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Missions
Seeking to be faithful to the call of Jesus Christ to go into all the world preaching, teaching and baptizing, the congregation at First Presbyterian Church, Shelbyville strives to reach a balance in ministering to needs locally, regionally and internationally. A wide variety of mission activities are available for individuals to use their specific gifts whether it be prayerful support, financial support or hands on experience.
Alternative Christmas
For the past 4 years, the third Sat in November has been set aside for local, regional and international 501C3 organizations to gather in our Fellowship Hall for folks to contribute to in the name of friends and loved ones as an alternative to gift giving at Christmas.
Habitat for Humanity
Traditionally we have given financial support to Habitat in Bedford county as part of our annual benevolence. In 2007 we provided funding and workers to build a house for Habitat in Shelbyville. In 2008 we have provided workers and lunch during the building of another house. .
Next Step Home
The Next Step Home is a transitional house providing a sober environment and a therapeutic community stressing accountability and respectability for women with substance abuse issues. We refurbished and furnished one of the bedrooms that will house two women. Additionally, we are providing financial support for the ongoing expenses of this new program in Bedford County. There is also a need for volunteers to provide leadership for Bible study for the women participating in the program.
Mission Trips
There have been three trips to the Gulf Coast to help clean up and repair damage done by Hurricane Katrina. Groups have gone to D’Iberville, MS, Gautier, MS and Bayou Le Batre, AL where they have gutted, rebuilt and painted houses that were damaged in the hurricane. There continues to be a need for rebuilding along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans if a group wishes to take on this project.
Currently, we have a commitment to a church in Usamatlan, Guatemala to help them install a water purification system through Living Water for the World. A team will be returning to Usamatlan in January, 2009 to complete this project. Volunteers are invited to come along to help teach about the use of clean water and to do some needed work on their church.
In 2006 a group of 16 traveled to Esteli, Nicaragua to share God’s word through vacation Bible school and to do some construction work. Financial support was given to the Shalom Presbyterian Church and to missionaries Emerson and Martina Wilson in Esteli.
Annual Benevolences
Each year local, regional and international 501C3 organizations that minister to those in need are part of First Presbyterian’s mission and outreach.
The Missions and Outreach Committee page can be found here.
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