We consider ourselves to be a missional church. As a congregation, our life together is focused around how we can show the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ to our neighbors, our families, our brothers and sister in Christ, our community, our workplaces, our state, our nation and our world. We believe that God’s love and God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ are the Good News that our world needs so badly to hear, and that a part of our task is to feed Christ’s sheep. To that end, we work together to provide a chance for people to drink the living water and to eat the bread of life, to be healed by the Great Physician, and led by the Good Shepherd. We contribute to Christ’s mission and ministry through our support of the following ministries:
To read about other missions that Presbyterian Churches are involved with, you can browse the Mission Yearbook.
Marion Ministerial Alliance Members of First Presbyterian Church rotate in the Soup Kitchen with other Marion Churches to provide a noon meal Monday through Friday throughout the year. Do you need... Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance, Temporary Shelter, Hygiene Kits, Etc. Assistance Office - Open Monday – Friday - 9:00 am – 1:00 pm - (618) 993-8419 Do you need a meal? Soup Kitchen - Open Monday-Friday -11:30 am – 12:30 pm Do you need groceries? Project Manna Food Pantry - Open Tuesday Only - 8:30 am – 11:30 am 103 E Calvert, Marion, IL 62959 (618) 993-8419 |
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Marion Medical Mission Marion Medical Mission began working in Africa in 1985, primarily working with hospitals and medical personnel. Since 1990, our focus has shifted to providing clean water to the extreme poor in remote areas of Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. However, we are still involved in several other education and medical projects in Malawi. |
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The Lighthouse Shelter The Lighthouse shelter is a 501 (c) (3) corporation. It is an emergency shelter for those who find themselves without a home and in need of temporary shelter. All clients will be subject to background checks prior to admission to ensure there are no outstanding warrants or a history of violence. A zero tolerance policy is in place for all alcohol and drugs. We are also a smoke free facility, accessible to those with disabilities and have staff on duty at all times.The Lighthouse Shelter meets all life and safety codes. 1101 N Madison. Marion, IL 62959 618-993-8180 |
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Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County Officially recognized as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1999, the Board of Directors of the local Habitat group represents business and professional people as well as representatives of churches of many denominations. After years of service, our local Habitat has built 12 houses. This was made possible by the donations of money, material and volunteer time from a wide spectrum of the community. Homeowners are chosen on the basis of need, ability to pay for the house at a very favorable rate and the willingness to work 200 hours on their house or other Habitat projects. Not only do the occupants of the new home benefit, but the community volunteers also gain a sense of cooperation and dedication to this very meaningful work of God. They donate their work, time, materials, and most of all love. It is then that the volunteer builders realize the true spiritual meaning of Christ’s words, “In as much as you have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25) |
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Table Setters The Table Setters is a faith-based non-profit (501 (c) 3) that produces improved relationships across humanly created racial, socio-economic, political, and religious lines. |
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic event. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergency and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. The core budget, including staff and administrative costs, is funded through the One Great Hour of Sharing, and its program work is additionally funded through designated gifts. |
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LCC International University We support a missionary family, the Groenewold Van Dyks as they serve as faculty at LCC International University. They have been called to be philosophy professors at LCC International University in Klaipėda, Lithuania, as witnesses to the words, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” LCC is a Christian liberal arts university that is uniquely placed to develop future leaders in a region of the world that has been deeply damaged by Soviet rule and struggles with corruption, alcoholism, and despair. Students come to LCC from more than 30 countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, and many other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. |
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Boyton Street Community Center Members of First Presbyterian Church volunteer with the after school program and other activities of this community program. Boyton Street Community Center is dedicated to education, development, and building self-esteem in a secure and comfortable environment. |
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Fair Trade - Equal Exchange First Presbyterian Church participates in the Presbyterian Coffee Project, which offers a special link between congregations and communities around the world. Churches can now reach out to neighbors overseas, not only with the prayers and offerings we give, but with the goods and products we purchase. A warm cup of coffee (or tea) in our hands is perhaps the most tangible daily connection we have with farmers around the world. It represents warmth, hospitality, fellowship, hard work and life's pleasures, both fine and simple. Through the Presbyterian Coffee Project, you get access to Organic, fairly-traded products at discounted wholesale case prices, ensuring that more of the money you spend on coffee reaches the hardworking farmers who actually grow it. Fair Trade is a way of doing business that ultimately aims to keep small farmers an active part of the world marketplace, and aims to empower consumers to make purchases that support their values. Fair Trade is a set of business practices voluntarily adopted by the producers and buyers of agricultural commodities and hand-made crafts that are designed to advance many economic, social and environmental goals, including: Raising and stabilizing the incomes of small-scale farmers, farm workers, and artisans More equitably distributing the economic gains, opportunities and risks associated with the production and sale of these goods Increasing the organizational and commercial capacities of producer groups Supporting democratically owned and controlled producer organizations Promoting labor rights and the right of workers to organize Promoting safe and sustainable farming methods and working conditions Connecting consumers and producers Increasing consumer awareness and engagement with issues affecting producers |
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