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!
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.
2024 Grant Recipients
Domestic Violence Project (Safe House)
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
Cass Community Social Services
Apply for an Impact Grant
To apply for a Local Impact Grant, please fill out the application below. Applications are accepted from Jan. 1-March 31, 2025. Grants will not be considered for late applications.
Grant Review Volunteers
Every year the Local Mission Impact Grant program provides support to local organizations whose programs address disparities that keep people in poverty, tackle structural social inequities, and build strong communities. Last year, we received 23 applications and awarded 12 grants of $6,000 each. Church volunteers are needed to help revise the process and review the grants on behalf the congregation. The time commitment is approximately 10 hours in April (after Easter).
To volunteer, contact Martha Kershaw.
Community Partners
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: March 2025
Contact: Marcey Terrien or Jim Peggs
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.
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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.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Southern California is grappling with multiple uncontrolled wildfires, intensified by strong winds and dry conditions. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, and over 57,000 homes remain at risk.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is actively coordinating with the affected presbyteries to provide resources and support in response to this crisis. At this time, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church has been destroyed, with several other churches also under threat. More details will emerge once the fires are contained and evacuation orders are lifted.
We lift up prayers for all those impacted by these devastating fires, for swift containment, and for the safety of the courageous first responders on the front lines.
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If you feel called to help, we encourage you to consider giving by clicking the link below.
