Missions
First United Methodist Church has a long history and passion for serving others. From Nicaragua to our own backyard, we are called to be the hands of Christ. You are invited to serve God and make a difference! If you would like to get involved in any of these projects, call or e-mail the contact listed.
March Mission Focus: Birth Choice
Operation Hope: Making a Difference in the Life of a Child
Nicaragua Mission Trip
FUMC sends teams on an out-of-the-country mission trip through United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). Working through various UM agencies and resources a destination of need outside the United States is identified and a work team is formed to meet specific needs of the citizens of the selected area. Past trips have included destinations such as Mexico, Belize, and Nicaragua.FUMC is presently committed to the construction and development of a United Methodist Church and school in Laureles Sur, Nicaragua.
Contact: Betsy Dement 668-6783 Turn on JavaScript!
In Country Mission Trip
FUMC sends a team on a regional mission trip every year through United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). Working through UM agencies and resources a destination within the United States is identified and a work team is formed to meet the needs of the citizens of the selected areas. In recent years FUMC sent multiple teams to the Gulf Coast to aid in hurricane recovery efforts.
Contact: Cecil Kirk 660-4354 Turn on JavaScript!
Missionary Support
First United Methodist Church financially supports Reverend Meri Whitaker, Director of the Cookson Hills Center in Cookson, Oklahoma. As a clergy missionary of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Whitaker is appointed by a Bishop to the Cookson Hills Center through the United Methodist Board of Global Mission (UMBGM). FUMC is pleased to be one of several churches that provide financial resources to the UMBGM in support of Rev. Whitaker.
Contact: Ted Leach 426-3565 Turn on JavaScript!
Sunday Mission Chest Donations
Mission chests are placed near the major entrances/exits of the church where people can place donated items. Each month a specific local care agency is identified and items needed by the organization are collected and distributed. Cards are placed in the worship bulletins to inform the congregation of the items needed for the next month. Canned goods, school supplies, toys, clothes, and hygiene products are typical items needed for agencies such as R.I.F.A., Reelfoot Rural Ministries, West Jackson Learning Center, The Dream Center, and Birth Choice.
Contact: Looking for contact person
New Southern Senior Center Outreach Ministry
FUMC members visit our downtown neighbors who live in these low income apartments, offering a variety of programs geared to adding to their quality of life. Monthly birthday parties, food pantry assistance, Bible studies, and seasonal celebrations strive to offer the love of Jesus Christ in meaningful ways. Several residents are now members of First United Methodist Church as a result of relationships cultivated through this ministry.
Contact: Bill Hetzler 668-0540 Turn on JavaScript!
Music and Arts for Esteem
This ministry teaches the basics of piano and art for inner city and at-risk children who participate in this self-esteem building program. Devotionals, snacks, and recreation are offered at First Church on designated weekdays when school is in session.
Contact: Sally Everett 668-7062 Turn on JavaScript!
Operation Christmas Child
This ministry provides "shoe box gifts" for needy children overseas through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse designed to spread the Good News of Christ to children living in poverty. This "shoe box gift" drive is usually held around October and November. Literature describing how to pack specific gifts in a shoe box is made available to individuals who wish to participate.
Contact: Suzanne Welles 424-2646 Turn on JavaScript!
Habitat For Humanity
This ministry will construct and paint a new home for a needy family. Skilled and unskilled workers are needed for all aspects of home construction. We build one home every other year all under the direction and guidance of trained staff from the local Habitat for Humanity office.
Contact: Bill Burnett 668-8785 Turn on JavaScript!
Pastor’s Benevolent Fund
Provides resources for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation needs in emergency situations for the needy persons who come to our church office seeking help. This is not a budgeted item, and individuals are needed to provide donations to this specific fund in order to keep it operational. All funds are distributed through a voucher system under the supervision of the Pastor.
Contact: Ted Leach 426-3565 Turn on JavaScript!
Project 20/20
This ministry of the United Methodist Church seeks to collect and recycle used lenses and frames from donated eyeglasses. They are passed along to persons in needy countries around the world where adequate vision care is in short supply.
Contact: Looking for contact person
Support for the R.I.F.A. Community Soup Kitchen
This essential community ministry provides meals to the homeless and hungry of the Jackson area. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve meals to the needy during meal times. FUMC is assigned three weeks during each year to provide volunteers.
Contact: Susan Crocker 984-7111 Turn on JavaScript!
Partners in Education (P.I.E.)
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Madison County School System create partnerships between local businesses, churches, and organizations and area public schools. First United Methodist Church is pleased to participate as a P.I.E. partner for the West Jackson Learning Center. We provide school supplies, resources for seasonal activities, and support for the faculty and students.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
~ Acts 13:2-3
Contact: Mona Hicks 668-0834 ( no e-mail)
Monday Mission Group
A group of volunteers travels monthly to selected local mission sites such as RIFA, Birth Choice, Reelfoot Rural Ministries, and Youth Town for service projects followed by fellowship and lunch. If you are interested in mission work, but don’t have a lot of time to give or can’t make a commitment to another group, this is the mission for you! In the past the group might sort clothes at the Community Clothes Closet, do odd jobs at Birth Choice, paint at Youth Town, clean apartments at the Wesley Jackson Highlands complex and deliver toys and food to Reelfoot Rural Ministries.
Contact: Kaye Hill 427- 3653 Turn on JavaScript!
United Methodist Women in Missions
The First United Methodist Church chapter of United Methodist Women has a rich history, an active present, and a focused future on missions. Past service project include fundraisers to help world hunger issues as well as support for local charities and service groups. Any woman at FUMC is encouraged become a member of UMW. Beyond the circle meetings, Bible study, and book reviews you will also find powerful opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Contact: Sue Harvey 668-8289 Turn on JavaScript!
Laurelwood Health Care Center Outreach Ministry
This ministry offers a once a week Bible study, singing and fellowship time provided by FUMC Senior Adults, for the residents at Laurelwood Health Care Center. Many residents are in the low income bracket, in poor health, and do not or cannot attend a regular worship services. They truly look forward to the time FUMC members spend with them.
Contact: Jim Holmes 668-5432 Turn on JavaScript!
Reelfoot Rural Ministries
Throughout the year, several of FUMC groups and Sunday School classes provide food, clothing and toys for this United Methodist community mission in Tiptonville, located in northwest Tennessee. Groups have also carried out repair and construction projects in the Dyer County area through this center.
Contact: Sue Harvey 668-8289 Turn on JavaScript!
Christmas and Easter Offerings
Twice a year these seasonal offerings raise funds that are directly given as support for RIFA, ARM, The Dream Center, WRAP, Hannah’s Hope United Methodist Adoption services, and other local and regional community service agencies
Contact: Ted Leach 426-3565 Turn on JavaScript!
Hatton Street Neighborhood Ministry
This is an emerging ministry, but even the early stages have produced some meaningful relationships and Spirit-filled moments. First United Methodist Church purchased adjoining empty lots in a residential neighborhood located at the corner of Hatton St. and Fairgrounds in the area south of Lambuth University. Festivals, Christmas programs and other outreach were started in the Fall of 2008. The intent of this ministry is to share the love of Christ and His church directly to the people of need in their own environment.
Contact: Ann Woodall 225-2399 Turn on JavaScript!
Sharon Matthews 668-8120 Turn on JavaScript!
W.I.N.G.S: Witness In God's Sanctuary
FUMC's Tutoring Mentoring Ministry has enjoyed a successful Fall! Teaming up with Arlington Elementary School, working with 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders, FUMC member Judy LaFont, a Guidance Counselor for Arlington, has been instrumental in coordinating the program. This outreach evolved out of the Cottage Ministry Program which took a new direction when it was determined it was not feasible to construct a new building on the Hatton Street site.
Teachers from the school provide folders for each child with assignments, activities and homework to assist the tutor. Children are picked up after school on Wednesdays by the church van, brought to church for refreshments and a short activity program then tutored individually for 30-45 minutes. They stay for Wednesday Evening Fellowship dinner and then are picked up by parents or taken home by tutors.
Ann Woodall commented, "We are indeed tutors, because we hope to develop academic success and confidence with our students. Yet, we are much more. We are also Christian mentors, interested in their spiritual and moral development as well. God has given us tremendous opportunity and responsibility."
The Tutoring Team is looking for a few more men and anyone interested in substituting occasionally when needed. If you would like to volunteer, please call Ann Woodall, Coordinator, 225-2399.
Support for U.M.C.O.R.
First United Methodist Church supports the United Methodist Committee On Relief. This arm of the UMC provides on-site emergency assistance in times of natural disaster. The past few years FUMC has donated tens of thousand of dollars to U.M.C.O.R. in response to various hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and tsunami locally and around the world. This relief ministry is one of the most active in all of Methodism and operates under the motto of “First to Arrive and Last to the Leave” in times of extreme need.
Contact: Ted Leach 426-3565 Turn on JavaScript!
Room in the Inn
First United Methodist Church is one of more than 30 congregations involved in providing overnight lodging for homeless men during the winter months. Accommodations and showers are available in the gym along with an evening meal and a light breakfast the next morning. This ministry is coordinated by Room in the Inn and sponsored by the Jackson Area Ministerial Association. In 2009-2010, we are hosting Room in the Inn once a month.
Contact: Ann Woodall 225-2399 Turn on JavaScript!
Sharon Matthews 668-8120 Turn on JavaScript!
Conference Apportionments
First United Methodist Church places a high priority on paying our Conference Apportionments in full each year. Apportionments are an essential part of the connectional relationship we have with all of Methodism locally, nationally, and globally. Many ministries are supported though apportionments such as the Black College Fund, World Service Fund, Africa University, Youth Service Fund, and Conference and Jurisdictional Administrative support. Support for new church development, Lambuth University, as well as clergy pensions and education are also covered under Conference Apportionments.
Contact: James Finger 664-2140 Turn on JavaScript!