First Church seeks to answer God's call in mission, both locally and throughout the world.  Globally we support the One Great Hour of Sharing, Blanket Sunday, and Peacemaking Sunday.   Locally we respond with hearts and hands, minds and money in service to our community.

First Presbyterian Mission Ministries:

• "Seeds of Hope" Food Pantry. 
  
  First Presbyterian Church maintains a well-stocked food pantry.  We provide nutritional food and food products to those individuals and families, living in the region around the church.  The pantry is a partnership of New Hartford First Methodist,  New Hartford Presbyterian, Our Saviour Lutheran and Utica First Presbyterian Churches and is located in First Presbyterian Church at 1605 Genesee St. The pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
  
  
  

• Clothes Closet. 
  
  The clothes closet has a good selection of clean, serviceable clothing for those who have a need for such items.  Most sizes are available for adults, children, and infants.  The closet is located in First Presbyterian Church and is open on Thursday's  from 9:00 to 11:00 am.  If you have any clothing to donate for this very important mission, the closet is open every Wednesday morning to accept your donations.
  
  

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner. 
  
  Every year, First Presbyterian Church prepares and serves Thanksgiving dinner.  Everyone is invited to join us.  It's a time for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and also to join in fellowship with your neighbors.  For those individuals who are homebound and unable to come to church,  arrangements can be made in advance to have a complete meal delivered to your home.  Dinner is served from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day.
  
  

• Universal Pre-K at First Church and First Nursery School of Utica.  First Church assists the Nursery School by providing scholarship grants for some students.  Classrooms and offices are located within the facilities of First Church.  Universal Pre-K classes at First Church have an average enrollment of 80 students, attending for 5-half day sessions a week.  First Nursery School of Utica classes for 3-year old children are held three mornings a week.  For more information regarding UP-K and First Nursery School, or registration for your child, you may contact First Nursery School, 1605 Genesee St, Utica or call 797-6523.
  
  
  

• Hope House.  Located at 130 Eagle St., Utica, Hope House is where the hungry and homeless of the inner-city can go and rely upon at least one daily nutritional meal.  Hope House is open seven days a week, including weekends and holidays, to meet the need of their guests. Once a month, members of First Presbyterian Church, plan a meal, purchase the groceries, prepare and serve the dinner meal.  Generally we serve between 100 and 120 guests that evening.  You may visit Hope House or receive more information by contacting them at 130 Eagle St., Utica, NY;  Phone 793-3723, or visit them on the web at http://www.hopehouseutica.com

We also conduct a broad array of mission and ministries to persons who need food, medical care, clothing and housing, and to persons with specialized problems, such as the homeless,  and persons who need counseling services.  This is done through our financial contributions and support to our partner agencies:

• Abraham House

• Bill Payers Association
  Questions and concerns about money confronts us at all stages of life.  Keeping up with monthly bills and balancing accounts can be overwhelming.  The Bill Payer program allows seniors and physically disabled individuals to regain control of their finances and maintain independence.  Bill Payer Program is brought to you through Family Services of the Mohawk Valley located at 401 Columbia Street - Suite 200, Utica, NY.  Telephone: 315-735-2236 or visit them on the web at www.familyservicesmv.org

• Compeer

• Emmaus House
  Emmaus House represents hope.  Many women come to Emmaus House with no hope.  Often their circumstances are overwhelming and they are powerless to make decisions.  Through meeting the basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter and counseling, the women have their hope restored and are assisted in adjusting to new circumstances and finding goals for their lives.  Emmaus House in located at 1215 Kemble Street, Utica, NY.  Telephone: 315-797-3339.

• HealthFriends
  Provides immediate and long-term prescription medication for people without prescription insurance and without the means to purchase medications needed to achieve and maintain good health.  HealthFriends assists people in applying for long term assistance from the Patient Assistance Programs of national pharmaceutical companies.  HealthFriends is located at 126 Eagle Street, Utica, NY. Telephone: 315-724-0988.

• One Great Hour

• Prison Ministry

• Thea Bowman House

• Utica Rescue Mission
  The Rescue Mission is a Christian ministry endeavoring to assess and unconditionally meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all people coming for assistance.  The Mission provides food services, emergency and transitional housing, addiction crisis and residential treatment programs.  Assistance is provided to both men and women.  The Rescue Mission is located at 212 Rutger Street, Utica, NY. Telephone: 315-735-1645 or you can visit them on the web at www.uticamission.org 

Last Update: September 5, 2009

Home | Events | Next Sunday | Contact | Calendar | Staff | About | History | Worship | Music | Schedule |
Mission | Service |Education | Fellowship | Joyful Noise Cafe |

© 2007-2009 The First Presbyterian Church | 1605 Genesee St · Utica, NY 13501 | Phone (315) 732-5111