MISSION STATEMENT:
First Presbyterian Church of Douglas, Arizona is devoted to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in word and in deed, in Douglas, Arizona and beyond. We strive to minister with humility and to treat with dignity all who enter our doors and anyone outside our doors. As one body, and individually, we carry Jesus’ message of peace, justice, compassion, love, and hope, knowing that God’s love and other attributes are boundless, despite a complex society, government, boundaries and borders, and a restless world around us.
Food Pantry
We started our local Food Pantry several years ago as a very small emergency response to serve hungry people in our community. We have grown as word of mouth has traveled, especially since the pandemic. After the fire we were determined to continue this work and are now doing it out of the trunk of a car. We have also expanded this outreach to include meeting with people to discern their needs other than food, and to offer prayers as requested. Word has spread, and the need is great in our community. In the future we hope to create a community food garden; we are seeking ways to help empower people to be more self-sustaining. Our very small congregation needs help supporting this mission. (We are currently providing monthly staples for more families than we have members!) We are always appreciative of donations designated for our Food Pantry.
Hospitality for Delegations to the Border
Based in the sister cities of Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, we work with our brothers and sisters at Frontera de Cristo to build relationships and understanding across borders. People often see borders as nothing more than division, but at Frontera de Cristo and First Presbyterian Church of Douglas we see a place of encounter. Discerning God’s will for us, we serve migrants and community members on both sides of the border by preparing and sharing meals with delegations from all over the United States. We share our lives with them about living on the border, the history of our beautiful church along with answering many questions they may have. Since the fire we have not been able to do this but are looking forward to resuming this mission soon.
Migrant Ministry
As described in our history, we have been involved in ministry with migrants along the border for many years. Most recently, we responded to the crisis that happened in May of 2023 with the end of Title 42. We turned our fellowship hall into a dormitory to house and feed migrants seeking asylum. But then our church was all but destroyed by arson. When the need for shelter grew again in September, we joined other people of faith in our border community at a different location. Members and friends of our church volunteer their time, talents and ideas each Wednesday at the Douglas Welcome Center. We cook, clean, drive, answer all types of questions, sort donations & laundry, translate in many languages (thanks to Google translate), make shopping trips – whatever it takes to help scared and exhausted strangers feel safe, welcome, understood.
First Presbyterian Church of Douglas, AZ 