MISSION AND JUSTICE
We exist, not for safety and comfort, but to be Christ’s hands and feet and heart in a hurting world.
There isn’t a moment in scripture when God isn’t concerned with justice and service (what we call mission). It is also at the heart of who we are as a church. We are the Body of Christ, sharing God’s love in concrete ways. Come join us to make a real difference in our neighborhood and in the world as together we answer the call of God: “Let your Kingdom come on earth.”
What We Do ... How to Get Involved
Justice in Action
Along with over 20 congregations, we launched a new justice ministry in Lincoln/Lancaster County called JUSTICE IN ACTION.
Death Row Inmate Visits
God never stops loving us. That message is woven through our communion services, the cross, and our call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
17th St. Community Garden
Food is an important part of life – and the connection to the earth and our history that it nurtures in us.
McPhee Elemtary School Partnership
McPhee Elementary School is just two blocks from our church in the heart of one of the most ethnically diverse and economicatlly challenged areas of Lincoln.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is about “hunger relief and healthy food access.” They provide hot dinners every day of the year.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
In our neighborhood are people from many different cultures, countries, and faith traditions. Yet one thing we all have in common is the need to express gratitude.
Arts for the Soul Concert Series
The Arts for the Soul Concert Series has been an important part of our church ministry for over 10 years. We not only enjoy world class music, we also reach out to local schools to share the joy of music, and to offer classes.
Alcoholics Anonymous
For over 25 years we have provided space for men and women seeking support to deal with addiction to alcohol.
Little Free Library
Yes, we have a little free library with a seating area for neighbors to enjoy an outdoor lunch, read a book, or just rest. Thanks to donations we keep a selection of books available for anyone to borrow.
Challenges and Blessings in our Neighborhood
Want to know more about our immediate neighborhood?
- Median household income is significantly below state average.
- % of unemployed is significantly above state average.
- Foreign-born population % is above state average.
- Renting % is significantly above state average.
- % of population with a bachelor’s degree or higher is below state average.
- Violent crime is above the US average.
- Property crime is above the US average.
Statistics don’t tell the whole story. We are surrounded by wonderful people with huge hearts, activists seeking change, and people who have decided that they are more than a statistic.
Regardless of circumstances, God is among us, and together we seek to embody the Kingdom of God in our neighborhood.
Our Amazing Community Partners
One of our greatest privileges is working in partnership with others to celebrate, to work for justice, and to make care for people. We can’t do half of what we do without our amazing community partners who are themselves working to make a difference in our community. Check them out at the link below to find out more about them, and if you’re looking for ways to volunteer, check out their websites.
Our Community Partners
There are many in our neighborhood who work together to the good of all. We have amazing community partners who join with us in loving our neighborhood. Please check them out, learn more about them, and find opportunities to support them and volunteer.
A faith-inspired organization, Clinic with a Heart serves people who are uninsured and underinsured through a ministry of healthcare. Our volunteers provide free healthcare with hospitality, dignity, and grace.
A team from First Presbyterian volunteers at CWH every month, and we hold regular collections for supplies.
The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of Feeding America. Since our founding in 1982, we’ve been focused on our mission to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska.
From sun up to sun down (and even longer), our dedicated team and partner agencies work together to put food on the tables of those in need, right here at home.
Including Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Butler, Seward, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Lancaster, Gage, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Richardson counties.
Click Here for their food distribution schedule: https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/get-food/food-distribution-schedule/
Our goal at the Gathering Place is to provide food and nourishment to all who may need it, supporting achievement of our agency’s mission to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability.
We have teams who serve meals on the first Tuesdays of the Month. If you’d like to be part of a team, let us know! Contact the church office to be connected with our Gathering Place volunteer coordinator. (info@fpclincoln.org)
The Gathering Place sometimes has needs for additional volunteers in other capacities. contact Georgann Roth, their Volunteer Resources Coordinator, at groth@communityactionatwork.org, or 402-875-9320
Jacob’s Well is devoted to working with individuals, churches, and community organizations in an effort to connect people in need with resources and skills which will improve their quality of life both physically and spiritually.
Lighthouse has helped thousands of middle and high school students become successful adults by providing them with a safe, loving environment where they could come after school. Programs like mentoring, tutoring and academic support, activities, and nutritious snacks and meals have been the foundation that has made it possible for our students to thrive.
We have several dog/handler teams who visit the Lighthouse several times a month, as well as individuals who volunteer as needed. If you’d like to be a part of the wonderful work Lighthouse is doing, click the Volunteer link below
Our mission is to strengthen our community by teaching the English language and a variety of literacy skills to people of all cultures.
For many years we have hosted Lincoln Literacy in our facility to do their wonderful work with Lincoln immigrants and refugees. They now have a space of their own and we continue to support them.
McPhee Elementary is just two blocks from our church in the heart of one of the most ethnically diverse areas of Lincoln with a student breakdown of: 25% Caucasian 15% African American/Black 12% Asian, 39% Hispanic, and 9% other.
They are also located in one of the most economically challenged areas of Lincoln.
Our partnership with McPhee is well established and involves several areas including ESL, reading mentors, providing food, diapers, coats, and more.
