Our Community Outreach Committee has been in conversation with people in the Kirkwood community about the need for school supplies. We will collect donated items and deliver them directly to the School District for distribution. These supplies are earmarked for children of families who struggle to afford the estimated $100+ it takes per student to purchase supplies. These are the families whose children receive free or reduced-price lunches, or who are receiving help from the Nutrition on Wheels (NOW) food support program. Currently, there are just over 500 students who receive free and reduced-price lunches, and another 200+ children whose families are enrolled in the NOW food support program. 

The following is a list of items that are needed throughout the district at all class levels: 

• Ticonderoga brand pencils (No. 2)

• Kleenex

• Disinfectant wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Expo Markers (black)

• Gallon and sandwich-size storage bags

• Black Sharpie markers

• Elmer's Glue Sticks

• Wired, over-the-ear headphones with a USB-C connector and built-in microphone - used at the elementary schools with school provided equipment. – use the following link for a headphone example at Amazon - https://bit.ly/exampleheadphone 

Please bring items to church on any Sunday through August 23rd. 

There will be a table in the area near the glass windows and the Welcome Desk. 

In August, Summer Choir will sing three Sunday services. All are welcome to participate in Summer Choir! We will rehearse two simple anthems in the Choir Room at 9:00 am and sing the service at 10:00. This is informal - we don’t process or wear robes. It’s the perfect way to give Chancel Choir a ’test drive’ before Fall rehearsals begin, or simply to sing with a great group of folks!

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Summer Choir will sing August 2, 9, and 30.

Give yourself 30 beautiful minutes in the middle of the week! Join us on Wednesday, August 12, at 12:15 p.m. for a special lunchtime recital featuring internationally accomplished organist Dr. Jin Ah Yoo Knapp.

Whether you are a devoted lover of organ music or simply curious to experience the power and beauty of our magnificent Casavant pipe organ, this free recital offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, breathe, and enjoy exceptional music in the peaceful setting of our Sanctuary.

The Deacons at First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood are sponsoring a summer Community Red Cross Blood Drive this year.  It will be on Monday afternoon, August 24, 2026, from 1-6 pm in the Fellowship Hall at the church. 
 
Appointments can be made online by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering FirstPresKirkwood or calling 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767). You can also sign up on the Red Cross App. Walk-ins are accepted, but those with appointments will be taken first.
 
You can streamline your donation experience by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of the appointment. 
 
There currently is a truly critical need for blood. Blood donations in our area dropped 25% in June. Donors will receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank you. Please consider giving this gift of life and letting friends/family know about the need to help replete blood stores in our community.   

 I am excited to share that we will sponsor two “lawn concerts” in our courtyard this year.

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On Saturday evening, August 29th, we invite you to Bluegrass on the Lawn, featuring local bluegrass musicians Barnum Jack. More details coming soon!

We are pleased to announce that members of First Pres will participate in an Adult Work Week at the PDA facility in Ferncliff, Arkansas October 25-30, 2026. We have room for up to 25 people and would love to have folks join us for a week of fellowship and service. For more information about the Ferncliff Experience, please go to ferncliff.org/outreach/mission. There will be an informational meeting on August 30 at 9:15 a.m. in the Fireplace Room for any interested volunteers.