FPCN is dedicated to reaching out to other spiritual communities as well as local nonprofit organizations.

Ecumenical Work

FPCN works with other churches in Elmhurst to strengthen the ties between all of Jesus Christ's communities. FPCN has held Lenten services with another local congregation, Bethany Lutheran Church. FPCN has also held ecumenical services in conjunction with Bethany Lutheran Church and Ascension Roman Catholic Church.

Community Needs

FPCN's deacons have a duty to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They play a leading role in our community work. Every Sunday, deacons deliver flowers to home-bound members of our congregation. We have an ongoing food drive in which food donated by church members is distributed by FPCN's deacons to local residents in need. Every November, our deacons put together food baskets to be distributed to needy people in Queens for Thanksgiving.

In 2003, we began an urban farm project called Greens for Queens. The farm, located on church property, has been dedicated to growing organic produce to be donated to local food banks. The project is directed by its founder, Mary Shutak-Jenkins, wife of FPCN’s pastor, the Rev. Stanley Jenkins, and runs successfully with help from volunteers and its numerous partner organizations, including Green Guerillas and South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!), a local youth organization. For more information, see the Greens for Queens Web site.

FPCN also participated in an experimental project called Forward Motion with two other Queens churches. Forward Motion, which helped local public assistance residents become self-sufficient, was a joint venture with New York City's Human Resources Administration and the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens. The Forward Motion chapter at FPCN identified local public assistance recipients who have been sanctioned (sent to work and school but are not complying with public assistance requirements), determined what problems they have, and offered necessary assistance such as prayer and counseling. The program ended in 2003.

Local Groups at FPCN

The Elmhurst chapter (Chapter #2889) of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) meets at FPCN on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 12:30 PM in the Social Hall (except July and August).