Over the past five years, our congregation has been actively involved in our Presbytery's International Partnership with churches in the Presbytery of Honduras. Through the Three-Cents-a-Meal Offering (which is collected on the third Sunday of each month) we provide financial support for this ministry. We have also sent teams of "missionaries" from our congregation to Honduras for one-week mission trips in 1998, 2001, and 2003. Interested senior high age youths and adults are invited to participate in our biennial trips.

To see pictures from our last mission trip to Honduras, click here.

First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven has been a Covenant Partner Church with Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County since this affiliate was formed in 1987. In this relationship, our congregation has provided office space and financial support for the local affiliate, and the sole funding and labor for one Habitat House. For the past three years, we have also been a partner with six other Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in East Polk funding and building an annual Habitat House. The construction of this home generally happens on the Saturdays of January through May.

To see pictures from our most recent Presbytat House dedication, click here.

In addition to our Bag Lunch Ministry, our church operates a Soup Kitchen that serves a meal each Saturday between 4:00-5:00 in the afternoon at the 737 Building. Linda and Andy Stavres serve as the Coordinators for this ministry sponsored by the Deacons and overseen by a “Stirring Committee.” Volunteers prepare and serve the food and interact with the clients who come hungry for food and fellowship.

Our congregation is committed to addressing the needs of hunger by seeing that no person who comes to our church hungry is ever turned away. Bag lunches in our church are given to those who have need. This critical outreach is sponsored by the Diaconate of our church.

This program meets once a month to offer an opportunity for mentally and physically challenged youth and adults to have fun and fellowship together. Call the church office if you would like to participate in or help with this program.

This program equips lay persons to provide a distinctively Christian confidential one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

To learn more about this specialized ministry please contact one of the pastors.

A program of intentional, friendly, and spiritual visitation by caring congregational members to our shut-ins, elderly members, and church friends.

Contact for more information about this program.

We have two excellent libraries for church members. The Price Library is dedicated to general fiction, nonfiction, large print books, and children's literature. It is located off the narthex. The Spencer Reference Library contains theological reference materials and is located off the north side of the sanctuary. Both libraries are open on Sunday mornings and during normal office hours.

This specialized ministry is administered by trained nurses in our congregation to provide church members with a program of holistic health: spiritual, physical, and mental. Health Fairs, blood pressure screening, and other support services are provided year round by our parish nurses.

For more information about this program please contact Charlene Glenn (324-2292), Parish Nurse Coordinator.

First Presbyterian Church has an extensive screening procedure for all volunteers who work with children and youth. This includes an application process, training program, and background/reference checks for anyone working in our children or youth ministry areas. This involves teachers, youth advisors, and child care personnel. Monthly training is provided to enroll new members in this process.

Boy Scouting at FPC has had a long and rich tradition. Troop 121 was chartered prior to 1915, and is the oldest troop in Florida. Dedicated leaders and youth meet Wednesday evenings for action packed meetings based on teaching the ideals of Scouting through the Patrol method and the concept of the boy led Troop.

Cub Scout Pack 121 meets every Monday evening for Den and Pack meetings. The unit strives to provide a quality program with all the traditional events such as the Pinewood Derby, the Blue & Gold Banquet, and many summertime events. Scouts are placed in age appropriate Dens for a fast paced year of family oriented fun.

For more information on how to join either Boy Scouting group, contact Jane Lyons at 299-1640.

In addition to Boy Scouts, FPC also sponsors an excellent program for Girl Scouts. Several groups of Brownies, Cadets, and Senior Scouts meet in the Girl Scout House at the T. Oakley Andrews Scout House.

Here are the meeting times for all scouting groups at FPC:

• Cub Scouts (Pack 121) - Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
• Boy Scouts (Troop 121) - Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.



• Girl Scouts (Troop 158) - Mondays at 4:30 p.m.
• Girl Scouts (Troop 152) - Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
• Girl Scouts (Troop 19) - Tuesdays at 4:15 p.m.
• Girl Scouts (Troop 75) - Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
• Girl Scouts (Troop 387) - Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.