"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Matthew 28:18-20
Since its founding, First Presbyterian Church (FPC) has made mission and outreach a central component of its ministry. Over the years, this community of faith has worked to extend its open arms beyond the walls of the church in order to connect with the struggles and the needs of the surrounding community and the world. In doing so, members of First Presbyterian are shaped as witnesses to a loving and compassionate God who continues to create, redeem and sustain all of God's children. First Presbyterian works to incorporate all ages, gifts and passions within this vital ministry.
"[Mission] is central to our lives as Christians. It is the way that we can be more effective in spreading the true nature of Christianity."
Mary Davis, FPC Member
"[Mission at FPC is] a ministry to propagate the faith and carry our humanitarian work in both local and global settings, with the ultimate goal of helping to alleviate poverty and 'difference' among the world's people."
Dick Ulack, FPC member
In order to shape this ministry, the Mission Ministry Team (team of the ruling Session) has described the areas of its outreach in four categories; hunger, hospitality, health, and education. The programs with which we work are listed under each category below.
HUNGER
"Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'"
Matthew 25:34-36
Just Lunch
 First Presbyterian Church takes the opportunity of its urban location and opens its kitchen to a community-wide lunch on the last Saturday of every month. On a monthly rotation with three other urban churches, FPC serves between 75 and 100 nutritionally balanced meals to members of the surrounding community. Volunteers who host the lunch welcome our guests, help prepare and serve the meal, and break bread with members of the community. For more information please contact Ann-Phillips Mayfield.
"It is a fabulous program because it reaches the most needy. It is directed at filling a specific need, it speaks to our belief to help in a meaningful way...to get our hands in action...and to have a direct impact on those in our immediate community."
- Ann-Phillips Mayfield, FPC member.
Holiday Foods Baskets/God's Pantry
God's Pantry Food Bank is a member of the Kentucky Association of Second Harvest Food Banks (KASHFB), the Nation's Food Bank Network. The KASHFB works to "distribute food and grocery products, increase public awareness of domestic hunger, and advocate for policies that benefit America's hungry." During the holiday season, God's Pantry invites members of First Presbyterian Church to offer not only donations to the Food Bank but also the time and energy to fill baskets for local families in need. FPC youth participate in the Souperbowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday to gather donations to further the ministries of God's Pantry.
"Giving ourselves to others is the ultimate faith act."
- Dori Hjalmarson, FPC Member
Crop Walk
 In order to help fight hunger and poverty in the world, First Presbyterian participates in the annual Lexington CROP WALK, organized by the Downtown Christian Unity Task Force of which FPC is member. This effort raises money for local hunger-fighting agencies as well as the international relief and development efforts of Church World Service. Participants raise money through sponsors and gather for the community-wide walk. For more information please contact Mary Davis.
 "The CROP WALK allows us to recognize not only how hunger is a reality all over the world but that we can do something about it."
- B. Nicol, FPC member.
HOSPITALITY
"Whoever welcomes you welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous;"
Matthew 10:40-41
Habitat for Humanity
For the past several years, First Presbyterian Church has had the opportunity to work with local businesses in building a Habitat for Humanity for Humanity home for a family in need. We have been grateful for the opportunity to work side-by-side with each recipient family, as we not only construct a home but build lasting relationships in the work. We look forward to joining with local Presbyterian Churches to continue this wonderful tradition. For ways to get involved on a local level, please contact Randy Master or go to the Lexington Habitat for Humanity website.
"...our mission is to make a difference in our community by providing as much monetary and physical support as possible to identify and address the key concerns of Lexington's needy."
- Randy Master, FPC member
Refugee Settlement
This past year, the community of First Presbyterian Church had the privilege of working with the Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc. KRM is "a non-profit organization, dedicated to providing resettlement services to refugees through church- and agency-based sponsorship in order to promote self-sufficiency and successful integration into our community. From this partnership, First Presbyterian Church was able to help encourage and support the Torres family. Originally from Cuba, Alex, Maylet and their children have allowed our community to walk with them, learn from them and to experience bridges of hope, love, and unity. First Presbyterian will partner with another refugee family in 2007. For more information please contact Mary Davis.
 "...direct aid identified to people who are so grateful and become a part of our community."
-Mary Davis, FPC member
Faith Community Housing Foundation
Faith Community Housing is a Lexington-based organization that works to provide affordable housing to lower income families. With the growing value of urban real estate, Faith Community Housing locates, purchases, and maintains housing to combat the potential increase in cost of living. In the same effort, the foundation also organizes the continuing support of their tenants through a mentoring program. First Presbyterian Church has had the opportunity to walk with them in 2006 and looks to learn how we can become more involved as a community of faith. For more information please contact Jim Sprow.
"This tangible, human connection is what mission is all about." - Dori Hjalmarson, FPC member
HEALTH
"Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean." Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do choose. Be made clean." Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. "Go," he said, "and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them."
Luke 5:12-14
Hope Center/Women's Hope Center
The Hope Center is a non-profit agency that provides food, shelter, and clothing to the homeless in Lexington as well as substance abuse treatment programs, diagnosis and treatments for mental illnesses, health clinic services, employment counseling, life skills and housing support for both men and women. In 2002, the Women's Hope Center opened to provide substance abuse programs for women. First Presbyterian Church has a long history with the Hope Center and works to provide not only financial support but volunteers in as many areas as needed. For more information please contact Kirk Hall or Dori Hjalmarson.
"It allows us to reaffirm...that there are many in great need right here under our noses and helps us to understand why Jesus asks us to minister to those in need."
Clifton Smith, FPC member
Touching Tiny Lives
With the growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS, First Presbyterian Church has been drawn to reach out to the growing number of people both infected and affected by this terrible reality. Over the past few years, First Presbyterian has been connected with a non-profit organization called Touching Tiny Lives. Located in Lesotho, a mountainous country in sub-Saharan Africa, TTL is a non-profit organization that not only encourages the treatment of people infected with HIV/AIDS but also promotes global awareness and education about the disease.
"I'm just trying to figure out how not to ignore this incredible problem."
Tara Loyd, FPC member and TTL volunteer
EVANGELISM/SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Burnamwood Camp and Conference Center
Located in Irvine, Kentucky, Camp Burnamwood and Conference Center has served the Transylvania Presbytery for 40 years by providing not only summer camp programs for the youth but also a center where members can gather for spiritual retreats, service projects or meetings. As the programming of Burnamwood expands to provide for the needs of every age, the center continues to think of new ways to develop and grow. For more information please contact Sharon Chrisman.
"Burnamwood is Transylvania's training ground for ministry."
-Rev. Richard Guerrant
LPTS
Lexington Presbyterian Theological Seminary (located just 70 miles west of Lexington)is one of the eleven Presbyterian Seminaries throughout the U.S. In order to continue to support the future leadership of the church, First Presbyterian Church supports this seminary and its students' educational, personal, and spiritual growth.
MUSTARD SEED MINISTRIES:
"He also said, 'With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Mark 4:30-32
As we work to expand the ways in which we can participate in God's redemptive work in the world, First Presbyterian continues to discern how we are called to offer our gifts to the world's deepest needs. By God's grace, we continue to encounter opportunities to offer ourselves in the name of Jesus Christ. In order to faithfully determine how we can engage the world, FPC is lifting up four new partnerships this year with which we can continue to build relationships, learn, and grow as we recognize God's work through this community. For more information on any of the below activities please contact Kirk Hall.
Iglesia Cristo la Roca (Saltillo, Mexico)
Through the Presbyterian Border Ministry, Laredos Unidos, First Presbyterian Youth have worked to build not only a church, but also lasting relationships between FPC and Iglesia Cristo la Roca. Wanting to maintain the relationships, the youth of FPC has invited the rest of the congregation to join them this year. In June of 2006, FPC will send 30 members down to learn and share with our brothers and sisters in Saltillo.
Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program
Started in 2005, the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program is a private, non-profit organization committed to providing comprehensive, interconnected domestic violence intervention and prevention services within the Bluegrass Region. Introduced to First Presbyterian Church through Presbyterian Women, the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program is excited to welcome a partnership with our community in the hope that we can all learn and grow from this relationship.
AVOL
Founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1988, AVOL is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides HIV and AIDS education, prevention initiatives, service programs and financial assistance to persons infected with HIV disease. First Presbyterian Church has not only been invited to be a part of the AIDS Day Service of Healing, but looks forward to developing our relationship with this important organization.
Living Waters of the World
As a mission project of the Synod of Living Waters of the PC(USA), Living Waters for the World provides the resources to all churches, civic organizations and others in mission to provide pure water to partner communities who otherwise lack clean, sustainable water. The organization provides training in partnership development, health, hygiene, and spiritual education, as well as the operation of the water purification installation and operation. We look forward to learning more about opportunities to walk with this organization and its partner communities.
More to come...
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