OUTREACH
Missions Ministry
John Willis talks about his introduction to missions work.
Our outreach efforts focus on ministries beyond the four walls of the church building. The word “missions” comes to mind whether supporting community projects or national/international projects through our connections within the global United Methodist Church. Each year we donate school kits for Liberia and flood buckets through the Holston Conference as well as financial support for disaster relief. It also includes financial support of Nacer USA, a Christian organization helping the orphaned, abandoned, and abused children of Bolivia. Mission teams have also been sent to help with construction/repair of the children’s homes. We address community and social issues through partnering with other non-profits like the C.A.R.E. (Child Abuse Reporting Enforcement) center, In His Hands Infant Mission at Cedar Bluff UMC , and Good Samaritan Food Pantry.
Mission Trip Bolivia
COMMUNITY-BASED Ministries
Open Door - We work with Cedar Bluff UMC to prepare and deliver meals to shut-ins and the elderly.
Recipients are added to the list as someone reports a need. It takes place on the third Saturday of the month, alternately between the kitchen at First UMC and Cedar Bluff UMC. Volunteers are always needed to deliver meals so there is time for a friendly visit.
Open Door volunteers from Cedar Bluff UMC and Richlands FUMC
Volunteers handing out water at Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival 2018
Public Events - As a ministry of the Witness Team, we often have a table at local festivals or events in order to provide water and an opportunity to hand out literature about the church. It is our desire to engage as many as possible in all circumstances to avail themselves of the opportunities we offer for learning, spiritual growth and service.
Senior Breakfast – We honor the graduating class of Richlands High School each spring with a breakfast including a short message about staying in touch with their faith as they move forward to the next level of education or employment. We also give them a gift or goody bag.
2018 RHS Seniors eating breakfast in the Fellowship Hall
Community supports the Deli
Deli workers
Deli - Well known in the surrounding area is the First Church Deli! For a full week in the spring (usually in March) we offer lunch in the Fellowship Hall as well as take-out items. This ministry/fund-raiser was started in 2003. Over the years we have raised money which has been distributed for community needs, global missions, and upgrades to our facility. The community looks forward to this week as a time of good food and fellowship. Participation from the membership is widespread and considered a blessing by all who work diligently for this event.
Backpack Ministry – During the school year, members donate a specific list of items or the funds to buy them. These are packed into big zip-lock bags and taken to the elementary schools to go into backpacks for children to use during the weekends when school supported meals are not available. The schools are responsible for choosing which students receive the backpacks. Currently, we prepare more than 20 backpacks twice a month.
Backpack items being assembled
Food Pantry workers
Food Pantry – First United Methodist was one of the founding churches of the Good Samaritan Food Pantry located on Veterans Drive. We continue to support it financially through our budget and providing volunteers in the management of the facility and in the distribution of food. We participate in Souper Bowl Sunday and the Peanut Butter Drive held each summer as well as providing donated food items throughout the year.
Cub Scout Pack 61 - Meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Boys and Girls in grades 1-5 are welcome. For more information, go here.
Fiddle Quilts project
Fiddle Quilts – Members make small lap quilts with such items as buttons, zippers, string, and fringe so that Alzheimers and dementia patients can occupy their hands. We take them to Commonwealth Memory Care and to home bound patients that are reported to us.