
God uses short-term mission trips to make a long-term impact on the lives of those who serve.
The Night Crusaders youth group in comprised of high school students who, since 1986, have been participating in weeklong mission trips at Presbyterian Church Camp and Retreat Centers throughout the United States. These mission trips are filled with opportunities to put the students’ faith into action and return home with lifelong memories and a renewed excitement for Jesus Christ. Our mission is to bring the youth together, to broaden their perspectives, to empower them and to strengthen their love in the Lord through the mission work we perform at the camps which in turn will make the camp an enjoyable and acceptable place for all to gather and worship.
Our mission is to expose the youth to the needs of others and to teach the youth how to help with those needs. We work with the camps to become more appealing, accessible and safer for all by doing projects thought the camp. We accomplish this task through maintenance initiatives such as painting, staining, grounds keeping and raking, gardening and trail clearing. We have also built decks, wheel chair ramps, screen in porches, torn down old unsafe outbuildings, created new tent sites, defined pathways and installed railings and signage.


Emmanuel Episcopal began hosting a soup kitchen in 1981 as an outreach of the church, in response to the growing number of homeless, mentally ill, and the needy of downtown Rockford. Since its inception, the soup kitchen serves at least 150 lunches every Saturday. The soup kitchen efforts are supported by 16 organizations of all faiths from across Rockford. Hosting responsibilities are rotated among the 16 organizations that support the soup kitchen.
Volunteers plan the meals, purchase the food, prepare the meal, help set-up the serving and eating areas, greet the guests, serve the food, and offer warmth and compassion. Third Presbyterian Church hosts the pantry three times a year.
The volunteers working the soup kitchen are the truly blessed. Giving to the Lord through this outreach, great fellowship, and witnessing the appreciation of hungry, and less fortunate people, help you to see life is good.

Scout Troop #23
https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop23Rockford/
For over 87 years, Troop 23 has been an active part of the Rockford community and the Third Presbyterian Family. Over 75 Eagle Scouts have been nurtured, while hundreds of other young men’s lives have been altered through faith, friendships, and responsibility. Troop 23 actively develops youth through weekly meetings, canoeing, camp-outs and many learning and work projects as the youth attain merit badges. Our Third Presbyterian family are very impressed with the leadership and spiritual guidance given to tomorrows’ leaders.
