MISSIONAngel Tree - Toys for Kids
FPCE is once again requesting donations of new toys for children whose families aren’t able to shop for gifts for their little ones. This Christmas we are partnering with the Edgewood Foundation to ask for toys from members of the local community and from our church community. If you would like to give a gift for these families in need, please leave your unwrapped toys/gifts at the church or in the donation box by Santa’s Tent on Light Up Night. The Mission Committee will distribute these toys to local families through neighboring children's’ programs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Marcia Haley or the church. Blessing Bags FPCE is going to be building Blessing Bags on January 12 following the church service and our congregational meeting. These bags will be available for anyone to take and pass out to those in need. If you would like to make a financial donation please do so by January 5 or consider dropping off requested items (see list below) before January 11. Our goal is to fill a minimum of 200 bags with each of the items listed below. If you have any questions please email Tyler McGuigan at [email protected] Please limit donations to the following items: toothbrush toothpaste mouthwash comb chapstick small packs of tissues hand sanitizer (small bottles) applesauce (squeeze packets) granola bars crackers tuna/chicken packets (squeeze, not canned) jerky sticks dried fruit fruit snacks bottled water socks plastic forks/spoons FPCE believes part of our mission is to love our neighbors, both near and far. Our friends and neighbors in the Edgewood and surrounding areas are invited to join us for the Deacons' annual Strawberry Festival. During the summer, the church hosts a monthly free community meal on the side lawn.
The Deacons also maintain a food pantry for those in need, with donations received year round. Second grade students from the Shady Side Academy Junior School hold a food drive each year at Thanksgiving, collecting over 2,000 non-perishable items that are delivered to the church, which the Deacons use to stock shelves and then distribute to other local food banks. As part of the food bank, in 2022 donations have been divided into 3 "Free Little Pantry" locations at the sanctuary entrances and social room of the church to allow more access to those in need. Additionally, at the suggestion of youth member Sophia McGuigan, FPCE gathered donations and assembled "Blessing Bags" that will be distributed around the community. Wilkinsburg Community Ministry is the largest recipient of financial resources by FPCE. We have members who serve on the board, volunteer, fill backpacks, make blankets, and assist financially in the organization's outreach to approximately 5,000 residents of our neighbors in Wilkinsburg, just a few blocks away. WCM also provided dinner for the students in our now-discontinued FROGS after school program each week. NEW FOR 2024: Beginning March 8, the WCM Mobile Food Pantry will now offer distribution at FPCE on Fridays from 2:00-4:00PM! The truck will be parked in front of the side lawn on East Swissvale Avenue each Friday afternoon. This marks the 6th location around the community that WCM serves food to neighbors weekly. During the holidays, our deacons partner with Mars Home for Youth to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas time in their annual Manger Tree collection. Members of FPCE are represented each year in the Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Service. Many years, a collection is also taken for the CWS Blankets of Hope and Tools of Hope offerings on Mother's and Father's Days. At times throughout the year, the church also contributes to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crises and catastrophic events. 
Since 1991, FPCE has participated in the Malawi Partnership of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Members have participated by both by traveling to Malawi and by hosting persons from Malawi when they have visited. Our partner church is Mpiripiri congregation in the Synod of Blantyre.
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