First Presbyterian Church
We are a Matthew 25 Church
We accepted the PCUSA invitation to become a Matthew 25 church in 2019.
Matthew 25 is an initiative of the Presbyterian USA mission agency. It encourages congregations to become more engaged in their community by acting on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46-that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”. The parable reminds us that how we treat others matters to God and we must show our faith by reaching beyond the walls of our church to stand up and care for our neighbors who are hurting and facing injustice.
Matthew 25 asks congregations to focus on three areas:
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Building congregational vitality by energizing our congregation
to share Christ’s message in word and deed by standing up and
supporting our neighbors as they fight the injustices imposed by
others.
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Dismantling structural racism by joining other faith-based and
community organizations to advocate for action to break down
the systems, practices and thinking that encourages the
discrimination, bias and prejudice that keeps our neighbors of
color from sharing equally in the benefits of our society and commerce.
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Eradicating systemic poverty by working with other faith-based and community organizations to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our state and community that exploit and oppress our neighbors who are poor.
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As a congregation founded in 1858 by abolitionists, whose members actively supported the civil right movement, LBGTQ+ rights and women’s rights, we have always believed in standing up for our neighbors. However, we recognize that we have much work to do to address the very difficult issues of structural racism and systemic poverty within our beloved community. We are working to become a more outward facing congregation and supporting the work of our community leaders. If you share this passion, please join us.