Philosophy of Missions
First Presbyterian Church supports a wide variety of mission and outreach projects, both local and global in scope. While our church help provides funds for numerous missions we believe it is important to follow these three principles:
Send yourself, not a check
Allow yourself to be stretched to see where Christ is in your life
Friendship is key
Ministry Grants
While the Grants and Giving Committee and Session fund many regional and international mission projects, we also aim to support innovative ministries in the Presbytery of Northern New York. We specifically look for creative ideas to share faith that currently lack financial support. Presbyterian Churches (and others in the community) with great ideas in need of funding, please download the application, fill it out, and mail or email to the church. Together with God, we can bring your ideas to life!
Local and Regional
In Watertown, we have a vital relationship with the Watertown Urban Mission. Together we offer Dollar Dinners at the church, participate in food, clothing, school supply and funding drives, as well as volunteer on a regular basis in the food pantry and thrift store.
Around North America our members have gone to Mexico, New Orleans, and many other places in order to grow spiritually, connect with others, and serve those who were impacted by major economic or natural disasters. Whether we are building homes or connecting to God in the wilderness we are ready!
Global Missions
In the last ten years, our long term friendship with the "warm heart of Africa" built a school, established a non-profit, funded two new Presbyterian missionaries, earned a Presbyterian Women Thank Offering grant for a literacy project, built shallow wells and enjoyed the blessing of a 15 member choir who toured the North Country for a month.
Mission Endowments
Our church is fortunate to have endowment funds, which are restricted to use for mission purposes. The amount of money available varies annually based on market returns and management activity, but that doesn't stop us from wanting to serve as the hands and feet of God.