In 2024, our church, First Presbyterian in Clinton, Wisconsin, adopted a new mission statement: “Rooted in faith, our church family seeks to uplift and serve the Clinton community and beyond, through the transformative power of Christ’s love.” But what does that look like in a village of about 2,200 people, and a congregation that averages 45 people in worship?
With encouragement from our pastor, the Rev. Rebecca White Newgren, the congregation decided to find out by taking action. First Presbyterian has always had a heart for mission, but we felt called to look more closely at what faithful service means today — with a smaller congregation and growing needs in our community. It was time to take off the bubble wrap and fully engage with our neighbors.
We began with a series of coffee conversations and workshops after worship. Local nonprofit representatives joined us to
share how they serve people of all ages and needs. Village leaders spoke about trends they see through water bill payments, housing needs and other indicators of financial strain. We also learned about the challenges families face, especially those with young children. One concern stood out: Clinton is a child care desert. For every nine children who need care, there is only one available day care spot. That realization helped shape our next steps.
Two ideas quickly rose to the surface: exploring ways to provide child care using our building’s weekday space, and opening a thrift store to meet immediate needs and strengthen community connections. Before we could move forward, we needed to
make space — literally and spiritually. We launched Project Clear a Path, a massive clean-out of unused items throughout the church. Our congregation came together for a huge rummage sale that was as much about fellowship as it was about fundraising. By the end, the building — and our spirits — felt lighter, as if the foundation itself had lifted with joy and purpose.
With space available, we opened a small thrift store in our Sunday school rooms. Knowing winter was coming, we focused on warm clothing — coats, mittens, boots and sweaters. Donations poured in from both the congregation and community. To keep volunteer needs manageable, we opened just one Saturday morning each month, coinciding with the distribution date of our community’s food pantry housed in the church. Between sales, items are stored, allowing us to serve emergency clothing needs through the season. All items are available on a “pay as you can” basis, and the stories that come from those mornings remind us why we serve. One young man visited looking for clothes for his student teaching semester. He left with several bags of professional clothing and a room full of people cheering for him. Thanks be to God!
Our next goal is to partner with the local YWCA to provide before and after school care for children ages 4 to 12. We call this Phase One — a project that requires only modest updates to the building but one that makes a major impact for working families. We hope to open in January 2026. Phase Two, still ahead, envisions an early learning center for infants through age 4. That dream will require renovations, investment and continued faith that God is guiding us toward what is possible. We are a small church in a small town, yet we are rooted in faith and growing in service. Each new effort is a reminder that God does great things through people willing to listen, learn and love their neighbors.
Melanie Stevens; First Presbyterian Church; Clinton, Wisconsin
Let us join in prayer for:
Doris McCray, Director, Employer Services, Plan Operations, The Board of Pensions
Terri McCurdy, Operations Specialist, Operations, The Presbyterian Foundation
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, you invite us to serve others with the gifts you provide. Thank you for the opportunity to share, to serve and to love our neighbors. Guide our steps as we follow your call. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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