First Presbyterian Church of Garland has many opportunities for Mission and Outreach. The following is a brief description of some of those opportunities.
Community Breakfast:
Each Saturday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. a free hot breakfast is offered to anyone in the community. Volunteers from the church cook and serve the meal. We received a grant from Grace Presbytery in 2013 to help subsidize this endeavor. Our breakfast began small serving only 5 – 10 people a week. It has grown – we now welcome 175 – 225 people/families each Saturday.
Sack Lunch Ministry:
Donations from members of the congregation help us provide sack lunches every day for those in need. The fourth Sunday of each month is designated for giving to this ministry, either monetarily, sack lunches prepared, or food to be included in the sack lunches. Donations are happily excepted any time. This is a wonderful outreach ministry and the recipients of these lunches are so grateful.
Good Samaritans:
Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc. is a non-profit organization supported by several churches in Garland, including our own. This organization provides Garland area residents with rent and utility assistance and food. There is an on-going need for volunteers and donations of food.
Sharing Sunday:
Canned goods and non-perishable food items are collected by our church family on the 1st Sunday of each month. These items help stock the food pantry at Good Samaritan of Garland.
Deacon’s Fund:
On the second Sunday of the middle month of each quarter, a special offering is received on behalf of an agency/ministry supported with time and/or personal ministry. These agencies/ministries are selected annually by the Board of Deacons. Those selected for 2013 are Wycliffe Bible Translators, Camp Gilmont, Sack Lunch Ministry and Hope Clinic. For more information about these agencies/ministries, contact the Moderator of the Diaconate.
Cans for Cows:
Through the Heifer Project International, this program provides an opportunity for our church to purchase cows that will be sent to underprivileged third world countries. Aluminum cans are collected the last Sunday of each month (behind the Education Building) for this purpose. In 2014 we will purchase our 32nd cow. The famer who receives this cow in turn is to give the offspring to another needy family with the goal of stopping world hunger one farmer at a time! A single Heifer cow can deliver up to four gallons of protein-packed milk every. Save your aluminum cans! Meals on Wheels: Always in need of more wheels to deliver hot meals to Garland residents. Our church membership helps in delivery one week of each month. This program is sponsored by the Visiting Nurses Association. To volunteer, call the church office at 972/272-2595.
Eastern Dallas County Cluster of Churches: FPC Garland is one of seven Presbyterian Churches who collaborate on mission trips to Guatemala, local youth activities, and an annual music workshop. Watch for announcements in Monday Morning newsletter about these events.
If you are interested in serving on the Cluster Mission Committee, contact the Church office at 972/272-2595.