Jeane Seeley was quiet, confident, consumed by the Holy Spirit, committed to living her faith and dedicated to helping others through mission.

The First Presbyterian Church announces the creation of the Jeane Seeley Mission Fund, which will be used to support new and special mission opportunities. This fund, made possible through Jeane's generous gift, will focus on providing support for mission-oriented projects at local, regional, national and international levels. The fund is intended to encourage a wide range of congregational participation, as well as the implementation of new ideas. It is based on the concept of growing in faith by serving others.

The Jeane Seeley Mission Fund will provide financial support to church members or groups for mission-oriented projects as warranted by the actions and anticipated impacts of the specific project. The Session has determined that the $300,000 fund will be utilized within ten years. It is anticipated that the sizes of the approved grants will vary widely, encouraging both smaller, more personal, outreach programs as well as larger projects which could conceivably last more than a single year.

The program is administered by the Jeane Seeley Mission Fund Committee, which is comprised of 5 individuals (3 Mission Committee members and two congregational representatives) under the guidance of the Mission Committee and the Church Session. The committee is comprised of Virginia Koster (chair), Ruth Barnard, John Kinzinger, Dick Rigterink and Carol Smith. An informal workshop session will be conducted on June 13, 2010, at which time committee members will be available to answer questions related to the fund. Watch the bulletin and First Press for further information.

Applications will be welcomed at any time throughout the year and reviewed quarterly. To be considered, the applicant must complete the grant application form, available here and in the church office.

This form is intended to assist the applicant(s) in developing their project approach, and identifying needs and anticipated impacts. The Jeane Seeley Fund Committee will also assume responsibility for monitoring implementation of the selected efforts.

The Jeane Seeley Fund Committee, the Mission Committee and the Session hope you will consider opportunities to become engaged in the mission activities of our church. We encourage you to contribute to and help develop this essential missional component of our Christian life. May God bless us and guide us as we reach out to others in His name, that we may find grace through service.

Download an application form to apply for a grant from the Jeane Seeley Mission Fund