Missions
At FVPC, we believe that God calls us to work beyond the doors of our church building in order to make a difference in the world, for Christ’s sake. Mission and ministry to our neighbors both near and far are essential to living out Jesus’ commandment to love one another as God has loved us.
The members of FVPC are involved in a variety of missions throughout our community and our world. From making sandwiches for the residents of Lazarus House, to inviting the entire community in for dinner every second Sunday, to assisting those who need home repairs in neighboring Aurora, we are making a difference and living out our faith. Regardless of how you are called to serve, we want to help you to find a way to serve God and God’s people here at FVPC.
If you have questions about the missions of Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, please contact Michelle Hwang, Acting Head of Staff, (630) 232-7448.
MISSION AND MINISTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Here are some of FVPC’s ministry partners - click on the icon to learn more about them.
Here’s more info on Earth Stewardship activities at FVPC.
FRVI members, leaders and clergy members meet regularly at FVPC.
We strive to build congregational vitality, dismantle structural racism, and eradicate systemic poverty.
We welcome LGBTQIA+ people into the full life and participation of our community. We are committed to full inclusion and welcome of all God’s people.
FVPC Stephen Ministers stand ready to help.
SCHOOL KIT DRIVE
We are partnering with Church World Service to provide school kits for children to help them succeed in school. Read more about our school kit drive, which is now taking place and wraps up September 27, 2026. If you wish to make a monetary donation, you may use the church giving page. Questions? Contact Kristin Williams (email or 773-771-4651).
MISSION TRIP TO KENYA
On October 6-19, 2026, ten members of the Illinois Prairie Presbytery will be traveling to the Imenti Presbyteries (North, Central, and South) in Kenya to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Imenti/Illinois Prairie Presbytery partnership. I will represent FVPC and visit the Kirendene Parish. A special thanks to the Mission Committee for contributing to the cost of the trip.
In 1996, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa and Illinois Prairie Presbytery (formerly Blackhawk Presbytery) partnered and were recognized by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
In January 2024, Fox Valley Presbyterian Church partnered with Mitunguu Church in Meru County, Mitunguu, Kenya. The goal of the trip is to celebrate the anniversary, build relationships, and improve communication.
Please pray for the group to travel safely and to promote strong relationships with the growing churches in the Imenti Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa.
Stay tuned, as we will post on Facebook to share the trip with the FVPC congregation.
Kwaheri, Dorene Tieche
BORDER ENCOUNTER BOOK CLUB
Our Border Encounter Book Club grew out of FVPC’s border encounter trip in El Paso/Juarez. Pictured is the team for that mission.
The Border Encounter Book Club and the Earth Stewardship Committee will be hosting a screening of the HBO documentary The Welcome Table, in the Youth Lounge, on Saturday, November 14, 3:00-6:00 pm. All are welcome to come and watch this acclaimed documentary, participate in the discussion that follows, and enjoy refreshments. Pizza, snacks and beverages will be served, with donations accepted for food costs. Questions about the screening? Email Pat Sage.
Keep an eye on this page and church publications for details on the Border Encounter Book Club’s next book and discussion. Questions about the Border Encounter Book Club? Email Lisa Hall.
LAZARUS HOUSE
The Lazarus House Center for Transitional Living in St. Charles is the ONLY Transitional Housing Program in the tri-cities area. Lazarus House serves men, women and children connected to the school districts of St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and western rural Kane County who are homeless or are at risk. Their mission is to provide hospitality, food, safe shelter and support services to persons who are homeless or in need. FVPC serves this mission by providing lunches and dinners.
Once a month, FVPC provides sack lunches for Lazarus House guests.
JOHN LEWIS GOOD TROUBLE WORSHIP SERVICE
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, FVPC hosted an inclusive community gathering in the Sanctuary to honor and celebrate John Lewis' legacy and to unite in the spirit of Good Trouble through reflection, community, and action. The event was in conjunction with the national weekend of Good Trouble Lives On and was sponsored by We Can Lead Change Fox Valley.
Pastor Michelle welcomed the gathering, and pastors from the United Methodist Church of Geneva, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and the Lord of Life Lutheran Church shared inspirational messages.
REBUILDING TOGETHER AURORA
For the past several years, FVPC has worked with Reuilding Together Aurora to to transform the lives of people in our community. RTA helps homeowners living on, near, or below the poverty line make repairs to their homes that they would be otherwise unable to attend to, because too often families must choose to address other basic living needs instead. FVPC and RTA volunteers work together to assist families with needed home repairs. We always need volunteers to assist – both with skilled and unskilled labor.
UPDATE ON LIVING WATERS FOR THE WORLD
In the spring of 2023, FVPC sent a team to Guatemala to install a water purification system at Escuela Oficial Urbana Mixta Elisa Molina de Stahl, a school serving 622 students. In addition to installing the system, the team provided health lessons to teachers, ensuring students could fully benefit from access to pure water.
One year later, in the spring of 2024, our team conducted a follow-up visit to provide further support. Due to limited funds, FVPC was unable to send another team for the final year of our covenant with the school. Instead, we equipped our in-country coordinators to complete this final stage on our behalf. They carried out this responsibility on March 25 and 26, 2025, with the FVPC Living Waters for the World (LWW) committee participating via Zoom (see photo at left).
As our formal covenant with the school concludes, we rejoice in knowing that this project has empowered the community with a lasting source of clean water. The dedication of the teachers, students, and system operators ensures that the impact of this mission will continue to grow. Though FVPC’s direct role is ending, our connection remains strong, and the seeds planted through this mission will continue to bear fruit for years to come.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Those seeking assistance are invited to call 211, a free resource provided by United Way. Trained staff are available 24/7 to assist with information on various community programs.
Our helping hands brochure includes details on the 211 program along with church sponsored programs, which are generally not included in the 211 database. Click here to view it.
LOY WILLIAMS’ STORYWORTH INTERVIEW
FVPC Parish Associate Loy Williams was very active in the civil rights movement, along with his wife Linda, a FVPC member. His involvement in the civil rights movement began while he was a student at Southern Methodist University, where he led demonstrations for civil rights and protested segregation. In March 1965, Loy coordinated student participation in the march on Selma, Alabama and fed on-the-ground updates to Dallas radio stations. While the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was leaving Selma, Loy received a telegram from Dr. King, saying “Come to Montgomery and bring everyone you can.” Loy rented and filled a 65 passenger Greyhound bus which he and other students took to Montgomery to join the march. Use the link below to listen to the NPR Storyworth interview of Loy and Linda and learn more about their involvement.