Eastminster Presbytery
Ohio
Members of First Presbyterian Church prepare bags of groceries for distribution.
What does the Lord require of us?” First Presbyterian Church in Akron wrestled with this question in 1999. With its historic building in need of some major repairs, it made sense to consider relocating. But the call to mission overwhelmed human sensibilities.
Under the leadership of their pastor, Dr. Mark Ruppert, the members of First Presbyterian live out the missional call of Micah 6:8. Seven days a week the church facility is alive with activity. The food pantry distributes over 100 tons of food to some 500 families per month. A Sunday evening walk-in meal started by the church’s youth has expanded to become a partnership with Westminster and Oak Hill Presbyterian churches. For forty years the congregation has housed Hope Day Care, ministering to as many as fifty children. Every Wednesday night, Cocaine Anonymous gathers in the church facility. Youth from the congregation and community meet for activities year-round.
The most impressive dimension of the ministry is the congregation’s authentic hospitality to the community. Elder Rita Vincent observes, “Our location is our greatest blessing.” In its outreach, the congregation is coming to reflect the multiracial, multicultural makeup of the community. In partnership with community organizations and institutions, the church is bringing transformation to the community.
First Presbyterian Church, with 11,012 members, is one of 54 congregations in Eastminster Presbytery.
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Dr. Dan Schomer, general presbyter
Rev. Dr. Meta Cramer, stated clerk
Elder Marianne Lidstone, administrative assistant
Colin Miller, treasurer
Arlene McCowin, financial/clerical assistant
Lorraine Jones, resource center coordinator
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Trina Deluca, BOP
Jacquelyn DeMoore, FDN
Linda Denning, FDN
Almighty God, the cities of this nation cry out to you. Encourage your church to reach out to the least of these with words and deeds of good news. Empower your church to address the causes of poverty and racism that defy your will and demean people. Open the hearts of your churches so that congregations might truly welcome all people. Bring justice and mercy to the cities in Christ’s name. Amen.
Ps. 43, 149 Ps. 31, 143
Deut. 11:18–28
Heb. 5:1–10; John 4:1–26
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