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COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
Girl Scouts
The church currently hosts about nine different Girl Scout troops that meet at various times throughout the building. Vicki Rucker is our Girl Scout Ministry Coordinator. The service unit meetings are also held at the church.
Each year during Advent it has been the tradition of First United Methodist Church to extend the love of Christ through our community outreach. The Resource Center is directly in touch with the critical needs of families and children through the county schools’ guidance counselors who are trained to spot families in distress. They assist family members in numerous ways. This support of the Center will allow our Church to directly touch the lives of those who are in most need of a special gift in the season.
Kids of the Community
Kids of the Community is a community based, entirely volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the idea that all the children in our community have the right to be important, the right to be recognized, and the right to learn fundamental core values from responsible adults. It is the philosophy of the organization that one on one contact on a regular basis in structured activities with caring responsible adults can instill direction and impart a positive attitude to those children at risk. Some things you might help with are: spending one on one time with the kids doing activities such as: mentoring, tutoring, cooking, gardening, art, music. Donations of useful items that will assist our program are always welcome. In the summer we are open all day, in the school year we are open after school and on Saturdays. Tutoring is after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm-6-pm. We need as much time, or as little time as you can spare. We need you!… Your time, talent and treasure!
Contact Barry Dishman at 931-668-5437 or at kids_community@hotmail.com
Hamilton Street Activity Center
Hamilton Street Activity Center is one of the three activity centers for McMinnville Housing Authority. These are located at housing complexes on Hamilton Street, Cope Street, and South Mill Street in Morrison. The Hamilton Street complex is the largest with approximately 70 children being involved. Along with acceptance, love and encouragement, the center offers homework assistance, afternoon snacks, supervised activities and organized play to school-age children. From homework supplies to afternoon snacks, the program is funded by community donations. Children are also treated to holiday fun throughout the year, such as the Christmas party. First United Methodist Church partners with Lisa Harvey at Hamilton Street Center to help out with a child's needs by donating back to school supplies and making Christmas a little brighter for a child by providing a gift.
Empower Upper Cumberland
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency and the Empower UC Circles Program have partnered with the First United Methodist Church to organize weekly gatherings for low-income families committed to making lasting improvements in their lives. In the Circles model, individuals or families seeking to overcome poverty (Circle Leaders) are paired with middle-to-upper-income community volunteers (Allies). The goal is to create a supportive environment where Circle Leaders can set and achieve goals related to education, employment, and overall financial stability. We are currently seeking local volunteers and allies (mentors) to come alongside these families. For example, someone to bake cupcakes, one-time, monthly, or quarterly meal sponsors, presenters, or youth program facilitators. Are you able to sponsor a meal or maybe serve or clean up after the meal while offering a smile and fellowship (Hospitality Team)? The youth program is always in need of a curriculum. Are you good at building or facilitating a youth program curriculum? Are you able to show up and show kindness to the children in the youth room (Youth Program Team)? While we are focusing on building new intentional relationships there is a purpose of building knowledge without judgment to increase poverty IQ and prosperity IQ. Allies/Mentors are in great need of family guidance and positive support. These Circle meetings take place every Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Church's Fellowship Hall.
Apply now to volunteer at Circle meetings by visiting the website and clicking on the "Volunteer" tab: https://empoweruppercumberland.org/
Currently, Circles is seeking volunteers for its youth program. We are in search of four to five individuals who can dedicate two hours on one Tuesday night each month.
Warren County Adult Education/
High School Equivalency
209 West Morford Street
McMinnville, TN 37110
(931) 304-3188
9:00am - 12:00pm & 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
CONTACT: Phone: 931-304-3188 http://www.pcsstn.com
Warren County Habitat for Humanity
Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been a mainstay and important part of our community since 1998. In fact, the first volunteer construction crew helping build two houses included FUMC church members: Gene Money, Jack and Mary Ann Noblin, Skip Zwemmer, Woody Woodiel & Charlie Campbell.
A primary founding principle of Habitat is the call for collaboration between different denominations and faiths in communities. We sincerely hope this invitation is received as an opportunity to complete meaningful work with and for others. As Christ came to serve, it is also an opportunity to live our faith in outreach to others. We hope you will join us in helping show this congregation’s commitment to Habitat as we join other volunteers to lift up families in need of adequate housing.
Homeless of McMinnville Effort (H.O.M.E.)
HOME's mission is to offer a hand up to those who have no where to call HOME. The goal is to provide meals, sometimes shelter, and minister to various other needs. Those early meetings in 2020 resulted in a shower ministry hosted by First United Methodist Church on Saturdays from 10:00am-12:00pm in the Outreach Building. Please join the Facebook group to find out what is needed for this ministry.
Emmaus of the Upper Cumberlands
The Walk to Emmaus is currently hosted at First United Methodist Church. The walk last from Thursday night to Sunday afternoon. It is designed for mature Christians who are in relationship with the Lord. In order to attend you must have someone that has already attended a walk to sponsor you. There are usually two walks in March and September, one for men and one for women.