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
- Supporting Cool Planet, a working group at First Pres addressing the issues of climate change and environmental justice.
- Collecting donations every Sunday for the Downtown Streets Team Food Closet.
- Providing a LifeMoves Breaking Bread Hot Meal every Wednesday evening in our Fellowship Hall.
- Organizing monthly letter writing to legislators on social justice issues such as hunger, climate change and immigration policy,
- Promoting and attending monthly interfaith Peaceful Presence services organized by Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice.
- Packing lunches for Front Door Communities of San Jose or working with Rise Against Hunger to pack meals for refugees around the world.
- Hosting Hotel de Zink every July, providing shelter and meals for unhoused adults.
- Organizing holiday activities and fundraising for the Mountain View Day Worker Center, which connects workers and employers in a safe and supportive environment.
- Working with More Light Presbyterians to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and society.
- Partnering 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.
- Forming a team for the annual Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk that also benefits the Ecumenical Hunger Project.
- Offering 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.