Get Involved



“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.”

MATTHEW 6: 13-14

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, believed that Christianity was “essentially a social religion.”  That is, one that existed not only in worship but in becoming more like Christ by loving, serving, and healing our neighbor.  To turn the Christian faith “into a solitary one,” said Wesley, “is to destroy it.”

As disciples of the Living God, we are open to the Spirit of the Lord not only working in us, but through us.  One of the areas in which FUMCA continues to be blessed is in its Extend Ministries which include:

-Year Round Ministries-

Angel Food Ministries

The Angel Food Ministry is a nationwide charity that provides high quality food at a low cost for families in need.  The typical Angel Food box can feed a family of four for a week at a cost of only $30.  FUMCA is a pickup site for these food boxes on the fourth Sunday each month.  Food can be purchased for personal use or donated to others.

G.R.A.C.E. – Giving Relief as Christ Expects

G.R.A.C.E. is funding specifically set aside to assist those in our community who are in need.  Funds are used for shelter, funeral expenses, utilities, etc. as well as larger expenses.  Donations can be made to G.R.A.C.E. at any time.

Heart Strings

Heart Strings ministry reaches out to our Church family, our community, and beyond by making and sending handmade items to anyone whose need would be blessed by the comfort of a loving, prayer-covered gift.  Items include prayer shawls, lap quilts, chemo caps, preemie caps, christening bonnets, baby afghans, and quilts.  Instructional classes are also available.

Kairos

Kairos is a prison ministry designed to share Christ with those who are incarcerated.  Available to all Alabama correctional facilities, Kairos works closely with the Alabama Department of Corrections.  Kairos is supported by the prayers, service, and donations of individuals and churches throughout the state.

Kids First

Kids First is a non-profit community learning center that provides a safe place for kids to go after school and during the summer.  The center offers educational services such as computer training, homework assistance, and tutoring to approximately 40 children each day.  FUMCA supports Kids First by volunteering at the center, donating snacks and school supplies, as well as donating money for needs as they arise.

Manna Ministries

Manna Ministries feeds more than 700 families each month by distributing food every Saturday morning at their warehouse located approximately 2 miles from FUMCA.  A church service is held before the food is distributed to help feed both body and soul.  FUMCA raises money to help cover their expenses, holds canned food drives to assist in stocking the pantry, and provides volunteers to help distribute food on Saturday mornings.

Community Garden

From March to October, you can find members of FUMCA tilling, planting, weeding, and picking in a vegetable garden located in Calera. All of the vegetables that are gown in the garden are delivered to Manna Ministires where they are given out to local families. We are thankful to Dunn Real Estate who has generously made the land available to the church.

  

-Seasonal Ministries-

Angel Tree

Angel Tree Christmas gifts are collected for children as well as disabled and elderly persons who are in need.  Angels for each person are hung on a tree at the church where the congregation can take an angel and purchase gifts.  Christmas meals are also provided through this ministry.

Soles 4 Souls

In 2010, FUMCA collected more than 600 new or gently worn shoes to be distributed by Soles 4 Souls world-wide to those in need.

Thanksgiving Meals

Spend a Saturday morning in November cooking up turkey, dressing, and all the sides.  Spend the afternoon delivering the food to our neighbors throughout the community.

For more information, contact:

Stephen Benefield  stephen@alabasterfumc.org