Outreach to Our Community

As one of the most visible institutions in the growing community of Bonita Springs, First Presbyterian seeks to make a positive difference — through creative partnerships, cultural enrichment, and service to area residents.

Art Gallery

The beautiful Art Gallery at the east end of the First Presbyterian narthex has been developed in partnership with the Art League of Bonita Springs, as a place for local artists to display their works. The art shows change every few months, and works are selected and hung by the League and its volunteers. The paintings are not for sale during the time of their display at the church, but once a show is completed most works of art may be purchased from the artist or through the Art League. The next time you come to the church, be sure to visit the Gallery and enjoy the beautiful display!

Bonita Christian Forum

This speaker series, begun in 2005 and sponsored by First Presbyterian Church, presents “high visibility” followers of Jesus Christ from all walks of life sharing their stories of faith. For maximum outreach, programs are scheduled during the winter season months, from November through the following April. Programs are free and open to the public. An offering is taken to defray expenses.

2008–2009 Bonita Christian Forum Speakers
November 18, 2008 January 20, 2009 February 17, 2009 March 31, 2009	Congressman Jim Ryun Immaculee Ilibagiza Stephen Mansfield Brigadier General Charlie Duke

All events begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit bonitachristianforum.org.

Concert Series

The annual Concert Series hosted by First Presbyterian is popular throughout the area. Beginning in November and continuing through the following March, a wide variety of musical entertainment (Dixieland, Celtic, Big Band, Classical and more) is offered for the enjoyment of the community and our visitors.

The series is funded through annual sponsorships and freewill donations. While there is no charge to attend a concert, tickets are required and may be picked up at the Music Office. Sponsors may reserve tickets in advance; those remaining one week prior to the date of a concert are made available to the general public.

Both afternoon and evening performances are scheduled. This season’s schedule is available under Upcoming Events. You may request a brochure by calling the Music Department, (239) 992-3410.

First Academy of Music

The mission of the First Academy of Music is to provide high quality musical instruction in a Christian environment for students of all ages and levels of skill, for the purposes of personal enrichment and for providing opportunities to serve God and His church.

The school was founded in 1998 as the Community Music School, and continues to provide vocal and instrumental lessons with the finest teachers. Both private lessons on individual instruments as well as group music experiences for children and adults are available. All instruction is scheduled in the church facilities.

For more information, call (239) 992-3410 or visit firstacademyofmusic.org.

First Thrift Shop

First Thrift Shop is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church offering an inexpensive shopping alternative for those with limited resources. The shop is located on the south side of the church campus, in the Annex building. Hours of operation are generally Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM.

All merchandise is donated by the members and friends of the church, providing a wide variety of clothing, small household appliances, gifts and home décor items, and furniture. Donations can be dropped off at the rear of the building during shop hours. Please call (239) 992-0285 to arrange pick-up of furniture donations.

A dedicated group of volunteers handles all aspects of the work at First Thrift Shop, and additional help is always welcomed. The average commitment is 3 to 5 hours, one day a week. Tasks include sorting and pricing donations, putting out and arranging merchandise in the shop, cashiering and helping customers, and greeting donors to help them unload their goods. But it’s not all work, as volunteers also enjoy the fellowship and mutual support of fellow team members. If you are new to our church or community, or are looking for a rewarding way to volunteer, consider joining the First Thrift “staff”!

Shots for Tots

In partnership with Rotary International, First Church hosts a monthly clinic providing necessary vaccinations and immunizations to children under the age of 18 — at no charge. “Shots for Tots” (Vacunas Para Los Niños) are offered in McClure Hall on the first Tuesday of each month, 5:00-8:00 PM.

12-Step Groups

First Presbyterian Church hosts the weekly meetings of a number of community 12-step groups.
Call (239) 262-6535 or check the local listing (below) for the day and time of the next gathering. http://www.naplesintergroup.org/meetings.php or http://www.leecountyaa.org/bonita.htm)

Wonder Years Preschool

Founded in 1997, Wonder Years Preschool is an outreach ministry of First Presbyterian Church to the children and families of our community. It provides various classes for children ages 18 months to five years. If you are looking for a Christian preschool in southwest Florida, we invite you to contact our staff at Wonder Years. We offer nurturing and education for the growth of the total child — spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional and physical — with a flexible menu of schedules, excellent student to teacher ratio, safe modern facilities and a loving environment. The school was awarded its APPLE (Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment) certification in 2006.

Detailed information about schedules and fees for the various age groups can be found on the Wonder Years Preschool page of this website. To learn more about the Preschool, including the application process, deadlines, class availability, schedules, and school policies, please contact the Director or Assistant Director at (239) 948-6677. A personal visit and interview can be arranged at your convenience.

Use of Facility

To inquire about the availability of space, guidelines for use and applicable fees for scheduling a non-church event in the First Presbyterian facility, call the church office at (239) 992-3233 and speak to Office Manager Laura Bourdeau at X 241.