Missions and Outreach

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FPC Mission work bridges the congregation's fellowship and outreach activities. The members of First Presbyterian Church put a high value on not only hearing the Word, but also doing the Word. We believe that "faith without works is dead," we believe that when we fold our hands in prayer we should see dirty fingernails and calloused hands, and we believe that the Good News of Jesus Christ addresses the full spectrum of human need: physical, emotional, as well as spiritual.

I-HELP

FPC is one of several host sites to I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program).  On two Sundays a month a group of 25 women become temporary residents on our church campus. They receive a hot meal and are screened for participation at Paz de Christo, then transported (along with mattresses) to FPC. Here they have access to a shower and a safe place to sleep. The next morning will leave the church grounds early following a light breakfast and with a lunch in hand. Volunteers are needed to assist with meeting the guests, preparing lunches, doing laundry and so forth. Please contact Janet Verch through the church office 480-964-8606 for more information.

Food Pantry

In a land of plenty, no one should have to go hungry. The Food Pantry at FPC is, for many, a welcome alternative to prospect of hunger. Often it is a mother seeking groceries for her family, at other times it is a homeless person just looking for a can of beans and a few crackers. The Food Pantry ministry is supplied  through food and monetary donations by church members,  and groceries  supplied  from  Midwest  Food  Bank.  The  Pantry  is  open  Fridays from  8:00-9:00  AM.

Clothing Closet

Our Clothing Closet works in partnership with the Food Pantry and is   also  open Fridays from 8:00-9:00  AM.  Nice used  clothing,  shoes,  and  accessories  are  available for a variety of ages.

East Valley Assistance Agencies

Click HERE for a listing of additional East Valley Assistance Agencies, and click HERE for Calendar of Food & Clothing Resources.

Mesa Presbyterian Ministries - This innovative ministry does most of its work by providing housing and utility assistance to the working poor, with help also available for food and medical needs. A needs assessment is completed by interview with each potential client. If aid is approved, a plan is developed often in concert with other agencies in the community. Over the past twenty years, MPM volunteers have interviewed over 2,000 local families and have contributed over $1,000,000 in assistance. Mesa Presbyterian Ministries is a qualified 501c3 charitable organization under the Arizona Welfare Reform Act of 1998. Under certain conditions individual gifts up to $400 can be deducted from Arizona state income tax. For more information, please contact MPM administrator Jack Oliver at 480-534-0017.