Seek. Share. Serve.
As Christians, we are called to live our faith, not just within our local community, but within the global community as well. Jesus reminds us of that when he talks with his disciples after his resurrection. Mission includes both faith and actions.
Local Support
Here are the organizations that First Presbyterian Church supports locally through donations, financial support or service:
- Meals on Wheels
- Join us on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays to prep, cook and deliver meals to housebound neighbors in the community.
- Building Bridges of Northeast Oklahoma
- Not only are we the host site for this program, but we also serve a meal on the third Thursday of every month. Help us shop, prep, cook and serve this meal.
- Lighthouse
- Every last Tuesday of the month, we prepare and serve a meal at the homeless shelter. Sign up to help in the Narthex.
- CONCERN Center
- Bartlesville School Supply Drive/Pack the Backpacks
- Agape Mission
- My Refuge
- Samaritan Counseling Center
FPC Blessing Box
There is a Blessing Box located near on the NE side of the church. This Blessing Box is to help feed those who need food for the day or a meal. The box is not intended to replace any food pantries or other charities that we serve, it is just a limited way that we can help fight hunger and give to our community some relief of hunger.
The Mission Committee of First Presbyterian Church Bartlesville is asking for food donations of canned goods and non-perishable foods to be placed in the Blessing Box for anyone needing a meal or to help supplement a meal. Anyone may take items free of charge. We need enough items to keep it stocked daily. The idea is anyone in need may take items from the box. We only ask that they take what they need at the moment and give if they can. Blessings to all who give and receive from this Blessing Box.
We now have an account specifically for donations to keep the Blessing Box stocked! If you’d like to support this ongoing ministry but can’t do the shopping, this is a great option. Simply mark your donations specifying “Blessing Box”, either on an envelope in the office, or on the memo of your check, or, when you give online, select “Blessing Box” from the pull-down menu!
- Canned vegetables: corn, green beans, beans, carrots, peas, canned tuna, Spam, Vienna sausages, canned chicken, canned turkey, peanut butter, Nutella, Dinty Moore or Hormel complete meal bowl (non-refrigerated), etc.
- Dry Foods: mac & cheese, rice, red beans and rice mixes, macaroni noodles, pasta noodles, ramen noodles, any pasta items, dried beans, tortillas, small baking mixes such as Jiffy mixes, peanut butter, snack crackers, etc.
- Household items: travel size hand soaps, small hand sanitizers, shampoos, toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Pet supplies: dog and cat food (dry food will be divided into one or two feedings in a plastic bag)
National and Global Support
First Presbyterian Church reaches out in the United States and the world through prayer, financial support, and personal involvement.
Global organizations supported by First Presbyterian Church are:
- Goodland Children’s Home in Oklahoma
- Partnering with the Synod of Livingstonia in Malawi, Africa
- Kairos Prison Ministry
- Wee Kirk Conference
- CROP Walk for World Hunger
- Dwight Mission Presbyterian Camp & Conference Center
- Gideons International
- Constructores Para Cristo
- Solar Under the Sun
Mission Trips
First Presbyterian Church has a long legacy of mission partnership and mission service. Our youth and adults have participated in trips to Mexico to build homes. We have helped with disaster assistance in the USA and abroad through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Rev. Dr. Cesar Carhuachin’s Ministry
Cesar Carhuachin teaches at the Reformed University of Colombia, which is the country’s first Protestant university. It received official government accreditation in 2002. Cesar Carhuachin has been called to teach biblical studies and theology in the university’s School of Theology, which has its roots in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Gran Colombia. The seminary was founded in the early 1980s to train clergy for the Presbyterian Church of Colombia and became part of the university when the university was formed. The School of Theology stresses the study of the Bible in the original languages and seeks to integrate all theological study into the context of Colombian society. Today students from various Protestant traditions study at the school. In addition to his duties as professor frequently Cesar preaches at local churches.
Tyler & Rochelle Holm’s Ministry
Tyler & Rochelle Holm serve in Mzuzu, Malawi, at the invitation of the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP), Synod of Livingstonia. Tyler serves on faculty at the University of Livingstonia and prepares future CCAP ministers, and Rochelle manages a program to help bring clean water and sanitation to the people of Malawi.
Tyler is an instructor (lecturer) of biblical studies at the University of Livingstonia, Faculty of Theology. Students can earn either a Diploma in Theology or a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in preparation for ministry, or to further their academic studies. In addition to biblical studies, Tyler teaches theology as well as other courses. He also provides other support services for the university faculty and students.
Rochelle serves as the manager of the Centre of Excellence in Water and Sanitation and Smart Centre at Mzuzu University. The Centre, which partners with the Synod of Livingstonia’s Development Department, opened in 2009 and participates in research, training, and outreach programs. Mzuzu University also offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in water and sanitation, building local subject matter experts. The Centre also has an exciting and innovative focus on low-cost water and sanitation solutions appropriate for households to purchase as well as an emphasis on supporting local water and sanitation entrepreneurs.
Rev. Sarah Henken’s Ministry
Sarah works in collaboration with the peace commission of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia as the church strives to help all Colombians build a new future and bring an end to over 50 years of armed conflict. A lifelong peace advocate, Sarah helps develop educational materials and programs for the promotion of peace and reconciliation within churches and communities. She engages in diaconal ministry with local groups of campesino farmers displaced by the violence as they seek new land to farm and sustain their families. Sarah also coordinates the Young Adult Volunteers who serve alongside the Presbyterian Church of Colombia in a variety of ministries. Her home base is in Barranquilla, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and she visits churches and communities throughout the country.