Programs we Support:
United Ministries is a non-profit ecumenical agency that provides emergency aid to the financially less fortunate of our community to help them with basic needs. It is funded by donations from churches, caring individuals, civic organizations and businesses. United Ministries is located in the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen building at 257 E. Lee Street.
Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and Living Well Center are located on the same property. The Soup Kitchen provides approximately 6,200 meals per month to the homeless. It is also a haven for homeless families who can stay in the emergency family shelter for up to two weeks. The Living Well Center teaches Christian-based parenting skills and provides love and support to help break the cycle of homelessness and abuse. The staff also works with women serving time in prison.
Transitional Housing Program is also part of the Loaves and Fishes ministry and provides both physical and spiritual support to homeless families. This includes up to two years of housing and case management to help them move on to self-sufficiency. People in this program also share in the parenting classes and are provided clothing and other needs.
Habitat for Humanity is a national, non-profit Christian housing ministry working in partnership with local churches to provide homes for local citizens. First Presbyterian has been the lead church, donating money and working on Saturdays to build these homes. This is a wonderful outreach for volunteers of all ages.
Manna Food Pantries operates distribution pantries in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Manna provides emergency food to households in the local service area. Our church makes donations of cash and food collected by our congregation.
Milk-n-Honey is an outreach ministry that provides an early intervention to help guide children and youth through mentoring and tutoring programs, counseling and Bible study.
The Family Mission Trip takes place annually for a week during the summer. Members of all ages and backgrounds combine their efforts to improve the lives of others in communities around North America.
Two Cents a Meal is a program for hunger relief. Members of the congregation are asked to give two cents for each meal they eat that day. After a percentage is given to the Presbytery, the balance is given to United Ministries in the form of vouchers.
The Angel Tree touches the lives of dozens of children during the Christmas season. Toys, clothes, and books are furnished to needy families. Donations are made by bringing a wrapped present to the church or purchased by our youth from direct cash donations. Financial assistance is also provided to Milk-n-Honey children through this program.
Emmaus Road is an inner city, non-denominational youth choir that provides disadvantaged young people with mentoring to establish good study habits and life values. Our church provides food once each month and financial assistance for children’s outreach programs.
Camp Happy Sands serves underprivileged children during summer months. Our church helps through financial contributions and periodic lunch delivery.
Hurricane Recovery Assistance was of primary importance after Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. More than 100 church members volunteered, many on a regular basis, to help with debris clean up, sheet rock removal and other home repairs. Our efforts here in Pensacola are coordinated through Rebuild Northwest Florida’s Adopt-a-Family program. There are many ways to participate in this valuable service, from on-site labor to phone tree callers and people to prepare lunches and maintain organization and equipment to respond to emergencies on short notice.
Local Home Repair Assistance provides minor repair, clean-up and painting services for local people in need. These efforts are coordinated primarily through the Council on Aging.
South African Partnership forms a partnership with the W.P.T. Ndibongo Family Centre in Nyanga, South Africa, a severely disadvantaged residential area of Cape Town. Our church provides financial support for a family counseling program, a gang ministry and other outreach programs. The congregation is a member of the Presbytery of the Western Cape with about 600 members. The Rev. Zolile Rasche is the only staff member.
The Living Nativity is a dioramam of the Nativity displayed as part of the Pensacola Winterfest. A living re-enactment of the birth of Jesus, it provides an unique display reflecting the true meaning of Christmas. The actors are provided by local high school drama clubs.
National/International Projects are managed through the Service and Outreach Ministry Team. Some of these projects include support for Presbyterian Unified Mission Giving, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Columbia Seminary, Thornwell Children’s Home, Montreat Church Partners and the Duvall Children’s Home, among others.
First Presbyterian Church
Pensacola, Florida
“ Probably the most gratification comes from those times when everyone is working on a project where the results and benefits are immediately visible, like repairing a house of someone in need. In most cases, the owner is there to thank the workers personally. Some of the most gratifying work we’ve done happened after Hurricane Ivan, when the repairs we made made a huge difference in people’s lives.” Bob Jones, Member of FPC, Pensacola.