We are a Matthew 25 church.

Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Convicted by this passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to see our neighbors through Jesus’ eyes and serve those who are marginalized or in need — people who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, imprisoned, strangers, poor or oppressed in other ways and in need.

First Presbyterian Church is part of the Matthew 25 initiative created by the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) to focus congregations on three pillars of mission:

  • Building congregational vitality
  • Dismantling structural racism
  • Eradicating systemic poverty

Much of the work this year has focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity in our community. Our Little Free Pantry has been a blessing to both our congregation and those in need. Volunteers, or “Pantry Pals” check on the pantry and work to keep it stocked with canned and dry goods, hygiene products, and pet food. It is used daily by those in need,and we are grateful that we can show love to our neighbors in this tangible way.

Our team also provides funding to the Bird Feeder at Dalton State College which is a food pantry for students and the CLILA-Coalicion de Lideres Latinos organization which packs weekly food boxes.

In addition, First Presbyterian provides holiday meals to participants of the Accountability Courts and students at Dalton State College. Finally, our church packs and delivers food boxes to 40-50 families at Park Creek Elementary School and Dawnville Elementary School. Our members also volunteer with the Saturday Sacks program and Meals on Wheels.

Another focus of our team is addressing mental health needs in our community. With the leadership of Roger Rollins, our congregation provides and serves meals to the participants of Camp AIM. This camp provides much needed support to children who are victims of sexual abuse.  Grants were awarded to the Family Support Council, the Treatment and Accountability Courts of Whitfield County, Life Journey Ministry, The GreenHouse, and BLOOM-a new nonprofit that offers support to families with children who have special needs and disabilities.

First Presbyterian supports many agencies in our community that are meeting needs of poverty. Some of these agencies are Sharing is Caring, The DEO Clinic, DOC UP, and the Salvation Army. Knowing that literacy is a key to eradicating systemic poverty, First Presbyterian supports the work of Friendship House. Friendship House provides affordable childcare and works to benefit each child emotionally, socially, and academically. Our church volunteers as weekly readers and often helps serve meals for special events.

In an effort to get to know our neighbors better, First Presbyterian is working to build relationships with our African-American and Hispanic friends. Our participation with The Emery Center, The Church Women United, the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, and CLILA-Coalicion de Lideres Latinos are opening doors and allowing us to begin to break down racial barriers.

While much of the team’s work focuses on local needs, we also are called to remember our neighbors across the globe. Our team supports the work of the PC(USA) Mission team and provides donations to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance fund which targets needs for those in areas of war or natural disaster.

The Mission Team of First Presbyterian is truly grateful for the generosity of our congregation and the blessings we have received. We continue to listen to how God is calling us to serve in the world.

Matthew 25: 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Our mission team works to support individual member initiative for community outreach and provides opportunities to work in church-led projects and to engage with community partners including:

  • Family Support Council
  • Dalton State Birdfeeder
  • Kid City in July
  • The Emery Center
  • The DEO Clinic
  • Treatment and Accountability Courts
  • The Salvation Army
  • Camp AIM
  • DOC-UP
  • Conasauga Circuit Drug Court
  • Dalton- Whitfield NAACP Juneteenth Celebration
  • Friendship House
  • The Book Spot at Park Creek Elementary School
  • Holiday Food Boxes
  • The Free Little Pantry located on Crawford Street