Mission opportunities
By providing for a person's physical needs a way opens into a person's heart to receive what the Lord can provide spiritually and eternally.
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for the food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." - John 6:26-27
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says to him "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. - James 2:15-17
Haiti Relief
First Presbyterian is collecting funds to go for Haitian earthquake relief. The funds will be distrubuted to appropriate organizations through PCUSA. Enclose money in envelopes included in the Sunday worship bulletins or write checks made to "First Presbyterian Church" with "Haiti Relief Effort" in the memo.
Church World Service Blanket Drive
Look for envelopes to appear in either the pews or the Sunday bulletins to make donations to this fund for providing blankets and tools to people in needy countries.
Habitat for Humanity
Our Church is continuing it’s active support of Habitat for Humanity by scheduling a series of workdays throughout the year. We are now planning to have a Habitat Workday on the first Saturday of each month! The Habitat programs are so designed that anyone, with any skill level, can participate! Participants will meet at 8 am in the Church parking lot to form carpools. Come and experience the fellowship, cooperation and feeling of accomplishment that one receives working with Habitat! Come, and bring a friend who’s looking to make a difference in the world!
VERY IMPORTANT: For any youth who wish to take part in this hands-on mission effort – you must be 16 years or older. If you are 16 or 17, you MUST have a Habitat Waiver form signed by a parent/guardian. Habitat will not allow you to work without a signed Waiver Form. The waiver form may be obtained by emailing the church at firstprestona1852@verizon.net. A form will be emailed to you.
Come join the fun, get your hands dirty, help a deserving family get a home, and follow Christ’s command to help others! “As you did to the least of these, do you did to Me.”
Hunger Sunday
This August on the 8th bring in nonperishable food to go to the TCCO for distribution to people in need within Tonawandas community. Monetary donations are also accepted for the purchase of perishable items.
Job Bank
A people matching service will start soon to match people with time, talents and/or energy to others who need a helping hand in their life getting something done. If you would like to participate in either way as a giver or reciever please contact either Betsy Crocker/ Lynn Hyland from the Deacons or Lynette Ryan/ Alvin Marohn of the Outreach team.
Done for 2009
But there is no reason you can't start preparing for 2010.
Go to
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php for information about Operation Christmas Child. It is an international program of people making shoe boxes full of items such as toothbrushes and paste, soap, other hygiene items, small simple toys, candy, school supplies, clothing and basically anything else that would bring a smile to a child's face in a country where basic needs are not always easily met. When a shoe box is delivered an opportunity comes into being to also provide the joy in the good news of Jesus. Please see Jewel Smith with questions about local drop off sites for any shoe boxes you would like to create.
One Great Hour of Sharing
One Really Great Hour of Sharing...
This nationwide collection makes a huge difference in the lives of so many needy people all around us and in the world. Our annual campaign started with a musical message from “Charis”, and the testimony of a couple of special winged guests! Each week there will be a presentation during worship helping us to see what a difference our contributions can make. For families with children, the Fish banks will be available in the narthex, and for the rest of us checks and/ or paper currency is preferred to defray the cost of coin counting. Thank you for your generosity!
What in the World is One Great Hour of Sharing DVD - click link below to view
http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=a58095z9
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Toy Shop ~
We are currently accepting donations for used, broken or new toys to help needy children in a variety of settings. There are people available to repair broken toys if necessary. Please bring your donations to the hallway outside Marla’s office at First Presbyterian Church. Thank you!