The Church on the Park is infused with the spirit of joyful giving; to our world, the Canton Community, and to each other. We are a mission-minded congregation eager to bring positive change to the world in ways both large and small.
Typically, our yearly, pledged Mission Budget represents the equivalent of 13% to 15% of our Operating Budget and goes to support: the Church and Community Program (C&CP, which our church helped to found in 1974) and its various endeavors; International and national mission through our denomination (the Presbyterian Church USA); the Emergency Fund of our Presbytery’s Ministry In The North Country (MINC); abiding support of three smaller, local Presbyterian churches; the Presbytery’s Salary Partnership Fund to help fill the pulpits of small churches without pastors; and, the Clint McCoy Feeding Center in Malawi, Africa. Additionally, we participate in the denomination’s Pentecost Offering (for “at risk” kids) and One Great Hour of Sharing (to provide disaster assistance, address hunger and food insecurity, and to fund the Self-Development of People initiative).
Local giving is where the Church on the Park finds its greatest impact. In addition to the above, for over twenty years we have received our own annual Farm Family Offering to help support local famers and their families here in St. Lawrence County. On the first Sunday of each month we receive the Deacon’s Offering which is used to address a variety of needs county-wide. During Advent we undertake the Christmas Giving Program to assist individuals and families who, while not asking for help, should could use it; particularly, families with school aged-children, the elderly and homebound, and people with acute need.
In certain years, most recently in 2023, generosity within the congregation has allowed additional mission work beyond what has already been stated above and has included: direct financial support of those seeking shelter from domestic violence through Renewal House; provide funding for all the fresh fruits and vegetables to kids through the elementary schools “Bear Pack Program”; purchasing and paying off medical and dental debt; providing 50lbs of locally sourced ground beef each month for a year for distribution through the C&CP food pantry; full funding for a children’s art program at the Canton Free Library; support of programs to the elderly through the St. Lawrence County Office of the Aging; emergency rent and utility assistance; and funding assistance for a composting program through the Village of Canton.
Further details on our ministry and mission work are below; contact the church office for more information.
Worship Services
Partridge Knoll Our church conducts worship services every 1st Wednesday of the winter months at Partridge Knoll at 11:00 am in the activities room. Everyone is invited to attend!
Sister Churches
Brick Chapel and Crary Mills
Brick Chapel has services held first Sunday in June through last Sunday in August. Worship begins at 10:30 am. Located at 5501 County Route 27, Canton NY 13617; 315-386-3785.
Crary Mills worships every Sunday at 10 a.m. and is located at 159 County Route 35, Canton NY 13617.
Daily Ridge Church
Ministry in the North Country (MINC)
Ministry In the North Country is a Cooperative Parish in the Presbytery of Northern New York. Representatives of member churches (of which ours in one) meet to do bible study, pray and undertake ministry initiatives such as Foster Kids Christmas, Rural Rehab Housing, Cottage Industry, Vacation Bible School, Health Initiatives and Farm Outreach.
The Clint McCoy Feeding Center
In 2018, the Canton First Presbyterian Church assumed full funding responsibility for the Clint McCoy Feeding Center. Located in the remote village of Mzenga in northern Malawi, the Feeding Center provides hot meals twice a week to over 80 children along with education from Women of Grace Widows’ Fund volunteers and serves as a vital community hub for the village. The cost to maintain this international mission project is $215/month or $2,580 per year.
Church & Community Program
Incorporated in 1974 by the seven member churches and funded with donations from the Seven Member Churches plus community organizations, fraternal organizations, students and ‘Friends”, the Canton Church and Community Program helps provide a safety net for those in crisis situations, assists with emergency needs, and provides volunteer opportunities for area residents. The Church and Community Manager, Carol Linn, can be reached by phone or FAX at 315-386-3534 – Email address CantonCCP@aol.com.
Farm Family Offering
On the first Sunday in December, and throughout the month, the church receives an offering from the congregation and friends of the church specifically designated to thank those hardworking farmers, their families, and those working in agriculture throughout St. Lawrence County. These gifts are primarily delivered at Christmas, or at anytime of the year if needs arise.