Part of the foundation of our mission at first Presbyterian Church is to REACH out to a world in need. Our church is humbled to have a rich reputation for being actively involved in the Sumter Community. Many of our members serve on community service organizations as well as in our city and state government. As Presbyterians, we believe that when Jesus said, “the Kingdom of God is among us” we were given a command to help partner with Christ to usher in a kingdom of peace, justice and equality for all. That is one of the most important reasons the Church exists, to be a light unto a world in need.
Ongoing Mission Opportunities
Emergency Shelter
(Previously known as the Samaritan House)
Two or three times a month our teams prepare and serve the residents of the Emergency Shelter. We play games, share a devotion and get to know these children of God who for whatever reason find themselves in difficulty. We also serve the meal as if they were valued guests… hopefully injecting some fun and hope into their lives. The meals usually begin at 6:30 and the teams are finished by 7:30PM. We would love for you to join us in this fun and rewarding mission.
Backpack Blessings
Believe it or not, as many as 1 in 5 children in the area school system may come to school hungry. They get school Breakfast and lunches on school days, but on the weekends, they sometimes struggle to find nutrition. The church has tried to remedy this with our Backpack Blessings Ministry. We fill and deliver as many as 149 backpacks on Friday afternoons to children at seven local elementary schools. The kids exchange their school backpack for a food filled backpack on Friday afternoons. We are always looking for donations and volunteers to work this mission. It requires about 30 minutes to stuff the bags and about 35 minutes to deliver them.
If you would like to be contacted about volunteering for this rewarding mission, call the church office.
Cinderella Shop
For over 22 years the Cinderella Shop has provided free Prom dress to young ladies in our community. We collect dresses, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories all year long. The Cinderella Shop works with our local High schools counselor’s offices to be able to really reach those young ladies most in need. However, we are open to the community provided free prom dresses to any young lady.
Seasonal Local Mission Opportunities
Gear Up For Learning
We buy and deliver thousands of spiral notebooks to needy school kids at the beginning of the school year.
Angel Tree
Our Christmas mission is in concert with the Sumter United Ministries program. We will choose several families to support. Each family has an Angel that describes the gifts that they would like to receive, along with ages, sizes, colors, etc. to facilitate the purchase. Members of the congregation pick up an angel and purchase, wrap and leave at the church the described gifts. They are then delivered to the needy families.
Sumter United Ministries
The church members donate a collection of gloves, socks and hats for those at the Sumter United Ministries cold weather shelter.
Super Bowl Sunday
On Super Bowl Sunday the young people of First Presbyterian collect food for the Souper Bowl of Caring. These contributions of canned or dry foods are donated to Sumter United Ministries, Christian Charities Food Pantry or Backpack Blessings.
Other
Additionally, your Church Pledges support many other missions financially and individual volunteer opportunities may exist with them:
- Scouting
- Presbyterian Home
- Shepard Center
- Sumter Pregnancy Center
- Habitat for Humanity
- Sumter Christian Charities
- Salvation Boys and Girls Club
- Sumter United Ministries
- Emmanuel Soup Kitchen
- Young Life
- Community Counseling