National and International missions
Serving those in need is an important part of our life as Christians. The mission groups listed below serve the local Phoenix community and abroad. If you are interested in becoming involved with missions please contact our front office at 602-263-5013.
1.International and Domestic Mission Trips……Contact: Dixie Swan
Every other year, teams of First members go to another country (often to Mexico) to build homes, lead Bible studies and provide food to low income families.
2. Food Ministries - Local
United Methodist Outreach Ministries - Transitional Living...Contact: Lois Bettis
Every Monday afternoon a team of people purchase prepare and deliver meals to low income families residing in the United Methodist Outreach Ministry Transitional Housing facility.
Watkins Shelter.................Contact: Suzanne Haehl
Every other Thursday evening, a team of people purchase, prepare and deliver meals to low income individuals living in the Watkins emergency living facility.
Meals for First Members in Need………………Contact: Marie Garber
Throughout the year, First Church members prepare and deliver meals to individuals or families who are critically ill, bereaved, recently discharged from the hospital, recently had a baby or have other special needs.
Canned Food Bin Distribution.......Contact: Stephanie Wallace
Canned or boxed foods are donated by First Church members weekly, to provide nutrition to low income persons who ask for assistance in our church office. The bin is located in front of the church on Sunday mornings.
3. Food Ministry - International
Feed My Starving Children……………………Contact: Tina Olson
In 2010 and 2012, 500 First members and community volunteers packed approximately 100,000 freeze-dried meals in one day for starving children around the world. The next packing event is March 1, 2014 in Asbury Hall at First Church.
4. Housing Ministry
Home Repair and Clean-Up.…………………Contact: Stephen Haehl
Several times a year, a team of First Church members provide general clean-up, painting and/or minor home repairs to First members in need.
5. Clothing Ministries
Back-To-School Sewing Group.……………Contact: Gloria Arnoff
Several First members sew clothes for low income children in Phoenix. The clothes are distributed to the “Back-to-School Program” which provides one new outfit to approximately 5,000 children every July.
Gently Used Clothing Drives for Refugees……………Contact: Tina Olson
Several times a year, gently-used clothes and new undergarments are donated by First Members to newly arriving refugees living at Serrano Village apartments at 2828 West Camelback Road.
6. Ministries for Special Groups
UMCOR Children School Bags - Sewing…………Contact: Suzanne Haehl
Throughout the year, several First members sew school bags which are filled with school supplies for children of disasters (e.g. hurricanes); these school bags are distributed to children by the United Methodist Commission on Relief (UMCOR)
“Prayer Quilts”- Sewing.....………….Contact: Ruth Clark
Throughout the year, teams of First members make prayer quilts for people who are critically ill, have recently been discharged from the hospital or are bereaved; First members complete the quilts on Sunday mornings by tying threads in the quilts and praying for the recipient of the quilt
New Baby Quilts - Knitting………………………Contact: Diane Nieman
Throughout the year, teams of First Members crochet baby quilts for new babies.
Wesley Giving Tree.......…Contact: Pam Amorin
Every December, tags are placed on a Christmas tree at church for members to buy clothes and toys for needy children in Arizona.
Homeless and Veterans - “Justa Center”……………Contact: Bill Heuerman
JUSTA Center is a day resource center for low-income older adults; First members volunteer to assist helping clients complete forms for housing, food, income and job assistance as well as donate needed items such as clothing or eye glasses.
Sleeping Mats for Homeless…………………Contact: Robin Spencer
First members provide clean plastic bags that are used for the production of making sleeping mats for homeless individuals.
“Just One” .......... Tammy Majrkzak
Monthly church members donate items such as tooth paste and shampoo. The United Methodist Women’s group collects and donates needed items (e.g. toothpaste, soap, etc.) every month for the JUSTA center which is a homeless resource shelter for individuals over the age of 55.
7. Disaster Relief
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)………Contact: Robin Spencer
Once a year, teams of First members go to the UMCOR West Depot Warehouse to process and organize emergency supplies (e.g. school bags, water, medical kits, etc.) for disaster victims.
8. Vacation Bible Day Camp and Music Day Camp………………Contact: Joel Bullock
Every summer at our church, First provides Bible study through play, art, and innovative techniques to local children ages 6 – 12.
First United Methodist Church | 5510 North Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85012 602.263.5013 Cont
