There are so many ways to get involved in Outreach at FUMC!

Click on a project listed below for more information   
**family friendly projects

Outreach in Washtenaw County

Outreach in the USA and around the World

Alpha House for homeless families** to host and support homeless families CAN (Community Action Network) for disadvantaged children CROP Walk ** to alleviate hunger ECIR for International students FiSH (Families in Service Here) ** to provide various services to disadvantaged Habitat for Humanity to create low-income housing Holiday Giving** to provide gifts for disadvantaged families LOVE Thy Neighbor food for homeless program** RAAH Religious Action for Affordable Housing United Methodist Women providing service and support locally and internationally

Appalachia Henderson Settlement** at the Red Bird Missionary Conference The Kenya Project United Methodist Women providing service and support locally and internationally Wesley College Student spring mission opportunities Youth (7th - 12th grade) mission trips Bread for the World (link will go directly to this organization) General Board of Church & Society (link will go directly to this organization) UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief (link will go directly to this organization) Amnesty International (link will go directly to this organization)

SEASONAL AND YEAR-ROUND PROJECTS

Cookie Walk

Each December, the UMW Cookie Walk is one of the most popular fundraising events at FUMC. Over 1,000 dozen cookies  are made by congregation members -- selling them all in one very quick morning typically raises over $6,000 for local and global missions. Many people are needed to help in many ways – from organizing and running the event, to baking  and decorating cookies – to  buying and eating! “It’s hard to believe that mixing together such simple things as flour, sugar and butter can lead to helping so many people who are in need, including those who are hungry and cold, those who are waiting to be empowered, as well as all of us here at FUMC who need to be a part of a community – one that cares for all, leaving no one out.” Contact: Karla Paterson (662-2745, karlapaterson@gmail.com ) 

Food Drives

All year long we have a food barrel provided from Food Gatherers situated outside the downtown church office to collect products for the shelves of their busy food pantry. Please consider buying a little more and dropping it by the church to help those who cannot provide for themselves.

Harvest Dinner

In the fall, the FUMC family gathers together for a Harvest Dinner. Proceeds from the delicious and plentiful Thanksgiving dinner have been used to support Outreach Ministries. Everyone can participate – either as a volunteer or as a diner! This event presents an outstanding opportunity to get involved and build new relationships while helping serve the needs of others. Contact: Kristi Jenkins (429-5680, kristirj@med.umich.edu )

Outreach  Ministries Silent Auction

Occassionally, a Silent Auction has been held in conjunction with the Harvest Dinner in past years. In addition to volunteers to organize and run the auction, there is an opportunity for everyone to donate something for the auction. Donated services and items are available for bidding during the Harvest Dinner, with bidding continuing until 12:30 pm the next day (Sunday). Past donations have included tutoring, an afternoon of sailing, handcrafted jewelry, handmade quilts and scarves, handyman services, football tickets, musical entertainment, to name a few. Proceeds of the auction are used to fund Outreach Ministries projects. Contact the church office if you would be interested in leading this project (info@fumc-a2.org)

World Peace Café

Each week, the World Peace Café (WPC) offers café style coffee and tea from free trade and sustainable operations during FUMC Connections, along with high quality snacks, juices and smoothies. Staffed by teams of volunteers, WPC has three main goals: Fellowship, Stewardship, and very good coffee (and tea). The donations and income from WPC not only covers the cost of operation, but helps fund many FUMC mission projects. Contact: Ruth Ann Church (662-7611, ruth.church@sbcglobal.net )

 Fair Trade Coffee Beans for Missions

On Sundays, 12oz bags of fair trade organic coffee beans are available for purchase. Four different varieties are typically available. Why Fair Trade organic? The Fair Trade Labeling Organization works with coffee-growing cooperatives all over the world that promise growers a dignified wage for their product. The cooperatives grow their organic coffee in an environment that sustains the precious biodiversity of their habitat. Where is the coffee roasted? These coffee beans are brought to Michigan and roasted by a Traverse City company called "Higher Grounds Trading Company." How does the church get involved? We sell the beans to you and use part of the purchase to help local organizations that are providing critical need in the Ann Arbor and Detroit area, including House by the Side of the Road, RAAH, SafeHouse Center, Habitat for Humanity, IHN Alpha House, Food Gatherers, Friends In Deed, Community Action Network, and NOAH. We thank you for supporting these assistance groups AND those who grow the beans (with a fair wage) AND the Michigan business (who roasts the coffee) with your purchases! Contact: Adele Roy (662-4536, adele@fumc-a2.org)

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PAST PROJECTS (These projects are no longer active)

Bulgaria Orphanage Food Program and Church Construction

Estonia Church Construction

Costa Rica Orphanage Construction

NOAH homeless services

 

The ministries mentioned here are specifically designed to serve our local and global community. Please also see our Care & Support page to learn about other support ministries that serve the congregation and others in our faith community.