To contact the Rev. Dr. Douglas D. Gerdts: Email: gerdts@fandc.org Phone: 302.654.5371 ext 106 Website
Join us on October 3rd as we celebrate World Communion Sunday and receive the Peacemaking Offering. On this day we join with Christians around the world to celebrate the unity that we find at the Table of the Lord. We also receive the Peacemaking Offering to support the efforts of our congregation, presbytery, synod, and denomination to spread the peace of Christ.
Twenty-five percent of the Offering will be used by the congregation for our peacemaking activities. The other seventy-five percent will help our partners in the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly as they work on behalf of God's peacemaking throughout the world!
The Peacemaking Offering supports the peacemaking ministries of congregations, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly. The day recommended for congregations to receive the offering is October 4th, World Communion Sunday, when Christians around the world gather to eat the bread and drink the cup offered us by Christ, the Prince of Peace. This day, on which we are mindful of our spiritual unity with Christ and each other, leads us naturally to do what we can to make that unity with Christ and others manifest. Taking the offering on this day and dedicating ourselves to peacemaking are ways to live into the oneness we have in Christ. Peacemaking gift envelopes are available in the pews; please give as generously as you are able to this important offering.
No experience necessary - everything you need will be provided. Most of us have never taught. What we share is taking pleasure in interacting with second graders and helping them improve their reading skills. We tutor at East Side Charter School on Wednesday afternoons during the school year from 2:15 to 3:15. We will begin on September 29th. Subs are available for those times you cannot be there. If you are willing to help this small but dedicated group, please call Nancy Mahoney at 302-994-1751 or email her at nancymahoney@comcast.net. Thank you!
A Meeting of the Congregation of First & Central Presbyterian Church has been called for Sunday, October 10, 2010 immediately following the worship service for the purpose of hearing the Report of the Nominating Committee and electing an Elder.
Every week, a trained liturgist participates in the worship service by leading the congregation in the Opening Sentences and the Prayer for Illumination. In addition, they read the Scripture lesson for the day and prepare a brief introduction to "set the stage" for the Bible reading. This is open to all folks at First & Central and Doug will lead a training session and explain the process - really - everyone can do this! If you would like to serve as a Liturgist or for more information, please contact Doug by email at gerdts@fandc.org or by phone at 302.654.5371.
All couples in committed and healthy relationships are invited to a time of fellowship, learning, and sharing. "It Takes Two" is an inclusive group for couples. The group first formed in early 2004 and has since been meeting regularly monthly or semi-monthly. A typical evening begins with appetizers, refreshments, and plenty of conversation before moving on to the main topic. While encompassing a wide range of activities, speakers, and participation the focus is always on couples and some aspect of their relationships. The other constant is fun. It's a lively and diverse group!
The Labyrinth at First & Central is open on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Our Chartres/medieval style portable labyrinth is set up in Memorial Hall on the church's lower level. Normally, there are labyrinth hosts available from 1 p.m. through 7 p.m. to assist new walkers and answer general questions about labyrinths. If a host is not on duty, printed information about walking the labyrinth is available on the table outside Memorial Hall. If you have questions or need further assistance, please ask at the Church Office for Labyrinth Committee member Joanne Reinbold.
Come on Wednesdays and walk the Labyrinth. Labyrinth enthusiasts walk for a variety of reasons: relaxation, inspiration, exercise, meditation, and prayer are just a few.
Bringing a friend to walk is a great way to spend some time together. After your walk, relax with a cup of tea in the Labyrinth Cafe.
We'd appreciate it if you could spread the word about the Labyrinth at First & Central. New brochures will be available shortly! Just give Joanne a call in the church office if you can deliver a few labyrinth brochures in your area.
We need volunteer hosts for one or two hour shifts to greet labyrinth visitors on Wednesdays. Once a week, every other week or once a month -- we can work with your schedule. Call Joanne at the church office for more information or to volunteer some time to host the labyrinth.
We can always use donations of tea and cookies for the Labyrinth Cafe, as well as financial donations to cover the cost of the candles we use every week, and to fund new signs for the fences along Market and 11th Streets. Donations to the Labyrinth at First & Central are tax deductible.
Thanks to Rob and Michele Harra the Labyrinth Cafe has a new look! Rob and Michele donated a beautiful dining set -- a lovely glass top table and five chairs -- and also three paintings to brighten the cafe walls! Come walk the Labyrinth any Wednesday and stop in at the Labyrinth Cafe for a cup of tea and see our new look. Thanks, Rob and Michele!
On Friday, October 1st during First Friday Art on the Town visit the Museum's Copeland Sculpture Garden for an evening of relaxation and education! Between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. labyrinth volunteers are available to provide guests with an historical overview of labyrinths and an introduction to walking them. There is no charge to walk, but donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the Museum's labyrinth.
The labyrinth at the Delaware Art Museum is located in the Anthony N. Fusco Reservoir, towards the back of the Copeland Sculpture Garden. Eighty feet in diameter, this medieval style labyrinth is constructed of Delaware River rock. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.
First Friday activities run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. so before or after your walk you can view the Museum's art exhibits; admission is free. Also on First Fridays, enjoy special performances and exhibits -- on October 1st at 6 p.m. you can also attend a Gallery Chat with Heather Campbell Coyle, Curator of American Art on Leonard Baskin: Art from the Gift of Alfred Appel, Jr. and enjoy live piano music from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with pianist Michael Hunter. You can also shop in the Museum store located in the lobby.
For more information about First Fridays Art on the Town and the labyrinth at the Delaware Art Museum visit the museum's website.
During the night walks in October the labyrinth will be illuminated by tea lights. This year, the labyrinth walks will be free and open to the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday night in October. The full walk is half a mile. Labyrinth walks are independently guided, but there are volunteers on hand to answer questions.
Our F & C knitters - aka Knit One, Pray, Too - have been busy! We now find ourselves with several prayer shawls on hand. We would really like them in the hands of those who can benefit from this gift of prayerful compassion and care. If you know someone who is going through a difficult time - an illness, a loss, a personal or spiritual struggle - you can bear witness to your faith, and to the care of First & Central, by sharing a prayer shawl with them. Please see Jenny to choose a shawl and get the card that accompanies it. Help us reach out to those in need of this tangible expression of God's presence!
All women of the church are invited to gather on Monday, October 25 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. As a follow up to our September gathering on "leaves and losses" (featuring our first annual "Leaf/Grief Drop"), we will be discussing the movie "UP". Please note: This is done intentionally in coordination with the Men's Spirituality Group, who will be viewing/discussing the same film. We are not copying, we are coordinating. And we imagine our conversations might be very different. Women are encouraged to gather together beforehand to view "UP" -- anyone want to host a showing? With popcorn?
On Sunday August 22, we were truly blessed to have Isatou Ceesay join us in worship -- all the way from The Gambia! Isatou is working with the Gambian Women's Initiative - the inspiration of Carol Cunningham, and an offshoot of Power Up Gambia. Isatou works to empower women - teaching them skills, helping them learning to save and use money -as a way to raise them up and give them voice in their communities. Isatou's own village of Njau was the first to receive a solar dryer, and she has trained women in their use now in Bwiam, Somita and Sifoe as well! She expressed deep gratitude on behalf of those villages to First & Central, who provided the solar dryers -- in her words, "We talk about you and wish for you all long lives, because you have done such wonderful things for us". Isatou's village of Njau also is home to the Njau Recycling and Income Generating Group. As she explained to the children in worship, with no waste management services in The Gambia, plastic trash is a serious problem, and a health hazard for people and animals. The women collect and clean the plastic, as well as video tape, and crochet it into beautiful bags. They also do beading, batik and sewing. As a way of encouraging their efforts and improving their income, we have some of these goods available for sale.
As part of our ongoing support for The Gambia, and in particular for the women's groups seeking to empower their lives and improve their communities, we have found 2 local church bazaars willing to let us have a table to sell our "Gambia goods" (recycled plastic bag and video purses, beaded crocodiles, jewelry). WE NEED HELP STAFFING THESE BAZAARS!!!! If you could do your part to help these Gambian women by sitting at our table and sharing the good news about this project, we'd be so very grateful!
Westminster Presbyterian's Bazaar is Friday, November 5 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 6 from 8:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Trinity Presbyterian Church's Bazaar is Saturday, November 13 from 8:30 - 3:30 p.m.
We have a schedule with 2-3 hour shifts. Please call or email Jenny (warren@fandc.org) if you are interested in helping us out (and checking out some great church bazaars in the process). There are more than a dozen blanks to fill in -- Please help! All for a good Gambian cause!
Men of the church are invited to gather on Monday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at the home of Dale Dallabrida to discuss the film "UP." This month we are coordinating with the Women's Spirituality Gathering who will also be viewing and discussing "Up."
Sundays, October 24th and 31st are available, as well as Sundays, November 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. Please call (654-5371) or email the church office Church Office with your order and dedication.
To contact the Rev. Jenny Warren: Email: warren@fandc.org Phone: 302.654.5371 ext 107 Website
The Youth Group team has an exciting and fun-packed programmatic year planned for F & C youth. We envision a time of faithful community-building and spirited service. Some of the events will be familiar, and some will be new for the entire group. The Youth will continue to meet two Sundays per month, after worship, with shared lunches as part of our time together. The Youth Group team is excited about the opportunity to work in faith with F & C's young people! Questions/Comments about our plans? Please contact Shannon Hanson:(302) 507-1784 (cell) or by email at jsbjhanson@gmail.com.
October 17 - Football Sunday (More information to come)
October 24 - ONE SHOT SERVICE SUNDAY (Starting at Westminster Presbyterian) (12:00-6:00)
Meet Shannon Hanson
Shannon is volunteering at F & C as part of her continuing theological education, and she will be joining Rick Ferrell and the rest of the fine folks in the Youth Group ministry this school year. Shannon is a part-time second year student at Palmer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and she is an "Inquirer" for ministry with the New Castle Presbytery.
By day, Shannon works as a prosecutor at the United States Attorney's Office in Wilmington, just down the street from the church. She and her husband, John, are parents of two boys, Ben - age 15 and Jack - age 11. For the past seven years, Shannon has worked leading the children's ministry program (similar to F & C's F.L.Y. program) at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in North Wilmington, her home congregation. Shannon explained her decision to come to F & C to further her theological education. "When my husband and I first moved to Delaware in 2000, we attended F & C for over a year. In many ways, my return to F & C feels like a homecoming. I am very excited to be working with and learning from Jenny and Doug and the whole Youth Group team." Shannon also will be participating in worship with us throughout the year.
GOING GLOBAL- the World Communion tradition continues! Join us on Sunday October 3rd for a wonderful F & C tradition -- The 6th annual GOING GLOBAL event! We begin at 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall with our "International Breakfast Buffet". Please bring a dish from another part of the world - it could be the land of your origin, or a place you have visited, or a place you've always wanted to, or something you've just "googled"! We'll try things we've never tried before and get a taste for the world beyond. Then, we'll meet a mystery mission guest from across the world! So mark your calendars -- and on World Communion Sunday, help bring the world to F & C!
We are looking for FLY teachers for several classes this fall - each is only a 2 week commitment. Lesson ideas are provided! We need help in Martha's Kitchen (cooking), Creation Station (crafts), CrossTraining (games) and even our Telling Tent (storytelling). Please let Sara Snowden or Jenny know if you are willing to spread your wings and FLY with us! You won't regret the trip!
The Nashville 14 (so far) are scheduled to take part in the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance flood recovery/re-building work in Nashville November 14-20. We'll be housed by Westminster Presbyterian Church, which has converted space and re-directed funds, staff and priorities to respond to the needs of their community. YOU CAN STILL COME! Join us - Mac McKay, Sara Snowden, Curt Johnson, Dick Stell, Scot Stetka, Mike Tennant, Irma Jimenez, Ron Spinks, Ellen Roberts, Carol Woodcock, Sharon Kimmel, Robin White, Jenny Warren and Doug Gerdts and.......YOU!?!? Let Jenny know ASAP if we can nudge you on your way to Nashville! If you cannot join us in body, stay tuned for information on how you can support us in other ways..... knowing you do so with our deep thanks!
To contact Minister of Music David Schelat: Email: schelat@fandc.org Phone: 302.654.5371 ext 110 Website
Free half-hour concerts of outstanding classical, jazz, folk, and world music in a location and time that fits easily into the schedule of downtown workers and shoppers.
Noontime Concerts kicks off the fall season at 12:30 p.m. on Rodney Square (weather permitting) with Delaware Steel! Don't miss our festive and traditional season opening concert. The incredible steel band of the University of Delaware returns to launch another season of diverse music-making for the downtown lunchtime crowd.
Our first Festival Concert is Sunday, October 17, 2010 and features organist David Schelat. Mr. Schelat's program is titled Organ 18 - 19 - 20. Revel in a showcase of music from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries played on the beautiful Gabriel Kney organ, including masterworks by J. S. Bach, Johann Ludwig Krebs, Cesar Franck, and Leo Sowerby.
A series of full-length concerts normally held on weekends. This fall we offer David Schelat, organist; the Serafin String Quartet; and the Mastersingers of Wilmington!
Check out all our wonderful concerts here!
Sunday, October 3rd, is the annual fall clothing drive. The van from the Clothing Bank of Delaware will be in the parking lot to collect your donations of clothes and household linens. Items should be clean and in good repair. Tax receipts will be available. Along with your clothing, please bring in a package (or many packages) of new underwear. Underwear is always needed for men, women, and children so whatever you can bring would be appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Debby Tennant by email at watton@webtv.net or by phone at 302.366.8761.
Donations are needed for the Habitat for Humanity Auction. The HFH Auction is coming up in January and we need items to auction. In the past we have had pool parties, weekend getaways, restaurant gift cards, gift baskets, and many homemade craft items to put in our auction. We are hoping to do the same again this year. Perhaps your place of employment or a business where you are a regular customer might be willing to donate something. Perhaps you are a crafty type who can make those special one-of-a-kind items, or maybe you just got something for Christmas that you won't ever use. Donations should be dropped off to the church office starting in October through Sunday, January 9th. The auction will be held on January 16th in conjunction with a luncheon directly after church. Any questions about the auction, please call Debby Tennant at 366-8761.
Make and serve a simple dinner for either 5 - 7 women at Epiphany House or for 20 - 25 men at Andrew's Place. Epiphany House, located at 722 N. Union St., is the newest house in the Women's Housing program at Friendship House. Because the number of residents is small. this is an ideal opportunity for someone to do on their own or with a partner. It would also work well for a parent and child. F & C is signed up to do the following dates: October 6, November 3, December 1, January 5 and February 2. These are all Wednesday evenings so it does not interfere with either choir or session.
Andrew's Place is a shelter for older men at 720 N. Orange St. This meal is best done in teams of 3 or 4. Sign up as a team or individually (we will find teammates for you). F & C is scheduled to serve on these dates: October 29, November 29, December 29, March 29, and April 29.
Meals at both sites start around 5:30 p.m. and usually take about 45 minutes. For more info or to sign up, please contact Debby Tennant at 366-8761 or email at Watton@webtv. net.
The Presbyterian Coffee Project offers a special link between congregations and communities around the world. Churches can now reach out to neighbors overseas not only with the prayers and offerings we give, but with the goods and products we purchase. By using fair trade coffee in our congregations, offices and homes, Presbyterians help guarantee that farmers will earn the income they need to feed their families, educate their children and improve their communities. Fair trade is a simple solution that means the difference - quite literally - between surviving and not surviving for small-scale coffee farmers.
Learn more about the Presbyterian Coffee Project and Equal Exchange
The Deacons would like to thank John Dowell, Joan Dodds, Brenda Ferris, JJ Jones, Curt Johnson, Doris Bolt, Margaret Anne Butterfield, Joyce Cloud, Norma Clayton, Stephen Fugate, Patty Irwin, Mac McKay, Howard Reign, Tim Rodden, Ellen Roberts, Betty Russell, David Schelat, Virginia Thorne, Connie Beattie, Leigh Jefferies-Weinfeld, Leanne Stell, Herc Pierce, Emily Ramsey and Debbie Tennant for preparing and bringing food for the September 12, 2010 luncheon.
Many thanks to the Staff, Deacons and Congregation of First & Central for the many cards, calls and gifts, and for your thoughts, prayers and support during my mother's illness and death. It is an honor to work with and participate in such a caring, compassionate community of friends.
A Candlelight Service of Hope and Remembrance on Sunday, October 3rd at 7 p.m. at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church, Mt. Lebanon Road, Wilmington, DE. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and New Directions Delaware, Inc. invite you to a celebration of God's love and faithfulness. Mental illness strikes at least 50 million Americans, yet many suffer in silence and shame due to the stigma surrounding these brain diseases. Please join us as we speak the Hope and Peace of God's love into these lives.
First & Central is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). PC (USA) has approximately 2.4 million members, 11,100 congregations and 14,000 ordained and active ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation.
PCUAS Pentecost OfferingThe Pentecost Offering provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40 percent of the Offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities. First & Central uses its portion of the Pentecost Offering to send inner city kids to camp.
The Presbyterian Church of KinshasaMonique Misenga is the coordinator for Women's Programs for CDK, the Presbyterian Church of Kinshasa which makes her a top administrator of the church in Congo. She was one of the three coordinators for last September's African Women's Conference in Nairobi, and visited New Castle Presbytery as a Peacemaker several years ago. Monique also visited F & C's Women's Spirituality Group in September 2008.
New Castle PresbyteryFirst & Central is one of 55 churches that comprise the New Castle Presbytery. Our Presbytery is one of the first established in the United States.
Covenant Network of PresbyteriansFirst & Central is a member of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. The Covenant Network is a broad-based, national group of clergy and lay leaders working for a church that is simultaneously faithful, just, and whole. We seek to support the mission and unity of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in a time of potentially divisive controversy. We intend to articulate and act on the church's historic, progressive vision and to work for a fully inclusive church.
Meeting GroundMeeting Ground came into existence in 1981 in Maryland and Delaware as a faith-based response to the growing epidemic of wasted human life, both in this nation and across the globe, and especially in the form that has come to be known as "homelessness."
Presbyterian Disaster AssistanceFirst & Central contributes regularly to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance through special offerings, such as One Great Hour of Sharing and through special congregational appeals, such as the Well Baby Kit and Clean Up Bucket collections.
PDA: Hurricane Ike -- TexasIn November 2009 the First & Central "Texas 13" traveled to Texas to assist in rebuilding efforts.
Presbyterian OutlookIndependent, balanced weekly newsletter reporting on items of interest to the entire Presbyterian Church (USA).
St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, New Orleans R.H.I.N.O. ProjectIn the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, our congregation and partners have united to alleviate suffering in the Greater New Orleans community. Specifically, our church is coordinating and hosting outside work groups. We have now begun the rebuilding phase of our mission by partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build homes on Ferry Place in the Hollygrove neighborhood. Since November 2005, RHINO has hosted more than 1800 volunteers from 30 states, gutted over 200 homes, and is now constructing new homes! First & Central Mission Team volunteers traveled to New Orleans to help R.H.I.N.O.
Eco-PalmsOur congregation has partnered with "Enough for Everyone" of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and we will use eco-palms for our Palm Sunday celebration!
The Brandywine Pastoral Institute is a non-profit interfaith center providing pastoral counseling, psychotherapy and continuing education for ministry. First & Central Elder Gene Thompson sits on the Institute's Board of Directors.
Community for Integrative LearningThe mission of the Community for Integrative Learning (CIL) is to provide learning experiences that promote connection, health, and wholeness. First & Central and CIL have partnered on a number of educational events such as A Workshop with Dr. Marcus Borg and An Evening with Rev. Jim Wallis.
Friendship HouseFriendship House is a non-profit Christian corporation committed to making a difference in the lives of the homeless people of New Castle County through the traditional spiritual ministries of hospitality, education, empowerment and community. First & Central supports Friendship House financially and also through hosting Saturday Morning Hospitality and sponsoring Paper and Clothing collections.
Habitat for Humanity of New Castle CountyHabitat has been building affordable housing with low-income families since 1986. First & Central members build homes and host an annual fund-raising dinner, silent auction and talent show.
Interfaith Coalition: Building Blocks for WilmingtonAn alliance based on spiritual faith that has come together because of a deep concern about the level of violence in many parts of our city. Our Pastor, Doug Gerdts is Co-Director of the Founding Board.
Interfaith Tech AssociatesThe purpose of Interfaith Tech Associates is to promote dialogue and collaboration among communities of faith by providing them education and training in information and communication technology.
Meals On Wheels DelawareFirst & Central Meals On Wheels volunteers provide hot, nutritious meals to homebound senior citizens in our communities.
Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring AssociationThe Rodney Street Tutors mission is to provide opportunities for under served children in the Greater Wilmington Region to fulfill their maximum potential academically, socially, and physically. First & Central houses the tutoring program on the third floor of the education building.
STAIRSTAIR is a volunteer-based, non-profit children's literacy organization that provides reading tutors for public school second grade students. STAIR was founded in New Orleans in 1985. Members of First & Central tutor children in reading at the East Side Charter School in Wilmington, DE using materials developed by STAIR.
Wilmington Friends SchoolThe Wilmington Friends School of today remains faithful to the vision of the Friends who founded the school in 1748. They continue to educate young people of diverse backgrounds in ways embedded in Quaker values and principles and attuned to the best contemporary educational practice. First & Central hosts two Friends Pre-School classrooms in the Education building.
Women's Opportunity Link of DelawareWomen's Opportunity Link of Delaware's mission is linking low-income and underemployed women to living wage job training programs and employment opportunities. First & Central women are partnering with WOLDE in the Next Step Mentoring Program.
Founded in 1946, Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the United States. Working in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries, CWS works worldwide to meet human needs and foster self-reliance for all whose way is hard. First & Central participates in Church World Service mission projects.
Heifer Project InternationalHeifer envisions … A world of communities living together in peace and equitably sharing the resources of a healthy planet. Heifer’s mission is … To work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. First & Central has participated in and supported many projects of Heifer International.
LifeStrawsHalf of the world's poor suffer from waterborne disease, and nearly 6,000 people - mainly children - die from diseases contracted from unsafe drinking water every day. LifeStraw® water purifiers have been developed as a practical way of preventing disease and saving lives, as well as achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe water by the year 2015. First & Central members and friends contributed to LifeStraws through Giving Tree in 2009.
MANNAMANNA was formed in 1990 by members of The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, to help nourish men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. First & Central has been a distribution point for MANNA's annual "Pie In the Sky" benefit.
Pacem in Terris (Delaware)Pacem in Terris is a non-profit organization that strives to facilitate the active participation of people and organizations on the Delmarva Peninsula, especially the religious community, on the issues and projects relevant to the quest for peace and justice throughout the world. Through seminars, activities, and experiences, we seek to change community attitudes and help people understand that peace is not a dream, but a necessity, now and in the future. First & Central annually hosts Pacem in Terris' Ulster Project.
The Pittsburgh ProjectThe Pittsburgh Project is a nonprofit community development organization with a 23-year track record of developing leaders and serving the city's most vulnerable residents. Our year-round staff of 60 operates a progressive series of after school and summer programs for 350 urban young people, deploys over 2500 people annually to perform free home repairs for Pittsburgh's in-need elderly homeowners, and spearheads economic development and job training efforts in our Pittsburgh. The F & C Youth Group participated in The Pittsburgh Project as their summer mission trip in 2009.
Power Up Gambia!It's all about power and light. With the installation of solar panels, the Sulayman Jungkung General Hospital will have a reliable power supply to provide clean running water, power to run incubators, use electronic microscopes, and perform surgeries, day or night, when needed. Refrigeration means vaccines can be safely stored and a blood bank can be established. The hands of the hospital's staff are tied without solar panels to provide critically-needed power. Members of First & Central serve on the board of Power Up Gambia! and our congregation has contributed financially to this vital mission.
Shoes2ShareShoes 2 Share is a not-for-profit, grassroots ministry with a heart to serve. They seek to make life more comfortable, for children and their families, by providing them with donated "new & like new" shoes! First & Central donated 107 pairs of shoes to Shoes 2 Share during our 2009 Giving Tree and this years Sunday School Mission Trip will be a learn/work visit to Sheoes 2 Share!
SojournersFounded in 1971, Sojourners' mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. Sojourners' founder, Jim Wallis, spoke at First & Central in 2005.
Souper Bowl of CaringSouper Bowl of Caring equips and mobilizes congregations, schools and businesses to positively impact their communities by collecting money or food on or near Super Bowl weekend. 100% of the collections are donated directly to the charity of each group's choice. The First & Central youth and congregation participate in Souper Bowl Sunday.
AIDS Delaware is a nonprofit organization and is Delaware's largest and oldest AIDS service organization. AIDS Delaware provides statewide services and education. The First & Central congregation and Youth Group participate in the Delaware AIDS Walk that raises money to benefit AIDS Delaware.
Delaware Aging NetworkThe Delaware Aging Network (DAN), established in 2005, is a consortium of over 30 agencies across the state of Delaware committed to improving the quality of services older adults receive in the state. Through funding from the Delaware Community Foundation, DAN is working to create coordinated services for seniors, specifically in the areas of transportation, health care, and housing. DAN also advocates for state-wide policy changes that benefit the aging population.
First Night Wilmington -- Annual Celebration of Community and the ArtsWilmington's New Year's Eve family celebration. First & Central has hosted First Night events every year beginning with the first First Night!
Narcotics AnonymousNarcotics Anonymous is an international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts with more than 43,900 weekly meetings in over 127 countries worldwide. First & Central has provided space for weekly meetings for over 30 years.
New! National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. For three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. NAMI's greatest strength is the dedication of our grassroots leaders and members.
Sunday Breakfast MissionThe Mission ministers to homeless men, but has gone way beyond “Sunday Breakfast” to reach out to children through Sunday schools and women through “Mothers Clubs.” All of this effort carries the same Christian emphasis and content of that first Christian Endeavor Society goal: To provide rest for the body and peace for the soul. First & Central supported the Sunday Breakfast Mission this year through Giving Tree gifts.
The Urban LeagueThis mission of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL) is to enable people of color to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
The Wellness Community of DelawareA free program of support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones. Wellness Community support groups meet regularly at First & Central.
The Center City Chorale is a 45-voice mixed SATB choir designed for and primarily made up of those people who work in downtown Wilmington. The Chorale rehearses each Tuesday from 12:05 - 12:55 p.m., September through mid-May, at First & Central. CCC normally performs during Thursday Noontime Concerts at the church. Minister of Music, David Schelat is the conducer.
Cathedral Choir School of DelawareThe Cathedral Choir School of Delaware has provided musical education to children and youth of Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding region since 1883. Choristers range in age from seven to eighteen, and spend at least seven hours per week in choral training, free piano lessons, performance and travel. This program raises up young people who are at risk; expects academic, social and performance excellence; and gives hope for the future.
MelomanieMelomanie is a Wilmington-based ensemble that performs music from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, along with comtemporary music. This ensemble has appeared numerous times in First & Central's Noontime Concert series.
The Rainbow ChoraleThe Rainbow Chorale of Delaware, Inc. is a non-profit Delaware organization community chorus providing gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender persons, and their friends and supporters with opportunities to perform
m choral music in a supportive and affirming environment. The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware seeks to represent the positive face of Delaware's Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, transgender and straight supporter community through high quality musical performance. First & Central hosts Rainbow Chorale concerts twice each year. Serafin String QuartetFounded in 2001, the Serafin String Quartet presents concerts in locations around the United States and has consistently received superlatives in the press and ovations in the concert hall. The Serafin String Quartet were artists-in-residence at First & Central for a number of years.
Wilmington Children's ChorusThis multi-cultural children's choir is sponsored by the City of Wilmington, James M. Baker, Mayor, as a project of Cityfest, Inc. The mission of The Wilmington Children's Chorus is to nurture and develop an exceptional Children's Choir for the Greater Wilmington area that is diverse in membership, all sharing a love and desire to excel in choral singing, performance and musical knowledge and to offer a varied repertoire of music from many cultures and traditions while enriching Wilmington's musical scene with the unique children's choir sound. The Wilmington Children's Chorus rehearses at First & Central.
Upper Room's magazine for kids and their families. Includes daily devotionals, memory verses, questions and answers, and games and activities. You can find Pockets magazine at First & Central in the children's Sunday worship bags. The Pockets magazine website is interactive with lots of fun stuff for kids to do on-line!
First & Central Labyrinth Coordinator, Charlene Bradley was a member of the team of labyrinth enthusiasts who helped plan and construct the Delaware Art Museum labyrinth.
Grace for AllGrace For All advocates for the inclusion and full participation of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the Christian Church, both in policy and practice.
The Labyrinth SocietyThis organization is made up of labyrinth enthusiasts from all over the world. There are members who work to place labyrinths in schools and promote labyrinths for use in mainstream health care. There are members who write music to use while walking a labyrinth and others who are fascinated by the mathematical challenges labyrinths have to offer. F & C Labyrinth Project members attend the Labyrinth Society Annual Gatherings.
Keep Shedding! SpirituallyKeep Shedding! Inc. is dedicated to helping you let go of whatever is holding you back. Keep Shedding shows you how to embrace the necessary skills and knowledge to move forward to a deeper relationship with God. Kathy Dempsey presented her Keep Shedding! Spiritually workshop at First & Central in September 2007.
Prayer Shawl MinistryIn 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl.
Shower of Stoles ProjectThe Shower of Stoles is a collection of over a thousand liturgical stoles and other sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith. These religious leaders have served in thirty-two denominations and faith traditions, in six countries, and on three continents. Each stole contains the story of a GLBT person who is active in the life and leadership of their faith community in some way: minister, elder, deacon, teacher, missionary, musician, administrator, or active layperson. The Shower of Stoles will be on display at First & Central on February 15, 2009.