Inspired by Micah 6:8, “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God,” the Social Justice Ministry at First Pres is committed to acting out our faith by working for positive change in our community and throughout the world.
We take seriously the call of Jesus to “feed the hungry and clothe the naked.” We also take seriously Jesus’ call to identify, challenge, and change the systems of injustice in our world.
We affirm that nonviolence and peacemaking are essential to our faith in God’s reconciling work in Jesus Christ, as written in our commitment to being a Peace Church.
What We Do: A SAMPLING OF SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY WORK AT FIRST PRES
- Accompany a family from Guatemala as they apply for asylum in our country.
- Support Cool Planet, a working group at First Pres addressing the issues of climate change and environmental justice.
- Collect donations every Sunday for the Downtown Streets Team Food Closet.
- Organize monthly letter writing to legislators on social justice issues such as hunger, climate change and immigration policy.
- Promote and attend monthly interfaith Peaceful Presence services organized by Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice.
- Pack lunches for Front Door Communities of San Jose or work with Rise Against Hunger to pack meals for refugees around the world.
- Host Hotel de Zink every July, providing shelter and meals for unhoused adults.
- Fundraise for the Day Worker Center of Mountain View, which connects workers and employers in a safe and supportive environment.
- Work with More Light Presbyterians to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and society.
- Partner with organizations such as Puente de la Costa Sur in Pescadero, a resource center that serves immigrant workers and others on the South Coast, and Youth Community Service, a local organization that works with underprivileged youth.
- Form a team for the annual Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk that also benefits the Ecumenical Hunger Project.
- Offer financial support to nonprofits of distinction, including Peninsula Peace and Justice and Immanuel House.
Join Us!
Our committee meets monthly, usually after the main worship service on the 3rd Sunday of the month. We’d love to have you join us. If you have questions, please contact the Session member for Social Justice Ministry.
