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 Monthly e-newsletter for updates on how we're making a difference in our community and ways you can get involved!
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 a local mission partner. Donations may be dropped off throughout the month at the Welcome Center. You may also make a financial donation online.
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: January 6 - 20, 2025
Contact: Marcey Terrien or Jim Peggs
IHN at Alpha House:
Week of Care
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.
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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.
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Contact: Diane Knibbs
Hope Clinic
The Hope Clinic provides integrated and free medical, dental, food, and behavioral health care. Throughout the year we host food drives and a Thanksgiving Bags project.
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Contact: Maurine Nelson
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 football and basketball 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.
Contact: Don Redding​
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
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 with a group to provide and serve an evening meal for the Circles group.
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Contact: Helena Prince or Ginny Rezmierski.
Cass Community Social Services
Cass Community Social Services serves a diverse population by providing programs for food, health, housing and jobs. Through our partnership, First Presbyterian hosts food drives, coat drives, and participates in the Tiny Homes project.
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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.
Local Mission Grants
In addition to the ministries noted above, First Presbyterian Church maintains relationships with other local mission partners through our grant program. Grants are given to organizations whose programs address the disparities that keep people in poverty and tackle structural social inequities and build strong communities. Recipients received a $6,000 award that specifically reduced poverty by addressing 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
2024 Grant Recipients
Domestic Violence Project (Safe House) to expand need, support and shelter for families
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County to expand their Women’s Shelter
Cass Community Social Services to resolve safety issues prior to opening the Fox Family Shelter in Detroit
Friends in Deed to provide emergency assistance, transportation, and furniture
Corner Health Center to support their Urgent Response Therapy Group
Dawn Farm to assist those who are unable to pay for their services
Children's Literacy Network to provide support for their Book PALS program
Girls Group to help pay for college campus visits
Peace Neighborhood Center to assist with college career preparation
Washtenaw Literacy to support ESL classes at Mallets Creek Library
Friends In Deed, Circles Program to support education and employment to those at risk
IHN at Alpha House for their shelter expansion from 6 apartments to 14 apartments
