First Presbyterian Church - Salvation Army Food Pantry Partnership:
Although the Turner House Food Pantry served significant numbers of needy
people during 2003-2005, it is the goal of the Outreach Committee to provide
a needed service in the most efficient and effective manner possible. To this end,
a partnership with the
Salvation Army
was formed in January 2006 to expand our Food Pantry. The partnership will benefit those in need in several ways:
1. The salvation Army employs a full time social worker who will counsel those who apply for assistance.
2. Salvation Army Food Pantry service is available 5 days per week.
3. The Salvation Army location better serves those without transportation.
4. Sorting and packing of food by First Presbyterian volunteers will allow the social worker more time to counsel.
5.
First Presbyterian Church members will continue to donate food or
designated funds in exactly the same manner as before, which will supplement foods recieved by
the Salvation Army
and serve a greater number of needed people in our local community.
Noah's Ark Preschool is an outreach ministry of First Presbyterian Church serving
nearly 100 children ages 1-4. It exists to serve the children of our congregation
and community in a Christian environment. The school strives to meet individual needs
for mental, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth using a sound Early Childhood curriculum.
Development of each child's selfimage, the encouragement of interpersonal relationships and teaching of God's
love for all people is stressed in the curricula. A three year rotating guide is followed which will provide the children
with basic Christian knowledge through Bible stories,memory verses, craft activities, and music applications.
Noah's Ark Parent Association actively supports the school and plans family oriented fund raising activities.
Funds to provide scholarship aid may be made through First Presbyterian Church. Church members
are encouraged to volunteer as story readers or chapel leaders.
Children of incarcerated parents who actively participate in a Prison Ministry Program
are provided with gifts at Christmas time. Each child receives two gifts - clothing and
a fun gift - each valued at no more than $20. These gifts are provided by the angels of
this congregation on behalf of the parent. Additionally, treat bags are prepared for each
child which include an age appropriate Christian booklet and holiday goodies. These bags
are provided on behalf of First Presbyterian Church. One hundred children were assigned to
us last year. Ninety two families of our congregation participated in some way.
