The Mission Committee of First Presbyterian Church involves itself in several active, hands-on projects in Washtenaw County and in Southeast Michigan, in addition to contributing money to those not-for-profit organizations in the local community who are assisting where the need is great for:

• human rights and social justice,
• emergency and basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing
• helping people become more self-sustaining through economic development, employment, and education

Every year our congregation generously provides Christmas gifts of food, clothing, and toys for approximately 150 families in the Washtenaw County area. As many of those who have participated in the program will attest, the act of reaching out to others in need adds a poignant reminder of the meaning and celebration of our Lord’s birth. There are many ways to participate: adopt a family and either purchase and deliver gifts yourself or buy a gift card for the family; Make a donation of any amount to the Family-to-Family Project; or give a gift of your time by helping to buy and mail gift cards, deliver gifts, or work the sign-up table on Sunday mornings.

THE DELONIS CENTER

Located in downtown Ann Arbor, the Delonis Center is a shelter for homeless men and women. First Pres volunteers assist with Wednesday dinner preparation and serving. In addition, members contribute greeting cards and stamps for shelter residents, so that they may keep in touch with family and friends. At Christmas time, members contribute gifts of warm socks, hats and gloves to those at the center.

On the evenings that we cook and serve the meal, we also bring a collection of cards, envelopes and stamps, donated by church members, and make them available to Center patrons to help them keep in touch with those they know and love. This small courtesy is greatly appreciated by those who make use of it.

You may find out more about volunteering at the center here.

ROTATING SHELTER PROGRAM (DELONIS)

January 5 - 19, 2011 -  First Presbyterian Church will host the Rotating Shelter program starting the first Wednesday of each January for two weeks. Founded in the 1980's, the Rotating Shelter Program is a collaborative effort between the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County and local faith-based congregations to meet the demand for shelter during the winter months. First Pres joins over 20 other congregations in providing refuge and warmth from 8:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. for 25 men who might otherwise sleep outside or in camps. During these two weeks, First Pres members are needed to stay overnight at the church, provide games and conversation, and help transport the men from the shelter to church each night and evening. Contact the church office for more information, or Sue Chandler at suechandler@comcast.net.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (ALPHA HOUSE)

Alpha House is a family shelter that is part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, whose mission is to provide temporary shelter, food and support services in a caring atmosphere of dignity and safety. Alpha House also offers financial and job counseling, medical care, and tutoring. Three weeks of the year, First Presbyterian volunteers prepare and serve meals for the residents, tutor, or stay overnight to relieve staff. The shelter is located on Jackson Road between Zeeb and Wagner. For more information, visit http://www.alphahouse-ihn.org.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

First Pres, the Taiwanese Fellowship, and Washtenaw Literacy jointly sponsor conversation groups and informal tutoring in English for adult, non-native speakers who have at least a beginning knowledge of English. In 2007-08 over forty ESL students from 14 different countries came to learn more about American culture and to practice their English language skills.

The group meets from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays (except holidays) in rooms 101-104 downstairs in the church.

New conversation partners are welcome. Drop in any Tuesday and observe! If you feel called to this ministry, there is a one-hour orientation to the resources and the program. Our pool of volunteers is large enough for members to come, as they are able, without feeling guilty for missing! Your gift of time and attention for those new to our community is very appreciated by students. You can be the "heart of America" they remember for a lifetime. Contact Virginia Koster, vkoster@aol.com or 930-9962, if you have questions.

BLOOD DRIVES

The Deacons sponsor twice-yearly blood drives for the Red Cross, usually in October and April. Occasionally we host an emergency blood drive in July. Volunteers are needed for these events to prepare home-baked cookies, check people in during blocks of time, and generally extend hospitality to visitors to the church. For further information, contact Linda Koopman, linda.koopmann@sullivanhc.net  -- or through the church office.

SUPPORT OF LOCAL HUMAN SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS

First Presbyterian's Mission Funding Subcommittee also solicits and reviews aplications for financial assistance from local organizations that provide direct human services or promote social justice, and makes grants to worthy applicants. In 2008, First Pres provided more than $65,000 to the 22 human service and religious organizations below.

Community Action Network

Corner Health Center

Dawn Farm

Ecumenical Center and International Residence (ECIR)

Food Gatherers

Friends in Deed

Hope Clinic

Housing Bureau for Seniors

House by the Side of the Road

Interfaith Hospitality Network/Alpha House

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels

Open Door Ministry (Fort Street Presbyterian Church, Detroit)

Peace Neighborhood Center

Religious Action for Affordable Housing (RAAH)

St. Andrews Breakfast Program

Samaritan Counseling

Shelter Association (Delonis Center)

Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice (ICPJ)

The Interfaith Roundtable

Washtenaw County Jail/ Whole Man Ministry

Wee Kirk North Central