Washington Neighborhood Ministry

The Washington Elementary School neighborhood struggles with poverty, gangs, drugs, and violence. We at First Pres are reaching out with God's love to people in need in this neighborhood, which is just five blocks south of our church.

God's amazing light is shining into the darkness as we develop loving relationships with people living in fear, pain, and loneliness. This is happening in many exciting ways, but here are the top three:

• Treasures of Heaven Bible Club – A weekly Bible club for children held at our sister church Iglesia de Cristo, MIEL.
  
  
• Monday Sports Ministry – An alternative to the gang lifestyle, the weekly sports teams give kids a place to belong and enjoy meaningful activities and relationships.
  
  
• Washington Residents for a Better Community – A cooperative partnership of residents, First Pres members, church leaders, police, city offials and other organizations with the goal of empowering the neighborhood to create a safer, friendlier environment for children and families.
  
  Mission Statement:
  Washington Residents For A Better Community (WRBC) is a community organizing group made up of residents of the Washington School neighborhood and surrounding area, as well as other interested community members. The goals we have developed are: 1. Building positive relationships with our neighbors 2. Making our neighborhood a safer place to live. WRBC’s boundaries of influence are: north to south – Noble to Tulare Aves., east to west – Burke to Watson Streets.

How did this outreach ministry begin?
Todd and Terry Slinde are active members of First Pres. In 1999 they moved into Terry's historic family home, just one block from Washington Elementary School. Shortly thereafter, they responded to God's call to begin Treasures of Heaven Bible Club, and this outreach ministry was born! Many wonderful volunteers are continuing the ministries in this neighborhood.

Do you want to make a difference in the Washington neighborhood?
We welcome your partnership in affecting the Washington neighborhood with the love of Jesus Christ. Please contact the church office at (559) 732-8627 for tthe latest details and how to be involved.