Outreach Ministries

Outreach programs at First United Methodist Church "help Christians respond to God’s call to serve their brothers and sisters who are in need through gifts of money, time, talent, and love."

For more information regarding Outreach Ministries at First Church, contact Mary Wilder Cartwright at mcartwright@fumcb.org.

These ministries are recipients of special monetary offerings each month and also provide opportunities for service. These groups include the following:

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)  - an international emergency disaster fund.

Covenant Relationship - a United Methodist missionary in Jerusalem.

Africa University (part of Education Outreach) - a fund that supports Africa University and provides assistance to Eben Nhiwatiwa and his work with the university.

FUMC Wednesday Food Pantry - provides free groceries to people in need. To volunteer, contact Anne Fraker at 336-1823.

Volunteer Task Force - a group charged with the task of enhancing our ability to connect the passions and gifts of our parishioners with the ministries of the church which is moving into a new phase of its work. In the coming months, the task force will be offering opportunities to take a spiritual gifts inventory and/or a survey of available volunteer options in our church. By utilizing our church database, we hope to improve awareness and communication, and energize our congregation.

In addition to these financial and service projects, First United Methodist Church offers various opportunities for volunteer ministry throughout the year.

Other Outreach projects include the following:

Martin Luther King Day -"ON" offers volunteers a chance to serve the community by working on their day "OFF."

Mission Work Trips are sponsored at various times of the year.

Hoosier Housewarming - organizes volunteers each fall to assist with such chores as leaf raking, gutter cleaning, and storm window preparation.

Local Emergency Assistance - a fund maintained for the purpose of assisting with shelter and food needs through a variety of agencies and projects.

Mitten Tree - a fund that provides hats and mittens for children in need.

For more information, call the staff liaison, Mary Wilder Cartwright (332-6396). The Outreach Commission seeks to coordinate the efforts of volunteers, financial backing, and projects identified by First Church as needed by both the world and Bloomington communities. In choosing to remain a downtown church, First United Methodist Church and its Outreach Commission truly affirm the church’s mission: "A church in the heart of the community with the community in its heart."