Service
Why we SERVE
Seek God’s Vision
Emulate Christ’s Compassion
Reconcile the Community of Faith
Voice for the Unheard
Empower People to be Sent Forth
We seek God’s vision to facilitate opportunities to empower all at First Presbyterian to participate in service activities through gifts of time, donations, and transforming our understanding of global and community needs.
Our service activities are in alignment with our overall church goal to SERVE, as well as the PC(USA) Matthew 25 initiative designed to build cultural vitality as we grow in understanding and consider ways to respond to issues such as structural racism, eradicating systemic poverty, and the intersectional priorities of climate change, gender justice, and militarism.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36
Service Opportunities
Emergency Cold Weather Shelter (ECWS)
The ECWS provides clean, stable, safe shelter for families in need. First Presbyterian along with friends provides volunteer staff Mondays at 5:00 pm - Tuesdays 8:00 am, as well as the Monday evening meal, and Tuesday breakfast. Many hands make light work - there are many options for small commitments to support the ongoing work. If you want to help, but feel unsure about how, please talk to one of the coordinators. (Danna Larson, Lorissa Jackson, or Marcus Geist)
Danna Larson
Lorissa Jackson
Marcus Geist
Food Bank of Alaska
Senior Box Build Monthly, usually the second Wednesday of each month from 9am-Noon. Work in an assembly line to fill boxes for distribution to seniors across the state.
F.I.S.H. Friends in Serving Humanity
Our goal is to collect 100 pounds of rice/pasta each month. During Faith Formation for Chidren, the students bag 100 pounds of rice on the fourth Sunday of each month. Adults may participate in bagging pasta following the worship service. A pasta collection tub is located in the narthex.
Souper Bowl of Caring
On a Sunday when many enjoy the Super Bowl football game, let us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat. Christian Education will work with the youth to coordinate this event. All are encouraged to donate cans of soup.
Walk For Warmth
When we Unite together, a spark of hope unites an entire community. In conjunction with United Way and Enstar Natural Gas, the purpose of this walk is to raise awareness and funds for families and individuals who are struggling to meet the expenses of utility bills. The walk begins at First Presbyterian on a Saturday morning each February.
Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility
We send cards each Easter and Christmas season to the female prisoners in the Hiland Mountain Facility near Eagle River. We write notes of encouragement . We also support the “Running Free Alaska,” a program designed to make a positive difference in the lives of incarcerated Alaska women by either volunteering time and/or funds.
I-Street Community Garden
Excellent opportunity for families and people of all ages to enjoy a small community garden. Harvested food is shared with Lutheran Social Services. Volunteers needed for about an hour/week to water, weed, and harvest. Children walk to the garden during Godly Play a few times each season, as weather permits.
Alternative Gift Market
An opportunity for our congregation and community to purchase gifts that support a variety of missions. Volunteers are needed to set up the Market, staff mission tables, and take down tables and clean up after the Market.
Anchorage Thanksgiving Blessing
Families and people of all ages are encouraged to participate in this event in coordination with the Food Bank of Alaska and local faith communities to ensure all families have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal. First Presbyterian helps collect over 500 cans of corn.
Gambell Presbyterian Church
This project serves to continue a relationship with people of Gambell that began when members of First Presbyterian helped build a church/community center. When asked how we could continue to support them, they requested we send socks to the community Christmas party. All can donate socks and candy canes.
Copyright 2025 First Presbyterian Church. All Rights Reserved.