First Presbyterian Church

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"Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food?"
- Matthew 25:37

Sunday Evening Meals Program

Sunday Evening Meal Program at First Pres Time: 4:30 p.m. Sundays

In 1988 at a Lenten dinner and study program, a group of FPC members saw a film about a congregation in Philadelphia that offered meals to homeless people. Those present wondered why First Presbyterian couldn't do the same. The Greene Square Meals program offered hot meals in the evening, Monday through Friday, but no meals were available on the weekends. The first meal at FPC was offered on November 6, 1988.

Since then, the program has continued to grow. In 2002, 7,452 meals were served, an average of 143 meals each week.

SEMP receives financial support from the Local Mission Budget, the Presbyterian Women through proceeds from the Thrift Shop, and the annual Hunger Offering. In addition, an auction is held annually as a fundraiser.

Volunteers from our congregation and other churches, youth groups, and civic organizations help each Sunday.

One or two people arrive at 2:00 to help our cook, Linda Willard, prepare the meal. Another group of eight to ten arrives at 4:00 to assist with last minute preparations. The meal is served from 4:30 until 5:30. Clean up is usually finished by 6:00.

Volunteers are always needed, so if you'd like to help, contact the SEMP coordinator, Mary Ann Barry, at 363-4853.

First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids
310 Fifth Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: 319-364-6148
E-mail: church@fpccr.org