=MISSIONS=

Mission Central

Mission Central is a convenient place for members to donate needed items.  Throughout the year the Mission Board will pass on requests from those in need; these requests appear in the weekly Newsletter.

HABITAT HOUSE 2005

First  Baptist Church is once again committed to Building a House for the Lord. Please visit our Habitat House web page and watch the progress as our volunteers erect Habitat House 2005.

ABC MISSIONARIES

First Baptist Church helps to support missionaries at home and abroad. For news concerning the work these dedicated workers for the Lord, see the Missionaries Page.

Adopt-A-School Reading Tutors Program

A Mission with the Children of Hines Elementary School

Our Neighborhood School

Purpose:

The purpose of the program is to create a partnership between First Baptist Church and Hines Elementary School (K-4 ) to enhance the educational program of the school. The program seeks to use the expertise of church volunteers to improve the educational opportunities for the children of the school.

Goals:

The program seeks to:

· Foster interactions between the church and school

· Foster interactions between the church and staff, students, and parents

· Foster a better understanding of education

· Provide a sharing of services and resources between partners

· Increase community support for Peoria Public Schools

Needs:

The greatest need is for adult-child interactions.

Volunteers:

Church Volunteers are asked to spend one hour a week working individually with one or more students as a reading tutor. The school and the Volunteer Coordinator, Dale Ryan, will determine scheduling.

We will need 10 volunteers for our ministry with the school.

Training:

Training will be done by District 150. A part of this preparation includes a background check to meet state requirements.

Benefits:

Benefits for the church include personal satisfaction from working with students and staff. The students develop relationships with caring role models.

Benefits for the school include improvement in the quality of educational programming, enhanced learning for students, and a partnership with a neighborhood organization.

American Baptist Special Interest Missionaries
American Baptist regional support for missionaries around the world.

Rainbow Acres
Rainbow Acres provides food,  shelter, and training for mentally and physically challenged 'ranchers'.

Bacone College
A four year college providing education and moral development to American Indian youth.

Judson College
A four year Christian College.

Baptist Student Center -- Champaign, IL
Baptist Student Center -- Normal, IL
A Christian center where students can meet in a wholesome atmosphere.

American Baptist Assembly
Supports a 1000 acre retreat and conference center at Green Lake, WI

New Church Development
Supports new church start-ups

Area III Program Board
Promotes mission projects along with other member churches of Area III.

Friendship House of Christian Service
South Side Mission
Provides support for needy area residents.

Stuff a Bus Program
Provides food for the Friendship House pantry.

Criswell Summer Internship
Provides salary and training for college age interns working with the youth at Friendship House of Christian Service.

Lake Springfield Baptist Camp
Provides a camping experience for young and old.

Common Place
Provides literacy programs for pre-school through adult and scholarships to ICC.  Also is involved with area residents to help curtail crime and improve local living conditions.

Habitat for Humanity
Provides affordable housing. First Baptist Church participated in building a home in 2000 and has since helped provide funds for a second home here in Peoria.

Pastoral Counseling Service
Provides discounted pastoral service.