Community Outreach

Mission and service have always been an important part of First Presbyterian Church.  Over the years, groups from FPC have served on mission trips both domestically and abroad, to places such as the Gulf Coast area to assist with hurricane recovery and as far away as Nicaragua.  However, the congregation maintains considerable focus on the needs of the local community.

Our ongoing Community Outreach ministries include a variety of efforts:

• Baby Love is a ministry to provide diapers and wipes to families in need.  Donations may be dropped off in the cradle located in the narthex.
• Red Cross blood drives are hosted periodically during the year.
• A chartered Cub Scout pack meets regularly at the church.  In addition, Girl Scout troops also use the church facilities.

We also take part in mission events and activities throughout the year, particularly at Christmas time:

• Angel and Salvation Army trees are setup in the narthex ahead of Christmas so that gifts may be given for either children and nursing home residents.
• Monetary and bicycle donations are also collected for the Hudson/Chandler Bike Fund, which provides bikes for children who are under the care of Department of Family and Child Services (DFACS) in Conyers and Covington.
• During the month of December, FPC has also participated in blanket and coat collections that are taken to the Garden of Gethsemane Shelter.
• And, separate from the Christmas season, FPC also participates in the annual Change the World Day.  This is a day when we come together as one faith, and one community, with one common goal of being the hands and feet of Jesus.  The event is held at First United Methodist Church, where we work to help bag produce for local food pantries.

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Below you will find more detailed information about other important outreach ministries this congregation supports.

Family Promise exists to address the following statistic: “This year in America, more than 2.5 million children and their parents will experience homelessness.”  On their website, http://www.familypromiseofnewrock.org, this statistic is followed by the positively bold assertion that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
 
Family Promise is a local response to a national crisis.  “In the United States today, one child out of five lives in poverty.  Families with children make up 35% of the people in this country who experience homelessness.  Our mission is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response in Newton and Rockdale county.  Family Promise of NewRockis making its way back to serving Newton & Rockdale Counties ... With your help & support we know that we will be back to serving the homeless local families very soon.  Since November of 2011, Family Promise of NewRock has provided housing and resources to 210 individuals, including 138 children, from 55 families facing homelessness from our community.” 
 
Family Promise’s goal is to keep families together by giving families a hand-up and assist them in their return to self-sufficiency.   Services include case management, counseling, enrichment programs, resources, and job referrals with the focus on securing employment and next-step housing.
 
As such, the Family Promise ministry is not necessarily an answer to an over-crowded homeless shelter.  Participant families are thoroughly screened and must meet certain criteria for this type of assistance, particularly that they are a family with children (with or without two parents) in Newton or Rockdale counties.
 
Volunteering with this ministry is highly rewarding and there are a variety of ways to be involved and get plugged in.  The Witness team is excited about being involved in the NewRock chapter!

"Thornwell's foster care program, residential program, and family & educational support programs offer homes that are safe & loving, hope for a brighter future, and wholeness & healing. We serve children and families throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina."

The congregation as a whole supports Thornwell Home for Children in a variety of ways throughout the year.  Also, Presbyterian Women of Covington lend specific support to Ferguson Cottage.  This cottage is home to 8 boys ages 6- 12 years.  This loving home changes the lives of children who have never experienced a home environment of love, nurturing, faith, or caring.  Miracles happen here every day through the dedication of Family House Parents and Counselors who give pure love.

The Community Food Pantry provides food to eligible needy applicants in the Covington area. 

For many years the Food Pantry was housed by our church, and sponsored by the Newton County Ministers' Union.  In 2009, it was moved next door to FaithWorks in a building owned by the City of Covington. 

Consider making a donation of food, volunteering at the Pantry (receiving, shelving, packaging, distributing, shopping) or participating in the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for elderly and needy citizens.

For more information about FPC's outreach and mission, please contact the church office at 770-786-7321.

"...faith apart from works is dead." 
(James 2:26)

FaithWorks was founded by a consortium of area churches in order to combine resources to assist needy Newton County residents with emergency financial resources for housing and/or utilities.  FaithWorks is funded by 39 local churches, corporations, and individuals. 

You can help by volunteering to serve at the FaithWorks office, or by donating funds.  

Click here for a map to FaithWorks.

Exercise Group:
The First Presbyterian Exercise Group meets Tuesdays at 4:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall.  Pam Stillerman brings her extensive background in this area to motivate and invigorate people of all ages. It is a good aerobic workout suitable for both beginners and those who are more advanced in exercise training. Participants say they have fun and fellowship while improving their health. Come join us!

Christmas Merry Makers

Merry Makers share glad Christmas tidings through gifts and stockings for children in foster care and protective services and for adult nursing home residents. Everyone's participation is needed! – as an adopter or organizer.

The Arts Association in Newton County is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage youth and adults in the community to participate in the arts, both as audience and as artists, and to present world-class artists to all the citizens of the metro Atlanta area.

First Presbyterian Church of Covington supports the Arts Association through involvement of our membership at all levels within the organization, through participation in association events, and through the use of our church facilities for meetings and rehearsal activities.

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TOPS Weight Loss Program:

The "Take Off Pounds Sensibly" group at FPC meets each Wednesday morning at 9:00 A.M. in the Jubilee classroom. Members perform weigh-ins and establish a program with personal goals for weight loss. They recognize achievements and provide encouragement to each other on a regular basis.