MISSIONS
Mission giving has a long history at the First Presbyterian Church of Commerce. We believe that God sends us out into the world to care for His children in every place.
Our mission giving is done with funds and by human hands. The recent natural disasters (December 2004 tsunami and hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005) caused many in our church family to give aid. Our youth decided they could help by feeding those in our church first. So on a Sunday morning between Sunday school and Church they sold fresh hot cookies. Two adults said they would match what was given and over $1,000 was raised to help. Then the call for aid came from the Presbyterian relief agency and an offering was taken up that raised over 5,000 dollars. When Katrina hit, again people gave to help with the recovery project. We also helped with meals for those who were staying at the local hotels and gave money to families in need who were seeking safety in our town until they were able to return to their homes.
Two of our church members have been working with the Holt orphanage in Korea to offer aid as a doctor and physical therapist. Our church supports their efforts by giving money and medical supplies to be used. Church members have started a quilting project for Holt orphanage and have several quilts completed and numerous more tops ready to be quilted. We hope to give each child and helper a bright quilt to keep them warm.
There is more! We also help with the pregnancy clinic located in Greenville, Texas; our local children’s museum; children at risk programs and aid in school supplies and clothes for school age children. The church is also involved in local programs such as our local Humane Association’s therapy dog program and the Hunt Country Shared Ministries.
There are church members who serve on committees and others that donate their time to mission projects and causes. Why? Because we know we are called to worship God here in this place and then go into the world and care for God’s children. We do it with joy!
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry for the Commerce Alliance for Ministry is housed at the First Presbyterian Church in Commerce and is staffed by the members of the church. Those interested in donating canned goods and dry goods are welcome to drop off their donations during the church office business hours which are Monday through Friday 9am – 12pm. You may also purchase pre-packaged bags of grocery from Brookshire’s Grocery in Commerce. Food pantry volunteers will see that these bags are delivered to the church each week.
The Food Pantry is open to those individuals and families in need each Thursday from 2pm – 3pm. Please contact the church office at (903) 886-3783 for more detailed information.
Harvest of Plenty
The Harvest of Plenty began in 2003 for the purpose of raising money for outreach missions of the church and at the same time inviting members of our community and our fellow Presbyterians to participate in a fun-filled evening.
The evening begins with a chili/chicken stew supper with cheese and crackers, homemade desserts and a beverage all for only $5.00.
Members from our church and others from the surrounding area donate their time, talents and wonderful items for the live auction, silent auction and country store. Some examples of donated items from the past years include handmade clocks, carved walking canes, cross stitched Christmas pictures, wooden benches, chairs and yard art, knitted opera scarves, donated dinners, baked goods, cookbooks, beautiful embroidery items and holiday gifts made by children in the Sunday School classes.
The Harvest of Plenty provides the Presbyterian Church of Commerce the opportunity of reach out to others at home and around the world. Funds from this night have done wonderful things for our community and our world. A water buffalo, goats and fish have been given through the heifer project. This project is a wonderful way to involve the children and the congregation in mission as they are able to pick which animals we send. A remote part of India needed an ambulance and we were able help our Presbytery to provide one. We have given to the Mercy Ships and to a church in Japan. As well as send one of our youth with our adults on a mission trip to Japan. Closer to home we have helped those who have needed emergency funds. This includes a number of families whose homes were lost to fire, a family whose child has cancer, and some who just need a little help to make ends meet.
