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Have you ever wanted to help people in their time of need and just did not know a place to do so?
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| Look no further! Here at First United
Methodist Church of Coral Gables, we have opportunities to serve no
matter what your skills, schedule or age. For us, it is important that
people who want to help alleviate suffering in our local and
international community have a place and chance to do it. It does not
matter if you are a member of our church or where you may be on your
spiritual journey, we have a place for you!
We have opportunities to participate in local mission projects that
range from a few hours to a whole day. Other programs involve the
opportunity to travel abroad to work in urban and rural communities for
several days.
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Our missions include:
- Local Missions - Click here to learn more
- International Missions
- Habitat for Humanity Work Projects
- Feeding the homeless Medical Missions
- Florida United Methodist Alfalit International
- Children’s Home
- Riverside House
- Tutoring Children
If you have a desire to serve, then we want to help you experience God
through service to others. Please contact Mary Ward at the church.
We look forward to seeing you in the mission field…
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To thousands of children in Florida, the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home has been their last resort at normalcy. Innocent victims of families gone awry, they arrive with the clothes on their backs, frightened and mistrustful.
This Home has served as a loving shelter to hundreds of these children annually for over 100 years. It has helped kids in crisis reunite with their parents after dealing with their problems head-on. It helps boys and girls of all ages, develop self-esteem and independence. Assistance in health, education and people-skills are tailored to their specific needs. They experience faith and fellowship first hand.
Our Church committed to providing 100 gifts, for these children this year (valued at $25 or less). On December 8th, your angel gift was delivered to the Home, located in Enterprise, Florida (just Northeast of Orlando). Pastor Thom drove our Church van. It was packed to the gills with the fruits of your generosity. It held 17 boxes of gifts, to gift bags of gift cards, 2 bicycles with matching helmets, a crib that converts to a child’s bed, a playpen, some slightly used toddler toys and shopping bags of new clothes. The projected 100 gifts mushroomed into 315. Additionally, Target stores donated a $200 gift card, and a check for over $1000 will be sent this week to the Home from our Church.
Volunteers helped us unload and log in the donation. The evening of our arrival we were treated to a southern style buffet in the gymnasium, a performance of a portion of “The Nutcracker”, and a sing-a-long of “Silent Night”, waving “glow sticks” overhead. Resident children, foster kids, foster parents, adopted children and their parents, staff and supporters all donned holiday apparel to celebrate this special event.
Colorful Christmas murals graced the walls of the gym. Each was designed and hand-painted by the children of each cottage. Nutcracker soldiers made by the kids in summer camp shop served as centerpieces and souvenirs for each resident.
The expansive campus was decked in an array of color light displays, and a Nativity.The chilly evening and moon overhead enhanced the Christmas atmosphere.
While Thom attended a Board meeting, Judy Pruitt and I were given a golf cart tour of the expansive campus, including a boys cottage, the on campus school for foster kids (many of whom are temporarily away from their regular school), the recreation areas, chapel and administrative building. The oak trees were covered with moss and many were several hundred years old. The serenity of the setting reinforced the idea that this was a welcoming place to live and heal.
God had his hand in this entire project. In a time of struggle, together we found a mission and an opportunity. It is so true that by focusing on the needs of others, we minimize our own. These children will be enriched by your generosity of what God has bestowed upon you. Thank you for surpassing expectation. You continue to make service a joyful experience. Merry Christmas.
Also, special thanks to: Kathryn Becker (who’s enthusiasm is boundless}, Thom Shafer for his support and safe driving, Sally and Bob Bartelt and Harry Jordan (co-chairs), Mary Susan Ward and Stuart Bodin, Carrie Bodin, Darryl Miles, Venda Horne, Jim McKinney and Jack Cleary, Judy Griffis, Judy Pruitt and artist Meredith Bozek.
Sherry Jordan, Angel Tree Co-chair
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