The wonderfully open hearted and giving people of First Presbyterian Church support the Little Ones Ministries through individual contributions to The Warm Blanket Project and the Baby Bundles Project. In addition, the Mission Team allocates mission funds to help meet the needs the Little Ones Ministries objectives.
The Warm Blanket Project provides basic hygiene supplies, a warm blanket/poncho, cap and gloves, notebook with pencil, toy or stuffed animal and a Gospel track.
The Baby Bundles contain a baby blanket, 3 warm outfits, washcloth, 4 cloth diapers, bottle, pacifier, toy and a Gospel track.
Each year we help celebrate Christmas with open and compassionate hearts for the Warm Christmas Program. Our goal in 2005 was to light 450 bulbs on the Christmas tree. Everyone who contributes $20.00 to the Warm Blanket Project or the Baby Bundle Project can light a bulb on the tree. We anticipate continuing this program in 2006 and beyond. Your support of these children is urgently needed! Please see the complete story at http://www.warmchristmas.org.
Your Mission Team encourages you to learn more about the tremendous, heart wrenching and heart warming program of the Little Ones Ministries at http://www.warmchristmas.org.
THE CARING PEOPLE
Yes! We really do care! The Caring People program is dedicated to helping single moms fall in love with Jesus. Every Thursday evening single moms and their children gather at our church for dinner, fellowship and the opportunity to be part of a supportive group in a Christian environment! These ladies can gather in friendship, feeling accepted with no conditions. These often very lonely mothers share what is going on in their lives, laugh and cry together in an understanding, supportive environment that allows them to be in God’s presence! They can be themselves and not be judged for who they are or what they do. Under the guidance of trained leadership, these single moms grow to trust Christians, open their hearts to Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him!
Any single mother is invited to join us on Thursday evenings and on Sunday, to enjoy the warm, welcoming group at our church services and Sunday school.
There is always a need for caring people who want to serve God and enrich their lives by helping others. Call Lindsey Sullivan 417-334-3468.
OPTIONS PREGNANCY CLINIC
Someone in great tribulation needs your help! Those facing an unexpected pregnancy often feel alone and feel there is nowhere to turn! Options Pregnancy Clinic brings spiritual, emotional and physical healing and wholeness to those affected by an unexpected pregnancy. OPC provides valuable counseling, very sound advice, encouragement and spiritual guidance for mothers and fathers along with items needed for mothers and babies.
First Presbyterian Church, is among forty other churches supporting OPC financially and with donations of diapers and other necessities for baby and mother. Dedicated people from our church volunteer in the OPC office, make regular financial contributions to OPC and provide other support as needed. Your Mission Team allocates mission funds to this much needed program. Where does God lead you to serve others? Call the church at 417-334-3468 or talk to Marilyn Erselius.
LIVES UNDER CONSTRUCTION BOYS RANCH
“CHANGING THE WAY AMERICA SAVES AT-RISK YOUTH!”
That is the motto of Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch. And, it is not just words. Ken Ortman and his dedicated staff strive every day to do just that.
The success stories from LUC are awe-inspiring. The staff of LUC apply Biblical principles, hard work and tough love to work wonders with troubled boys between 8 and 18. These boys are placed at LUC by parents or the courts as a “last ditch effort” when all else has failed. The willingness of the LUC staff to help a boy recognize and deal with his problems, now matter how disruptive or how negative his response, has overcome even the “toughest” cases. Each boy is encouraged to recognize his own unique qualities that help bring positive meaning to his life. The inspiring story is well told at http://www.lucboys.org. Please take the time to learn about this extremely valuable program and why they were named Grand Prize Winner of the 2005 Samaritan Award.
There is always a need for help from dedicated Christians willing to donate their skills, talents and time. The great people from FPC who are doing just that are letting the boys know that someone cares. Call the church office now to show your willingness to help a troubled youth. 417-334-3468, or contact Carol Pratt.
CHURCH ARMY
Church Army successfully ministers to “the least, the last and the lost.” FPC financially supports Church Army as well as encouraging volunteers to help in this “life recovery” mission.
Many in the Church Army have dealt with or are dealing with alcoholism, drug addition, homelessness and incarceration. At their base in the Cambridge Center on 6th Street in Branson, the Army provides help in meeting personal challenges, classes to help folks improve their skills. counseling and worship every Sunday.
Church Army has many opportunities for Christian service. Contact Church Army at 417-339-3804 or contact Carol Pratt at 417-334-3468.
EAST AFRICAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Happily, this is one of the fastest growing Presbyterian congregations in the world. First Presbyterian Church of Branson helps to support this mission through special contributions sent direct to the East African Presbyterian Church. The Mission Team is working toward establishing a closer fellowship and understanding between our congregation and representatives of the East African Presbyterian Church as they visit our country.
