REMEMBERING MR. FRED ROGERS

Fred Rogers was an ordained minister of word and sacrament for the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is a notable public figure whose work around peace and reconciliation are worth remembering. Rogers was also a pioneer in the world of Christian education and formation of young children. March 20th was his birthday and First Presbyterian Church will celebrate his ministry during 11AM worship on Sunday, MARCH 21.

During the month of March, members and friends are asked to donate children’s books and toys for the local Women’s Center’s Finders, Keepers Thrift Store. Donated items can be dropped off at the church (Tues.-Thurs. from 9AM to 4PM and Sundays).

Missionary Partnerships

First Presbyterian has promised prayers and financial support when able, to these partners in the mission field.

Cobbie and Dessa Palms in the Philippines

Cobbie and Dessa Palm have posted an update. Catch up with how God is at work in the Philippines by clicking here.

Cobbie serves the church as a mission facilitator. He leads seminars for local church pastors throughout the Philippines, enhancing their skills in church development and revitalization. He also develops curriculum and trains churches in peace and reconciliation for the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform.

Dessa coordinates the UCCP’s Theater for Evangelism and Advocacy, which seeks to train church workers and members to creatively communicate the gospel and bear witness to the transformative role of a caring and compassionate church. Find out more about their exciting work by clicking here.

Andy and Ellen Collins in Thailand

Missionaries Andy and Ellen Collins have worked alongside CCI since 2006, and led a similar tour to the USA in 2009. Founded nearly 40 years ago, CCI has a staff of professional performers as well as audio-visual technicians and administrative staff. CCI’s aim is to raise awareness of key social issues and to communicate the Christian message through Thai music, dance and drama. Using both traditional and modern art forms, CCI leads programs in schools and communities throughout Thailand.

Missionary Opportunities

January

CHEW (Children Healthy Eating on Weekends) – The CHEW! Program assists children in our community by providing backpacks filled with child-friendly, easy to prepare meals over the weekend. First Presbyterian collects specific foods needed to pack in student backpacks.

February

Souper Bowl of Caring is youth across the nation working to fight hunger and poverty in their own communities around the time of the Super Bowl football game. On Super Bowl Sunday, church youth take up a collection (many use a soup pot), asking for one dollar or one item of food for people in need. They give 100% of their donation directly to the local hunger-relief charity of their choice.

Rise Against Hunger Valentine Cards is a fundraiser that gives folks the opportunity to send a valentine card and fight hunger at the same time. A $20 donation for each card sent will help fund the church’s annual Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging event in May.

April

A Community Egg Hunt is planned and implemented by church volunteers. This family friendly event is held on the church lawn.

May

Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event brings church volunteers to together to package nutritious meals that are then distributed to partners in countries around the world. The Boy and Girl Scout troops we host help raise money and participate in the event.

August

Vacation Bible School

August & September

School supplies collected for neighborhood Elementary school

October

Trunk or Treat – The community is invited to enjoy a family-friendly evening where children can safely collect candy, play games and eat hotdogs in the church parking lot.

November

Christmas Cheer food donations

December

Angel Tree Project – Children identified through the Salvation Army are sponsored by church volunteers who provide the children with clothing needs and toys for Christmas morning.

Ongoing Opportunities

Preschool Muffins Ministry – The Preschool Board and Evangelism/Mission Team hand a muffin and a blessing to preschool parents as they drop off their children. Done quarterly.

CHEW food donations as needed

Onslow Community Ministries Soup Kitchen – food collections and volunteering in the Soup Kitchen

One Great Hour of Sharing – A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed.

Compassion International – a child-advocacy ministry pairing compassionate people with children living in extreme poverty to release the children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty
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