to help the ministry with the Turkana tribe.
Habitat for Humanity - This widely known international housing ministry has an active local chapter. Many members of our congregation are involved. The second Saturday of the month, May through October, is a workday for First Presbyterians. Volunteers are needed to help at the work site, as well as provide a lunch for workers. There are opportunities as well to become involved in other committees related to Habitat. Contact: Jim Ecklund, 342-1718.
Yucatan Ministries - This mission outreach supports the work and lives of many special people in
M.O.P.S.+ Mothers of Preschoolers (and older children) - This Galesburg affiliate of a national organization meets at First Presbyterian Church on the second and fourth Friday mornings each month (except for holidays) September through May at 9:15 a.m. Programs are designed to provide peer encouragement and support for mothers in this challenging and exciting phase of life. We have recently expanded this program to include moms whose children are now out of preschool but still enjoy the fellowship, education, and spiritual nourishment the group provides. We have free childcare that provides loving, quality child care in well equipped rooms of the church during the programs.
CASA Volunteers - Court Appointed Special Advocates is an outreach ministry that provides care and help to children that have been previously abused or neglected. This organization was established to help those children get out of a bad situation and into a good, loving one.
Hospice Volunteers - Members and friends of First Presbyterian are involved in a number of ways with Community Hospices of America, a local organization that helps give care and love to the terminally ill and their loved ones. Our Designated Associate Pastor, Rev. Sarah Parker, is the Chaplain for Community Hospices in Galesburg.
Christmas Food Baskets - This ministry of First Presbyterian Church provides food for the needy at Christmas time. Each year we fix baskets for 15-20 fmailies in the Galesburg area. Volunteers are needed to help purchase items for the baskets, pack the baskets and distribute them the week before Christmas.
Other Mission Opportunities are available year-round. As we seek to live out our faith in mission, we do so in local, national, and international ways.