As the Open Doors outreach to homeless people in our community begins a new phase soon, we want to recognize those from First Pres who have helped during the past 15 years. Over the past 15 years or so, First Pres has served as one of the shelter locations for...
Kindness isn’t random: Show affection for others by looking at Jesus
Who is the kindest person you know? What is it about them that makes you think of them as kind? I suspect if you dig into those questions, the people who come to mind will be those who are intimately connected to Jesus. That’s because kindness is one evidence of a...
Navigating a winter season: Find support with Stephen Ministry during personal challenges
In addition to the cold weather outside, many people experience winters in their personal lives. A recent loss through death, divorce or relocation may leave them feeling lonely. A hospitalization, a cancer diagnosis or ongoing medical problems may leave them feeling...
2 ways you can be more loving
As I’ve continued to think about what it would look like for my relationship with the Lord to be “renewed,” one obvious attribute would be I’d become more loving. I say this is obvious because the great command is for us to love God with all that we are. So, of...
Helping our neighbors in need
It is that time of year when we want to help our neighbors in need. This year we will have two opportunities. On Friday, Dec. 22, we host our regular Soup Kitchen. We will be preparing a special Christmas meal and would like to give out Christmas gifts. If you would...
How your generosity is helping supply the needs of widows and orphans in Africa
As part of the tithe we take on the last Sunday of the month, a portion of those funds are sent to widows and orphans from our sister church in Jimma, Ethiopia. We received an update to how those funds were used recently for three big purposes. First, medical...
Team returns from Hurricane Ian relief trip in Florida
https://youtu.be/3CF2iQ_7ano Six of First Pres’ covenant partners recently returned from a weeklong trip to Englewood, Florida, where they partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to provide cleanup from Hurricane Ian, which devastated parts of Florida during the fall. The...
How Church World Service is welcoming refugees in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
First Pres' November mission focus is Church World Service, a global organization with a Harrisonburg office. CWS began in 1946 in the aftermath of World War II . The organization is a faith-based group transforming communities around the globe through just and...
How New Creation is helping fight human trafficking
First Pres supports local mission agencies throughout the year. This month, our mission focus is New Creation, which is fighting human trafficking by offering survivor-made goods and fair trade accessories in their shops and providing prevention education. We asked...
How East Gate Ministries helps women in crisis in the Shenandoah Valley
Since 2002, East Gate Ministries has provided residential and outreach programs that help young women choose life for their unborn children. East Gate is a ministry partner, and in July is our featured local-mission group. We asked Isla Weaver, president of the...