The Mennonite tradition -- taking its lead from the life of Jesus -- has long stressed service to others as an essential way to live out one's faith, and we at First Mennonite follow in that tradition.  We do that primarily through:

• Supporting our Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) unit in the Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. The unit, a five-bedroom flat, is home for a group of volunteers who serve fulltime in local nonprofit agencies. Since 1975, over 100 volunteers have served in the San Francisco MVS program helping people who are homeless or disadvantaged in obtaining housing, medical care and legal aid; assisting people living with HIV/AIDS; campaigning against the death penalty; working for a cleaner, sustainable environment, and nurturing children through arts and recreation.
• Supporting organizations that are pursuing peace and justice in the larger world, including:
• Health in Harmony, founded by a member of our congregation, provides health care for people in rural Indonesia while partnering with them to protect the rainforest.
• Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC) advocates for justice on behalf of lgbt people in the Mennonite Church.
• Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a relief, service, community development and peace agency. Several of our members have served in MCC in both the U.S. and abroad. A member of our community who is a water engineer is currently helping to build sand dams in Mozambique.