GETTING INVOLVED
We believe Sunday morning is only the beginning of Worship. For our family of faith, worship continues as we walk out the front doors and find creative ways to share Christ's love with our friends and neighbors in Ely. Here are a few of the ways that our congregation strives to serve as the body of Christ in our community.
BDECAN MINISTRY
This year our Mission Committee has chosen to join the efforts of other Presbyterian churches in our state and our country by supporting the Bdecan (Buh-DAY-Chan) Presbyterian Church on the Spirit Lake Reservation in northeastern North Dakota. This is the only Native American Presbyterian Church in the State. The needs are staggering in this community where the unemployment rate is nearly 50% and the annual average income is only $3900.
We are sharing the love of Christ with the Bdecan church in many ways. We continue to take donations of new socks, underwear, and toiletries for children and families in their community. Through the generosity of our family, and the community of Ely, we were also successful in our efforts to raise over $3,000 at MISSION MAGIC. The proceeds from that event allow us to purchase children's books and other necessities for residents of the Spirit Lake Reservation. We have also been hard at work making blankets that will be distributed to keep our friends warm during those bitter cold North Dakota winters.
We are sharing the love of Christ with the Bdecan church in many ways. We continue to take donations of new socks, underwear, and toiletries for children and families in their community. Through the generosity of our family, and the community of Ely, we were also successful in our efforts to raise over $3,000 at MISSION MAGIC. The proceeds from that event allow us to purchase children's books and other necessities for residents of the Spirit Lake Reservation. We have also been hard at work making blankets that will be distributed to keep our friends warm during those bitter cold North Dakota winters.
ELY AREA FOODSHELF
One time Jesus was hanging out on top of a mountain with his disciples and he started to teach them what they should do after he was gone. During that famous discussion he reminded them they needed to take care of their their brothers and sisters who were hungry or thirsty — even if they were strangers (Mathew 28:35-40). Here at First Presbyterian our heart breaks with the stories of hunger and homelessness in Northern Minnesota. We work to care for the people in our community who are often overlooked and ignored by partnering with the Ely Area Food Shelf. Throughout the year we have an ongoing food donation basket and we also sponsor donation drives to collect money and food items. Each month with a fifth Sunday is set aside as Fifth Sunday Food Shelf Sunday. On those fifth Sundays our family of faith makes a concerted effort to raise additional money and food for the Ely Area Food Shelf. Many of us also volunteer to unload trucks, stock shelves, and help out on shopping days the third Wednesday of every month.
HEART AND HANDS
Our family is passionate about caring for new families here in Ely and throughout St. Louis county. We work alongside the St. Louis County office to help give the children in our community the best start possible. Through this partnership we donate diapers to families in need along with clothing, handmade bibs, crinkle toys, and blankets. Our community baby shower was a great success with donations stacked up and overflowing. Keep your eyes peeled for our next project day. Anyone who can cut, pin, or sew is welcome to join us to help make bibs, and toys.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
We were delighted to join many other organizations and churches in the area to help Kaylen and Greyson realize the dream of owning their own home. We supported the effort by provide lunch for the building crews, and coordinating our own crew to pound nails, hang siding, paint, measure, landscape, cut, drive screws, sweep, and whatever else was need to turn that dirt lot under the water tower into a home. There are not any Habit for Humanity projects currently active in Ely, but we look forward to helping the next family build a place to call their own. Building sites are currently available in town. If you know someone who is interested in beginning the process we encourage you to contact the Northern St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity.