MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
First Presbyterian members are engaged in missions and outreach. The mission
budget helps support designated ministries, 4 missionary families, and a host
of local and disaster response projects. Taking to heart the words in James,
Chapter 2, we are motivated in our conviction that faith calls us to action!
See where God is calling you, and know that you can become involved and be the hands of feet of Jesus with us!
Mission Team Members: Vanessa Gibson, Co-Chair, Debbie Majure, Susan Cowart, Co-Chair, Lisa Pike, Elyse Maclellan, Esther Avara
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VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
Church Contact:
Volunteers in Medicine is a free clinic offering care to the working uninsured. They see patients by appointment only. The clinic is made possible by nearly 100 lay and professional volunteers. Located at 2250 Indian Point Pkwy., Gautier, MS. To volunteer, call 228-497-9713.
BACKPACK BUDDIES
Church Contact:
Many children in our community, like so many others all over the country, eat their only meals while at school and go home to little or no food at night and over the weekend. Volunteers with Backpack Buddies meet each Thursday morning from 9:30 am - 11:00 am to pack nutritious food for students to carry home for the weekend to "fill the gap". After the bags are filled, they are distributed through the local schools.
ADRIENNE'S HOUSE
Church Contact:
Operated by the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, this domestic violence shelter houses women and children escaping abusive situations. First Presbyterian collects household items requested by women who are transitioning from the shelter to their next home. Frequently, a list of needs will be printed in the Sunday bulletin or added to the weekly newsletter. Your donations make a difference!
OUR DAILY BREAD
Church Contact:
This local food ministry serves hot lunches every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. First Presbyterian goes as a team once each quarter, but volunteers are always welcome. Located at 3502 Old Mobile Hwy., you can volunteer by calling Mary Meldren at 228-769-7510.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Church Contact:
Within the southeast region of the United States we frequently experience hurricanes and tornadoes. We have learned that when big disasters happen God can move in big ways. It has been our joy to join God in responding to areas hit by natural disasters in Hattiesburg, MS, Baton Rouge, LA, Houston, TX, Panama City, FL, and others. When response teams are being formed, you can always sign up to travel or donate items and/or funds.
MISSISSIPPI PRESBYTERIAN RENEWAL
Church Contact:
Mississippi Presbyterian Renewal weekend is a three-day spiritual renewal event designed to rekindle, deepen, and strengthen your desire to live the Christian life. The retreat is held each fall at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman, MS. We encourage all our members to attend once as a pilgrim. After that, you have the option to be on staff. Many find it is the closest thing to heaven on earth.
BELIZE
Church Contact:
Our work in Belize continues to grow! Each year FPC members are offered names of children to "adopt" for Christmas. We prepare our boxes early, and they are shipped to our partners serving through The Word at Work in Belize. In 2020 our members outfitted a camper as a mobile clinic, and began renovations of ECO center where volunteers can stay while on mission trips. Every June a team of adults and youth go to Belize for a week and work construction, hold medical clinics, help with the schools and prison ministries as well.
EPC WORLD OUTREACH
Church Contact:
World Outreach (WO) is the mission sending agency of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Their principal calling is to glorify God by starting church-planting movements among least-reached people groups, especially among Muslims. FPC helps support three families serving in Lebanon among Syrian refugees. From time to time the Presbytery takes small groups to visit them on site.
MERCY SHIPS
Church Contact:
Esther Avara
It is the world's largest civilian hospital ship providing state-of-the-art care to those in desperate need, free of charge. Aboard Africa Mercy there are many exciting ways to volunteer short or long term. FPC helps support the Grizzard family, a gulf coast family dear to us. Click the link for more information about how you can help!
HAITI OUTREACH
Church Contact:
Joseph Powell
FPC has had a long relationship with Haiti Outreach Ministries. Through the years we have installed multiple water wells as well as partnering with their Medical Clinic and the various churches throughout the city of Port Au Prince. Due to the political unrest in the country, we are currently unable to return. However, we recently “adopted” 4 precious children from the school in Tierra Noire. FPC has committed to support these children in their schooling from their current Pre-school until they graduate High School. Click the link for information about how you can get involved as well https://www.haitiom.org/