Our Mercy Ministry is administered by the Diaconate, which seeks to Restore People with the gospel of Jesus Christ by reaching out to people in the First Pres congregation who are in crisis or in challenging circumstances and offering help in assessing their needs and working together to find solutions. The Deacons, who are nominated, trained, elected and appointed by First Pres Elders and members, focus on extending mercy and compassion. God’s mercy moves him to relieve suffering and misery. Mercy is the impulse that makes us sensitive to hurts and needs in others and makes us desire to alleviate them. Our purpose is to show God’s love and mercy by trying to help people out of difficult circumstances and to be facilitators of the work God is doing in their lives.

How do the Deacons help?
By extending mercy in the following areas:

• Physical Needs: Food, Clothing, Rent, Utilities and Transportation
• Medical Needs: Health, Dental
• Counseling Needs: Spiritual Counsel and Instruction, Drug and/or Alcohol Counsel, Financial Planning, Occupational Counsel, Legal Assistance

This will be accomplished with either financial assistance or referrals to other resources that could address the areas of need. Note: First Presbyterian does not issue payments or provide cash assistance to any Mercy Ministry recipient. All assistance is paid to an issuer of an invoice (e.g., the power company).

How do I get in touch with the Deacons?

• If you are a First Pres member share your need with your Parish Deacon.
• If you are not a First Pres member contact the church office, 706.262.8900.

To apply for mercy assistance, please complete:

Mercy Ministry Assistance Application (Print, fill out, return to the church office, 615 Telfair Street, Augusta 30901; or

Submit the following online application.

First Name

Last Name *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip *

Who referred you to First Presbyterian Church?

If you have grown children, please list their names, city of residence, and phone numbers.

If you have children or other dependents, please list their names, ages and schools.

List any individuals that stay overnight at your home and their ages.

Describe these individuals' relationships to you.

List all government, private, or religious organizations from which you have or are receiving assistance. Include the name of the organization, the assistance provided, and the phone number for the organization.

Please describe your current needs.

Please list your current or previous church membership.

Please list the approximate length of time you have been or were attending? How often do you or did you attend? And when did you last attend?

Do you feel you have any particular spiritual needs or concerns in your life at this time?

What is the total amount of income that the family receives?

What are the sources of this family income?

What is the approximate total amount of your monthly expenses?

Please list regular major monthly expenses such as house or car payments, rent, utilities, etc. List each expense and the amount of the expense.

Do you have any other debts such as credit cards, student loans, etc.? If so, please describe. List each expense and the amount of the expense.

Please list the name of your current and most recent employer, including a contact and phone number. If you are currently unemployed, please list the name of your unemployment counselor and a phone number.

Has First Presbyterian helped you before? If so, please describe the assistance that was provided including the amount and the approximate date the assistance was provided.