Missions at First Presbyterian Church
To me church has always been more than a community of believers. It is the actualization of Jesus’s words in Matthew 25 as we show our love for Him by caring for the stranger, the imprisoned, the sick and the hungry. Members of FPC live out this caring through the giving of their time and treasure, both corporately and through their individual lives. We may call this “Missions,” but really it is just being the people Jesus called us to be, whether we are providing shelter for the homeless in Knoxville, advocating for justice in schools or supporting education and healthcare in Congo.
-Colleen Shannon
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
- Isaiah 6:8
Local and Global Missions are an exciting part of worship and belonging at First Presbyterian Church. The Local Missions Committee and Global Mission Committee work to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through ministries of justice, reconciliation and compassion that heal, preach and teach. The Local Missions Committee addresses ongoing needs in the Knoxville community. The Global Missions Committee responds to challenges and opportunities outside the greater Knoxville community, with particular attention to the world outside the borders of the United States. Often the committees work together, as on the Matthew 25 initiative, and both committees work in concert with a range of church programs. Please join us in this work! And keep reading to learn more.
The Mission Market
Welcome to the Mission Market of First Presbyterian Church! Located on the second floor, Room 200, next to the James Park Room, the Mission Market is sponsored by the Global Mission Committee. It is your go-to place for fair trade crafts and organic groceries from around the world. Click here for an inventory list. You can also view selected inventory in the Commons display cases.
You can shop at the Mission Market on Sundays 9:30-10:50 a.m., or other days by appointment. Contact Colleen Shannon at bakhom@earthlink.net. Our Square register makes using your credit or debit cards a snap, even providing an itemized receipt by text or email.
The goal of the Mission Market is to support low-income artisans and farmers all over the world and enable them to increase their share of profits from the sale of fair trade products. At the Mission Market, you can find gifts and groceries to delight anyone – luxurious re-thread throws from India, cold-pressed olive oil from Galilee, whole-bean coffee from Eastern Congo, rich chocolate from South America. The market sells beautiful face masks for adults and children made by Global Mamas in Ghana. Hand-made Christmas ornaments are popular items. Learn more at the link below.
Global Missions
Global Missions has a rich and vibrant tradition at First Presbyterian Church! There is plenty of room for you in Global Missions at First Presbyterian. Get in Touch with us to get involved with our global missions efforts.
--In 2016, First Presbyterian funded the construction of a new building for the E.P. Mbyia Mulumba School in Mbuji Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Today this building makes education possible for about 640 elementary students each year.
--A First Presbyterian mission team visited the DR Congo in 2014 and built a partnership with the Congolese Presbyterian Church. Today First Presbyterian and the Congolese churches are working together to build schools, conduct leadership institutes for young adults, and care for orphans and other vulnerable children in DR Congo.
--In 2000, First Presbyterian sent a mission team of youth and adults to Reynosa, Mexico to build a family home in a Reynosa barrio. In partnership with Ministerio de Fe, teams made five more trips between 2001 and 2008 to build other homes.
Read below about the Global Mission initiatives now underway.
Local Missions
As an urban congregation in the heart of a revitalized downtown, First Presbyterian has many opportunities to serve our neighbors in the community. Our Local Missions Committee has a long and joyful tradition of responding to needs and serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. New volunteers are always welcome. Please read below to learn more about some of our local ministries. Join us and bring your ideas! For more info contact: Craig Wrisberg at caw@utk.edu.
Habitat for Humanity
Under the direction of Rachel Trentham, First Presbyterian teams with Habitat for Humanity every other year to fund and build a house for someone in need. Volunteer opportunities include weekday construction, ReStore, staff volunteer, event volunteer, teaching classes to future homeowners, home repair, and serving as a crew leader. For more information, contact Rachel Trentham at rachel_trentham@msn.com.
Family Promise of Knoxville
Under the direction of Britton Leitch, First Presbyterian houses and feeds families four times each year in partnership with Family Promise of Knoxville. The church hosts families for a week each cycle, serving them a hot dinner nightly in the Fellowship Hall and providing comfortable sleeping quarters at the church. Volunteer opportunities include serving as an overnight host, providing dinner, set up and take down of beds, and washing linens after the guests leave. Info: contact Britton Leitch at phone: 865-789-3651 email: britton.leitch@gmail.com
