Serve the City
First Presbyterian Church is dedicated to serving our community through mission initiatives and local partnerships. These programs address the hunger, housing, and health needs of our community and offer opportunities for meaningful one-on-one connections. There’s no better time than now—where is God calling you?
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Stay informed and inspired—subscribe to our Local Mission e-newsletter for updates on how we're making a difference in our community and ways you can get involved!
Apply for an Impact Grant
We invite applications for awards up to $6,000 that reduce poverty by reducing disparities in access to:
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Mental Health/ Substance Abuse Treatment
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Academic Success and/or Stable Employment
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Stable Shelter and Affordable Housing
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The application deadline for 2026 is May 15, 2026
Grants will be awarded in June 2026.
Community Partners
IHN at Alpha House
IHN at Alpha House provides shelter and support to children and families experiencing homelessness in our community. During our Week of Care volunteers provide the evening meal, items for the food pantry, and evening childcare. Volunteer opportunities are family-friendly. No minimum age requirement. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
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Host Weeks: March 16 - 22, 2026;
August 24 - 30, 2026;
November 2 - 8, 2026
Contact: Diane Knibbs
Habitat for Humanity
The church's partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley reflects a shared commitment to supporting affordable housing and strengthening the local community. Through this collaboration, church members volunteer their time and resources to help build and renovate homes for families in need. Minimum age requirement: 16 years old.
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Family-friendly opportunities include landscaping projects in the summer. Minimum age requirement: 8 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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House of Faith Workdays:
Saturday, March 21
Friday, March 27
Saturday, May 2
Saturday, May 9
Friday, May 15
Contact: Diane Knibbs
Friends in Deed: Circles Washtenaw County
Circles is a community-based program that is committed to increasing the upward mobility for individuals and families in poverty in Washtenaw County. Volunteer on a Tuesday evening with a group to provide side dishes and serve an evening meal for the Circles group.
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Contact: Martha Kershaw
Feeding Our Neighbors: Food Rescue Program
The Feeding Our Neighbors: Food Rescue Program is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by rescuing surplus food from home games at the University of Michigan. Volunteers play a vital role in this program, helping to collect, sort, and deliver food, making a meaningful impact in our community and fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.
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If interested in participating during basketball and volleyball seasons, contact Don Redding.
Contact: Don Redding​
Rotating Shelter
Every year First Presbyterian Church hosts up to 25 selected, housing-challenged men for overnight stays in our Social Hall for a two-week period. While following Washtenaw County Department of Health guidelines, we host our guests with enthusiasm and friendship. With gifts of the congregation's time and food, we expect our guests to be well-fed, warm, and in a safe place overnight.
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​Host Weeks: First two weeks in January
Contact: Marcey Terrien or Jim Peggs
Communion Sunday
Food Collections
On the first Sunday of each month, we invite you to helps those facing food insecurity in our Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County community by donating non-perishable food (and other essentials) to benefit Food Gatherers, a local mission partner. Donations may be dropped off throughout the month at the Welcome Center. You may also make a financial donation online.
Hope Clinic
The Hope Clinic provides integrated and free medical, dental, food, and behavioral health care. Each year we host the Thanksgiving Bags project.
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Contact: Diane Knibbs
Christmas Gift Giving: Family to Family and Fostering Futures
Each November we assist local children and families through the Fostering Futures and Family to Family Christmas programs by donating gifts and gift cards.
Contact: Julie Morrison
Avalon Housing
Avalon Housing works to end homelessness by developing affordable housing centered on community, care and support. Volunteers help refresh and brighten spaces by painting together.
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Contact: Don Redding
Social Justice Action Group
The Social Justice Action Group is dedicated to promoting equity, compassion, and justice through faithful action. Our key focus areas include Dismantling Racism, Gun Violence Prevention, and Climate Justice. Guided by our faith, we work to confront systemic injustices, advocate for safer communities, and care for God’s creation. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, we seek to embody Christ’s call to love and serve all people, striving for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Impact Grants
First Presbyterian Church supports organizations and initiatives that address critical community needs, demonstrating Christ’s love through acts of compassion and service. Applications for grants are reviewed by a dedicated committee of church members who carefully evaluate each proposal to ensure the funding will have a meaningful and lasting impact. Through this program, the church seeks to partner with local organizations to bring hope, support, and positive change to our community.
