UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MISSIONS
Our church places a high priority upon
mission—locally, nationally, and internationally
Local Mission:
Local mission support includes the Salvation Army, S.A.F.E. Shelter (domestic abuse shelter), the Gideons, Teen City Youth for Christ Center, University of Jamestown, and James River Senior Center. Our church, through our board of Deacons, helps local agencies throughout the year. The “Backpack for Kid’s Program,” Christmas kettle ringers for Salvation Army, and food collection for the Community Action Food Pantry.
National Mission:
Our church emphasizes mission to locations outside of our community. We have been to Southeast Alaska, Seattle, Minneapolis, Fort Totten Reservation in North Dakota, Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, and California and Oregon multiple times.
Our church financially supports the work of the Presbyterian Church (USA). These mission dollars in return are used to promote and maintain the mission of our church and the evangelization of Jesus Christ to all people.
International Mission:
We have supported a nursing student in Kenya
Supported a church in Chogoria, Kenya, Africa
Currently supporting Leaders Academy, a school in Africa - click link below to learn more about this school
We have participated in numerous overseas mission projects in past years
The Dorcas Society Ministry - click link below to learn more about this ministry
The Bdecan Presbyterian Church - click link below to learn more about this church
Message from Hannah Tarr (has a blue X in picture below) who participated in the MHI Stars of ND trip to Europe. They raised funds to be able to go, our Mission committee helped her with this. Be sure to check out the Facebook link for more information:
Our Europe tour with choir, band, jazz band, and wind ensemble was an unforgettable experience that combined music, history, and cultural education. Throughout our tour, we performed and explored several countries, including United Kingdom, England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. In Paris, we visited famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Château de Fontainebleau, where we learned about French history, architecture, and art. In England, we toured Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and St. George’s Chapel, gaining insight into the British monarchy and centuries of tradition.
During our visit to London, we learned about Robert Raikes, the founder of the Sunday School movement in 1780. Raikes believed that education and Christian values could improve the lives of children, especially those living in poverty who worked during the week. Sunday Schools gave children the opportunity to learn reading, writing, and religious lessons on Sundays. We saw the statue dedicated to him, which was erected in July 1880 by the Sunday School Union through contributions from teachers and students across Great Britain. This visit highlighted the lasting impact of education, service, and community on future generations.
In Switzerland, we experienced the country’s breathtaking Alpine landscapes while learning about its unique geography and culture. In Germany, one of the most impactful visits was to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, where we reflected on the Holocaust and the importance of remembering history to prevent future injustice. In Austria, we explored the beautiful city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and discovered its rich musical heritage, Baroque architecture, and connection to classical music.
During our Europe tour, we performed several meaningful songs that reflected different cultures and traditions. “Irish Blessing” a short poetic expression shared a message of hope, peace, and encouragement rooted in Irish heritage. “Keep Your Lamps” is an African spiritual song during Underground Railroad that reminds the people escaping for freedom to stay prepared, faithful, hopeful, and don’t get weary because the journeys almost over. “All Ye Who Music Love” celebrated the joy of music and encouraged unity through singing together. “Shosholoza” is a traditional South African folk song that symbolizes perseverance, teamwork, and hope.It was created by male immigrant workers traveling on steam trains from countries like Zimbabwe to work to work in South African mines. Shosoloza means “go forward through the hard times” and was sung by the male immigrant workers to keep their spirts up during the apartheid era where they were prisoners Robben island. Learning the history and meaning behind each piece deepened our musical understanding and strengthened our appreciation for cultures from around the world.
Traveling and performing together strengthened our teamwork, musicianship, and appreciation for cultures different from our own. We experienced how music serves as a universal language that connects people across borders. This tour broadened our perspectives, deepened our understanding of European history and traditions, and inspired us to continue growing as musicians, students, and as people
MHI Stars of North Dakota Facebook Page:
