~ Outreach ~

As witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ, members of First Church engage in numerous mission activities that seek to alleviate hunger, foster self-development, heal the sick, preach the gospel and educate future generations.

Our local community outreach programs include:

• Preparing & serving meals at Hope House, a local homeless shelter;
• Offering emergency financial assistance to area residents for utilities, transportation and medical care;
• Preparing food baskets and purchasing gifts for 75 families through our Christmas Basket Program, in conjunction with the Salvation Army;
• A Pre-Kindergarten Readiness program, which serves children whose families do not qualify for state or federal programs, but cannot afford a private preschool;
• Stephen Ministry, a confidential, one-on-one ministry of caring and support for individuals experiencing life’s difficulties;
• Yoga classes and Stretch & Tone, a free low-impact exercise program designed to reclaim movement and strength in our older adults, improving their quality of life;
• Participation in Middletown’s Shalom program, opening our doors during the winter months to provide shelter for the homeless;
• Numerous fellowship opportunities throughout the year, including a Party on the Lawn, Ice Cream Social, Harvest Party and more!

We also open our doors and provide many charitable and non-profit organizations meeting space throughout the year, including Boy and Girl Scout troops, Narcotics Anonymous, the Country Cousins square dance club, Buckeye Blossoms Knitting Club, and  Middletown’s Symphony and Youth Theater program. 

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The financial support of many local, national, and international organizations is administered by our Mission Committee.  In partnership with PC(USA), several dedicated offerings throughout the year provide support for retired & active church workers and their families, at-risk children, disaster assistance, minority education, hunger programs and worldwide peacemaking efforts.

Locally, First Church supports Hope House, Community Pregnancy Center, Young Life, Comprehensive Counseling, One Way Farm, Abilities First, Mt. Pleasant Life Care, Parachute and Dove House.

On an international level, we support missionaries in Turkey & Zambia; the Heifer Project, Half the Sky Foundation, and sister churches in Russia and Poland. 

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