The General Assembly
"Mission is our response to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. As Christians with a Presbyterian perspective, we participate in mission through denominationally established ministries. We also seek to be creative agents of God's love by allowing our efforts to be shaped by the needs of those around us. We view mission as an extension of one's own self, home and surroundings for compassion and service in our local and global communities."
Mission Involvement
The highest governing body of this church, General Assembly represents the unity of synods, presbyteries, sessions, and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is composed of the Office of the General Assembly and the General Assembly Council. GAC, with almost 600 staff and 500 volunteers residing in eighty countries, coordinates the Assembly's mission activities. GAC Divisions include: Congregational, to nurture and provide resources for witness to Jesus in local settings; National, to develop and implement programs that are national in scope and expressive of the denomination's mission priorities; and Worldwide, to empower the church in each place to share the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people. http://www.pcusa.org/
A regional governing body composed of presbyteries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, Synod of the Sun serves as a resource for mission, education, advocacy, and communication. It directly promotes the mission of Presbyterian related schools and children's homes. http://www.synodsun.com
A presbytery is a regional grouping of churches and is the governing body with responsibility for oversight of its ministers and churches. Mission Presbytery is responsible for the mission and government of 157 churches throughout its district that stretches from central to south Texas. It supports camps and conferences, community disaster relief, metropolitan ministries, new church development, and serves as a resource center. Councils for Presbyterian Women and Hispanic Ministries are included in Mission Presbytery. http://www.mission-presbytery.org
The only source of denomination-wide funding for theological seminaries related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) is provided by voluntary contributions to the Theological Education Fund from congregations and contributions and/or bequests to the Theological Schools Endowment Fund. Eleven seminaries receive funding according to a formula developed by a committee which provides each school with a fair share of the funds, taking into consideration such factors as numbers of degrees granted, the number of Presbyterian students and other special needs. http://www.pcusa.org/seminaries
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Austin Seminary is one of the seminaries supported by TEF. FPC is closely aligned with and has supported the seminary financially by contributing to scholarships and to special funding requests. Our church is a "teaching church" which means we participate in a mutually beneficial program that offers a complete formative educational program for seminary interns. Austin Seminary students from FPC are now serving in Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Texas and elsewhere. http://www.austinseminary.edu FPC Contact: Tim Kubatzky, 863-5365
"One Great Hour of Sharing": These gifts received during Lent support ministries around the world of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen their families and communities. Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36 percent of undesignated OGHS gifts while Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32 percent. http://www.pcusa.org/oghs/
"Christmas Joy Offering": These gifts are received during the Christmas Season and provide support to retired church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. Each group receives 50 percent of the undesignated gifts. http://www.pcusa.org/cjoffering/
Medical Benevolence Foundation
In partnership with Presbyterian Church (USA), MBF provides a healing ministry through education and by providing medical supplies, equipment, and personnel for overseas health care. Through MBF our congregation has provided support for Mulanje Mission Hospital in Malawi, which is under the auspices of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP). http://www.mbfoundation.org FPC Contact: Bonnie Stump, 819-9040.
Rev. Donald and Dr. Martha Wehmeyer serve as mission co-workers in Merida, Mexico, where Don is Director of Continuing Education at San Pablo Theological Seminary while Dr. Wehmeyer ministers from the home as a volunteer medical doctor. Their vision is to see the Yucatan transformed from a land of exploited illiterate and unchurched people into a culture of creative, democratic Christians working together for the common good. http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections FPC Contact: Helen Douglass, 869-7007
Stretching along the 2000 mile United States/Mexico border from McAllen, Texas, to San Diego, California, are seven projects that comprise a bi-national ministry with oversight by a joint commission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico. This unique ministry reaches people living in poverty stricken colonias through evangelism, health care, and self-development programs. Projects located in Texas within Mission Presbytery are 'Puentes de Cristo' in McAllen/Reynosa, 'Laredos Unidos' in Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, and 'Proyecto Amistad' in Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras. http://www.pcusa.org/border/ FPC Contact: Gladys Brooking, 869-7302.
Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services
This ministry serves children age birth to 17 who have suffered from neglect, abuse, and abandonment, or children whose families are dealing with crisis issues which threaten family stability. In addition to the original 500 acre campus in Itasca, homes are now located in Austin, Duncanville, San Antonio, and Waxahachie. There are 18 group homes serving 130 children, 35 foster homes serving up to 70 children and 8 child and family programs serving 20 families. Our Mission Sewing group contributes items handmade especially for these children; and our Presbyterian Women's group has made strong connections with PCHAS. http://www.pchas.org FPC Contact: Pat Hilgeman: 863-5704.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
An arm of Worldwide Ministries Division of Presbyterian Church (USA), PDA seeks to meet the needs both physical and spiritual of communities and individuals throughout the recovery process following disasters. In addition to support given annually to PDA, First Presbyterian Church also responds locally as needs arise. Recent PDA response efforts include hurricanes 'Katrina' and 'Rita' and the Indian Ocean tsunami in December, 2004. PDA works in coordination with Church World Service (CWS) and Action by Churches Together (ACT). http://www.pcusa.org/pda
Presbyterian Pan American School
Located on a campus in Kingsville, Texas, this bilingual, college preparatory school is preparing international students, through worship, study, and work, to take their places as Christians in a multicultural world. Pan American is affiliated with the Synod of the Sun, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico. http://www.ppas.org FPC Contact: Jean Biggs, 863-2837
Schreiner University
Schreiner University is a small Presbyterian university located in Kerrville, Texas. With 800 students and a 13:1 student:faculty ratio, Schreiner offers over 20 majors and two masters degree programs. It has been related to the Presbyterian Church since its inception in 1917.
http://www.schreiner.edu/
Su Casa de Esperanza (Your House of Hope)
This Family Life Education Center is located in the Las Milpas/South Pharr section of Pharr, Texas. Initially established as an outgrowth of the Presbyterian Children's Home in Austin, Su Casa is now an independent nonprofit agency partially supported by Presbyterian churches. The mission of the agency is to improve the quality of life of children, pre-natal through age three through a faith-based family education program Programs teaching health care, parenting and communication skills, family and bi-cultural values are designed for children and youth, mothers and fathers. Gifts donated by members of FPC during the Christmas Season are delivered to Su Casa by members along with items that are handmade by the Mission Sewing group. http://www.sucasadeesperanza.org FPC Contact: Pat Miller, 793-3194
Operation Christmas Child, also known as "The Shoebox Ministry," asks donors to fill a shoebox with simple gifts appropriate for children. Donors in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia filled over 7.4 million shoeboxes in 2004. These were distributed at Christmas time, along with gospel booklets, to children in 95 countries around the world. Operation Christmas Child is one of many projects of Samaritan's Purse, a nondenominational Christian organization which provides help to victims of war, poverty, natural disaster, and disease throughout the world. http://www.samaritanspurse.org FPC Contact: Paul & Shirley Groneman, 863-0061
The Caring Place is a proactive community-oriented organization assisting citizens with temporary needs and helping them progress towards independent and self-sufficient living through community education classes, supportive case management and provision of emergency assistance such as: food, clothing, basic household items and financial assistance for rent, utilities, medical and dental needs. Sales through the thrift store support the services provided. Not only does FPC participate monetarily, but members also donate goods and volunteer their services. http://www.caringplacegeorgetown.com FPC Contact: Jenny Carswell, 864-3559
CROP WALKS conducted annually are the foundation for the work of Church World Service (CWS) enabling prompt response to emergencies such as: 'Katrina' & 'Rita','04 tsunami, 9/11 tragedy, and the Jarrell tornado. In Georgetown 25% of the funds collected remain in the community for support of The Caring Place and Meals-on-Wheels. Support addresses the root causes of poverty including grassroots, self-help development programs in more than 80 countries. In recent years our church has had the most walkers and raised the most funds of any group in town under the strong leadership of Joe Porch. http://www.CROPWALK.org FPC Contact: Joe Porch, 864-3777
The mission of Down Home Ranch, founded by Jerry and Judy Horton, is to build a rural, self-reliant community for adults with mental retardation and those who choose to live and work beside them, offering training, housing, recreation and dignified employment, as well as opportunities for growth in mind, body and spirit. Since its establishment in 1990 the ranch has grown and now has housing for staff and residents. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups to help with construction and maintenance projects. The ranch is located near Elgin, Texas. http://www.downhomeranch.com FPC Contact: Don Stearns, 868-3350
Georgetown Ministerial Alliance
Member churches comprise this alliance of ministers who meet monthly for mutual support and coordination of common ministry within the community. They seek to meet the food and transportation needs of the transient population. The Ministerial Alliance also sponsors ecumenical worship services.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Georgetown
A local, grassroots, faith-based organization affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International, HFH of Greater Georgetown is an independent, nonprofit organization building simple, decent housing with partner families using volunteer labor and tax deductible donations of money and materials in the local service area. In addition to constructing homes, Habitat builds families and community, activates faith, and builds hope. http://www.habitatgeorgetown.org FPC Contact: Julie Wiseman, 819-9981
Kairos is an interdenominational ministry endorsed by PCUSA. It is an on-going ministry at the Hughes Unit in Gatesville and at the Bartlett Unit. In addition to serving as a Kairos team member volunteers are needed for the prayer chain, letter writing and baking cookies for the inmates. Attendance at a Kairos closing is an especially rewarding experience. http://www.kairosbartlett.org, http://www.kairoshughes.org, http://www.kairosoftexas.org . FPC Contact: Polly Nelon, 930-5091
Manos de Cristo (Hands of Christ)
A nonprofit organization formed by the collaboration of Austin area Presbyterian churches, Manos de Cristo is the only Presbyterian mission in Austin; and operates the only low-cost dental clinic in Austin with over 8,000 patient visits per year. Manos provides services for the working poor, immigrants, the unemployed, the disabled and the homeless including emergency food and clothing, citizenship and English classes, and pastoral care. Volunteers are needed to teach classes, register students and assist with administrative tasks. http://www.manosdecristo.org FPC Contact: Christina Unger, 863-0041
Meals-on-Wheels is supported by Georgetown area churches and is part of the Senior Nutrition Program of Williamson-Burnet County Opportunities, Inc. It is designed to provide hot meals for elderly people who are too ill or frail to prepare meals or go to the WBCO Neighborhood Center. Volunteers are needed to deliver the meals, work at the center or help with other duties. http://www.wbco.net FPC Contacts: Sharon French, 868-1025; Delmar Burkett, 864-0999
This organization, comprised of representatives from various faith communities, serves as a voice united for justice for those living in poverty. IMPACT seeks to inform, educate and motivate members to encourage public policy makers to meet human needs of the poor, the disadvantaged, and children in particular. http://www.texasimpact.com FPC Contact: Larry Sunkel, 863-3034
Hospice Austin is a nonprofit organization that serves terminally ill and bereaved persons. They offer a full range of health care services such as medical and nursing care, spiritual and emotional support, social work, personal care, special therapies, volunteer and bereavement services. Volunteer opportunities are available involving work with patients or families, running errands or providing transportation; or contributing special skills such as computer help, ramp building, lawn mowing, haircuts and the like. http://www.hospiceaustin.org FPC Contact: Jenny Carswell, 864-3559
The Georgetown Community Clinic is a unit of Lone Star Circle of Care, a Federally Qualified Health Care organization, and is committed to the energetic and steadfast pursuit of quality, accessible and sustainable primary health care for Williamson County residents, focusing on the uninsured and underinsured. There are volunteer opportunities at The Clinic. http://www.georgetowncommunityclinic.org FPC Contact: Dottie King, 868-8745
Faith in Action, Georgetown Caregivers
Sponsored by local congregations, Georgetown Caregivers provides transportation for those age 65 and older living in Georgetown and its ETJ who are unable to drive or have no means of transportation and need help to run errands, do grocery shopping or for medical appointments. Donated medical equipment is available to those who have need for it. A new program, "Friends for Seniors" will begin fall 2005 where volunteers will befriend a senior who would like a visit, an outing or a telephone call. Volunteers are needed to drive, for the new program and for office help. For additional information contact their office at 868-9544. FPC Contact: Susan Poteete, 863-6303
This group at First Presbyterian Church has provided afghans to local nursing homes and the Presbyterian Children's Homes; and baby blankets and clothing to Su Casa de Esperanza. The hand-crafted items are made with purchased and donated yarn and material. Volunteers are always welcome. FPC Contact: Kathy Jones, 863-3012
Boy Scout Troop 147 and Cub Scout Pack 147
Our church sponsors these scout units and their work with youth beginning in first grade and continuing through high school. The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Both units meet on Monday evening and welcome visitors. Additionally, Troop 147 schedules a monthly outdoor camping or hiking activity. http://www.scouting.org FPC Contact: Tim Kubatzky, 863-5365.