Called by God, sent by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we boldly serve our neighbors by embodying love, affirming diversity, advocating for justice, and nurturing God's compassionate community.

The Church is called, above all else, to serve God in the world. The Ministry of the Hands team embraces the misseo dei (the mission of God), believing that the "church doesn't have a mission; rather, God has a church." We understand that our missional work is not something we decide on our own to do but rather is the loving response to God's expression of grace in the world. It requires, above all, prayerful listening and our presence to others. In all our work, we honor the values of service, engagement, imagination, and empathy. 

We know that we do not have all the answers. Engaging with the community is central to our missional purpose, and our budget allows for: continuing conversations throughout the year; flexibility and timeliness in responding to emerging needs; the deepening of critical partnerships; and ongoing evaluation of progress and impact. We will support community partners whose work is compatible with our values and undertake projects and activities that make us visibly present in the community. 

Therefore, the Ministry of the Hands budget is divided into four categories. Where we plan to continue past projects, we have included those; we also have left a portion of our budget unallocated to allow new projects and relationships to emerge. We know that this approach entails some risk, but we move forward in faith. When Jesus called the disciples, he did not give them an itinerary. We follow in the same spirit of trust, faithfulness, and hope.

Direct Support for Organizations includes contributions to those organizations the MOH Team recognizes as important partners in advancing the missional goals and values of First Presbyterian Church.

Education & Engagement includes activities, materials, speakers, etc., to support our active presence in the community, especially outside the church setting, where needs or opportunities arise to offer advocacy; create safe gathering/support for threatened or neglected communities; and/or promote learning and dialogue around the critical social, cultural and theological topics. Examples include book tables at Juneteenth and Pride, the Holiday Shopping Project, and our recent Mental Wellness series. 

The Fund for Community Insecurity adapts and responds to various emerging insecurities within the community as identified throughout the year through education and dialogue with our critical community service partners. It includes the Good Samaritan Fund (a rapid response by the Pastor to individual requests for help), the grief support group, and longer-term strategic initiatives like Food for Thought. 

The Center for Creativity & Community includes support for current youth activities of the Center and investment in creating a long-term identity, plan, and scope of work for the Center.

    At 1PC we believe in order to make a lasting and transformational impact we need to develop relationships. A major portion of our church budget goes to local organizations. We believe the church is called to care for the community beyond the walls of the church. 

The organizations we support are:

• Community Action
  
• Kemmerer Village
  
• Habitat for Humanity
  
• Logan County Health Dept. and Dental Services
  
• Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry
  
• Prison Ministry
  
• The Oasis Senior Center
  
• Christian Child Care, Inc.
  
• Lincoln Memorial Community Health Collaborative