A Heart for Mission
At First Presbyterian, giving to others is a key part of our Christian witness. Ten percent of congregational giving goes directly to the mission causes we support. Additionally, special offerings generate financial support to missions. In 2023, First Presbyterian Church has contributed over $35,000 to local, regional, and global missions. Since the church began in 1869, millions of dollars have been raised for missions.
Special Offerings
First Presbyterian Church supports “Four for Four” PCUSA Special Offerings. They bring the whole Church together and place us in partnership with those who have the least. Together, the Offerings open communities of faith to respond to God’s call to act boldly and compassionately with those in need, alongside the oppressed and for the sake of Christ’s Church.
One Great Hour of Sharing - Feb/March
One Great Hour of Sharing is an offering that supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and the Self-Development of People. Gifts to this help communities are they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters; take action to alleviate hunger and its systemic causes and create access to healthy food; partner with people to alleviate poverty, oppression, and injustice.
Pentecost Offering – April/May
The Pentecost Offering is about guiding the Christian formation of our young people – building a life of faith formed in the first third of life, from childhood through young adulthood. Gifts to the Pentecost Offering unite young people in Christ and inspire them to share their faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the church and the world.
Peace & Global Witness Offering – September/October
The Peace & Global Witness Offering draws Presbyterians together as active peacemakers and provides education and interaction with those who show us how to do this work well. It allows us to create resources for dealing with conflict while nurturing reconciliation and standing in support of our siblings around the world, because the peace of Christ belongs to people everywhere.
Christmas Joy Offering – December
Christmas Joy Offering has been a mainstay for Presbyterians for more than 70 years. Received during the Christmas season, this offering supports the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PCUSA. Today the Offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian Church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling.