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Missions

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Border Agencies

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Puentes de Cristo (Bridges of Christ), established in 1981 with the help of this congregation, is being revitalized. The first new project was a six-month dental assistant program in Reynosa, taught by two doctors from our church and a third doctor from Reynosa. Our church helped purchase supplies and equipment. Fourteen students graduated, and seven have continued their studies at the University of Reynosa.

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Additional programs being considered include diabetes management and a reading enrichment program similar to the SOS classes held at FPC in the summer

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Su Casa de Esperanza (Your House of Hope) was established with the help of FPC in 1983 to provide an early childhood development program in the Las Milpas area south of Pharr. A second center was added in Nuevo Progresso. For many years, FPC volunteers helped provide the services.

 

Now a 501C(3) organization, Su Casa still serves the families of these communities. FPC continues to invite the children to be guests at its annual Fall Festival and shares with them the joy of Christmas with an Angel Tree gift project.  

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CUPS – (Communidades Unidas Pro Salud) was founded in 1989 with the help of members of FPC  to serve the poor living in  small communities in northeastern Mexico. For many years volunteer teams constructed housing and built water-delivery systems, health clinics, school classrooms, kitchens and libraries. Funding came from FPC and other Presbyterian churches and the public. Mission trips to Mexico have been suspended although there are still mission opportunities on this side of the border.

 

An ongoing CUPS ministry is the delivery of school and medical supplies and mobility devices. FPC is a drop off location for churches and individuals with supplies to donate.  

 

 

 

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Host Site

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Church and college groups coming to the Rio Grande Valley to volunteer with the Catholic Charities Immigrant Welcoming project, disaster assistance or other border ministries can check with our church office or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (800-728-7228 x5839) to see about housing in the church during their stay.

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Emily’s Meals – FPC volunteers and friends participate in this program to feed the homeless. Emily was a five-year-old when she asked her dad about the man standing on the corner who seemingly had nowhere to go. Prompted by Emily’s question, her family decided to provide meals to the homeless during Lent. The program has expanded into a year-round mission that includes other families, churches and interested persons.  

 

SOS Club – FPC partners with the McAllen schools to offer a summer program at the church to help Fields Elementary School students improve their reading skills. Breakfast and lunch is included. Volunteers read with the children and provide them with individual attention.  

 

Recycling School Supplies – At the end of each school year, FPC volunteers collect and organize still-usable student supplies and books from cooperating schools. The supplies are distributed to needy children in Mexico through CUPS and also distributed to children on this side of the border through the SOS Club, Su Casa de Esperanza, and the Pharr Literacy Center.

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Financial Support

 

First Presbyterian Church gives to:

  • local charities such as The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Red Cross.

  • Presbyterian schools in South Texas and other parts of the state.

  • The Presbyterian Relief Fund after natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey.

 

Recently, First Presbyterian Church provided:          

  • financial support and physical labor to help rebuild John Knox Camp (a beloved retreat center for our youth) after it was damaged in a flood.

  • logistical help for the Red Cross by getting emergency supplies to the Rockport/Port Aransas Area after Hurricane Harvey.

  • Funds to help rebuild two churches in Jalisco, Mexico.

LYNN FLOWERS

PRESCHOOL

 

"Lynn Flowers was full of Christian charity, love and generosity, and she valued each child as a unique and worthy creation of God." Vinson McLeod

 

Since the 1950’s, the Lynn Flowers Pre-School housed at First Presbyterian Church has provided thousands of area children their first educational experience. Now a 501(c)3 organization  the preschool offers classes four mornings a week for two, three, and four year old children. The school philosophy is to foster the development of each child in relationship to their world through physical, spiritual, social, and mental growth. Registration begins in March each year for the following school year. Call the Lynn Flowers Preschool director Tonya Moes at  956-682-1192 to check on availability.

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