First Presbyterian Church is proud to support several nonprofit community agencies and organizations continuing a long-standing tradition of community outreach and commitment to mission projects through financial support and volunteer service.
Peace Park and
Joyful Noise Playground
In June of 2019, these outdoor areas on the East side of the church building were dedicated in honor of faithful and generous members, past and present, who have given of themselves to serve their church and the community of Cape Girardeau. The Peace Park and Joyful Noise Playground were created to provide sacred space where all people feel welcome to enjoy rest, reflection, and renewal.
SEMO Prom Mothers of Cape Presbyterian Churches
This is a joint mission project with Westminster Presbyterian Church, housed in the lower level of Westminster, 1820 Perryville Rd., Cape Girardeau. A chapter of Becca’s Closet (www.beccascloset.org), we give out semi & formal dresses free of charge to high school girls in southeast Missouri and surrounding areas who may not be able to afford the cost of a dress for homecoming, prom, and other formal school-sponsored events. A current student ID is the only thing needed to qualify. We take monetary donations, as well as new or gently used dresses and accessories.
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
Three Community Lunch Boxes were erected around the downtown area of Cape Girardeau in 2019. They were started by the People’s Shelter, an emergency cold weather overnight shelter for the homeless. First Presbyterian has stocked the lunch boxes nearly 200 sack lunches filled with non-perishable and ready-to-eat food items for our unsheltered neighbors or anyone who may be hungry at any time of day. First Presbyterian also helped to start and continue to support the FISH Food Pantry, a local ecumenical effort to feed hungry people in Cape Girardeau.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
Birthdays and anniversaries of church members are recognized once-a-month in worship, and those who are celebrating are encouraged to donate any amount to Heifer International. Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Heifer facilitates community development, provides livestock, and trains small-scale farmers in climate-smart agriculture and business skills. Through hard work and commitment, the farmers translate Heifer’s gifts into healthy incomes and growing economies. This model is effective at improving food security, reducing poverty and improving gender equality. Livestock helps families become self-reliant.
SAFE HOUSE FOR WOMEN
The Safe House for Women is a not-for-profit, private 501(c)(3) domestic violence agency that provides safe shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline services, intensive case management, counseling, court advocacy, referral services, and education programs. The Safe House was established in 1991 with the support of The First Presbyterian Church and its former Pastor Rev. Charles Grant. Today it provides a safe shelter and a crisis hotline as a source of immediate help for victims of domestic violence and abuse. We proudly continue to support this cause and have recently donated nearly 100 pajama boxes for the children who arrive with their mothers. Each box has a pair of brand new pajamas and a stuffed animal to cuddle.
CHATEAU GIRARDEAU
First Presbyterian was honored at the 40th anniversary celebration of Chateau Girardeau, the first full-service retirement community in Cape. Members of the church had the original idea and kicked off the initial feasibility study. Over the years, several church members have worked on the staff or served on the board of directors of Chateau Girardeau. Even more have become residents.