Throughout its history, First Christian Church has been committed to the community and the world. We support the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), volunteer to assist with the local "Snack Pack" ministry, host "trunk or treat" in the fall for the children in our surrounding neighborhoods, as well as a community Easter egg hunt. We also offer financial support to numerous community-based organizations and donate food to various community food pantries. We are constantly searching for new and creative ways to make a difference and below are some of the organizations we support today.
Who are they?
For seven decades, the emergency aid arm of the Disciples of Christ known as “Week of Compassion” has worked through a remarkable network of church partner organizations and partnerships to ensure that our response to humanitarian needs in the world is efficient, effective and faithful. Through these partnerships, Disciples are able to join a tapestry of caring that brings help and hope to hurting people in every corner of the world.
How does FCC contribute?
First Christian takes a substantial offering two weeks in February for Week of Compassion. Then, as we hear of natural and human disasters around the world, we encourage over and above gifts designated for the specific response.
Who are they?
The Disciples Mission Fund is our denomination’s worldwide outreach. Through our shared efforts, we support missionaries around the world, peace workers, national programs to share the caring, compassionate and healing work of God with others in need, support ecumenical conversations to eradicate the divide between faiths, and much more of what it means to be the church in the 21st century.
How does FCC contribute?
We support the Disciples Mission Fund not only with a generous line item amount in our budget but with special offerings through the year.
Who are they?
Glen Oak Christian Church is one of our sister Disciple churches on the East Bluff of Peoria. They provide snack packs to all students at Glen Oak Community Learning Center. Each week approximately 1200 snack packs are prepared and delivered to Glen Oak Learning Center.
How does FCC contribute?
Every Thursday morning during the school year, a team from First Christian goes to Glen Oak Christian to help prepare snack packs for delivery. Our Disciples Womens fellowship group gives a donation to this program on a monthly basis.
Who are they?
The mission of The Center for Prevention of Abuse is to help all people — women, men, and children – live free from violence and abuse. They provide victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, seniors, and adults with disabilities with a variety of services, including emergency shelter & transitional housing, therapy, counseling, and medical advocacy, seeking protective orders from the court, Adult Protective Services, and Long Term Care Ombudsmen services.
How does FCC contribute?
Throughout the year, First Christian will take up a collection of items that the Center needs, along with an annual monetary donation during the Christmas season.
Who are they?
Jolt was established by Blake and Tamara Olt after the death of their son Joshua, who died from a heroin overdose. They vowed to not let his death be in vain. In looking for a way to make a difference, they discovered harm reduction, specifically overdose prevention. So, what exactly is harm reduction? Harm reduction involves programs and policies that aim to reduce the risk associated with drug use. Harm reduction acknowledges that despite our best efforts people will con- tinue to use drugs because they are unwilling or unable to stop.
How does FCC contribute?
Along with raising awareness, throughout the year FCC will make donations to them. During the Christmas season we make one large donation.
Who are they?
Eureka College is a liberal arts college in Eureka, Illinois, related by covenant to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It has a strong focus on the mutual development of intellect and character.
How does FCC contribute?
We love Eureka College! …partly because it is “right up the road”. It is historically a Disciple of Christ college. Not only do we support Eureka through our general budget, but we have hired youth interns from the Eureka student body, hosted their “Disciples on Campus” fellowship group at overnights in our church, and pledged a special offering to refurbish a classroom in their new science building. Occasionally one of their pre-ministerial students have been welcomed to try out their preaching skills in our pulpit.
Who are they?
The Fuller Center for Housing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that seeks to eradicate poverty housing by promoting partnerships with individuals and community groups to build & rehabilitate homes for people in need.
How does FCC contribute?
FCC has hosted contractors and volunteers by providing meals, snacks, and even places to sleep. We also give financially over the course of a year.
Who are they?
Look. It’s My Book! founder Janet Roth and her team of dedicated volunteers, now numbering over 500, have dis- tributed more than 300,000 books to children in all Peoria Public Schools from grades Kindergarten through fourth. They believe by giving children the choice to pick out their own book they will be more engaged and read more often.
How does FCC contribute?
We collect books for their book drives, send volunteers, and give financially both throughout the year and during the Christmas season.
Who are they?
Friendship House is a faith-based non-profit organization reaching out to all those in need. It is located in the “near north” neighborhood of Peoria, an area that faces economic challenges. Friendship House serves approximately 10,000 individuals per year. 80% of our service area consists of individuals caring for families with an average annual income below $13,000.
How does FCC contribute?
Over the years, First Christian has had a “place at the table”, the Friendship House Board table, that is. We give generously from our general church budget to support their ministries. The Friendship House food bank is in our rotation for receiving our food collections. In January of 2018, we participated in a M L King Day of Service project at Friendship House
Who are they?
Sophia’s Kitchen, a mission of St. Joseph/Sacred Heart Church, serves a generous sack lunch to the homeless, unemployed and underemployed in the downtown Peoria area. It is located next to Historic St. Joseph Church, 103 Richard Pryor Place in Peoria. Sophia’s Kitchen is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers, who give generously of their time so that no one goes hungry.
How does FCC contribute?
Several times throughout the year, FCC will donate food and send volunteers to help as well as financial donations.
Who are they?
Picket Fence Foundation in Chillicothe, IL, was founded in 2021 by Jim and Laura Sniff. Their son, Jimmy, has Autism. The Sniffs discovered a troubling lack of services and work programs for people like Jimmy. So they set out to bring opportunities to this community on their farm through their flagship nonprofit, Blue Ridge Community Farm, and now Picket Fence Foundation.
How does FCC contribute?
We buy all of our flowers through them, support individuals who work there, partnered with them on projects, and give financially throughout the year.