Serving God's People through Missions and Outreach
Serving God by serving others
Mission & Outreach - An Integral Part of WUMC!
“Mission & Outreach” has always been an integral part of the WUMC. We have led mission trips to Costa Rica, Bolivia, Ghana and Ecuador; collected supplies for the United Methodist Committee on Relief; and partnered with various regional and local programs such as CSCW, GWIM, NVP and Habitat for Humanity.
WUMC’s vision is “to be a more thriving, open-minded, spirit-filled Christian fellowship growing in faith, love, and service.” Our mission statement includes, “Inspired by His example, we strive to be God’s hands in this world.”
Mission work enhances open-mindedness – Mission work is powerfully spirit-filled for both the giver and the receiver – Mission work creates and sustains opportunities for fellowship – Mission work engages us in service, but gives us the opportunity to grow in both love and faith The more we as a body participate in Missions, the more we are living into our mission to be God’s hands in this world and the more likely we will thrive as a congregation.”
Ecuador Mission Trips & Connection
Ecuador: In 2017 the WUMC established a relationship with General Board of Global Ministries missionary Sara Flores from El Prado, Ecuador. Since that time, we have sent three VIM mission teams to Ecuador (2018, 2023, 2025). Through those three trips mission volunteers have painted a community center, assisted at health clinics, worked with an after-school program serving over 100 children and laid the foundation for a new center for children’s programs and worship in Florencia Bajo. Our congregation supports these trips and our ongoing relationship with the community through sponsorships, medical and school supplies, money and prayers. We maintain a financial covenant relationship to deepen our support. These trips have been an opportunity to bless those in Ecuador, but they have also blessed us and deepened our understanding of what it means to be God’s hands and feet. If you are interested in future trips, please contact Paul Hibbard @ paulgyl@aol.com.
Transition Academy
Since the spring of 2022, has provided students 18-22 years old with special needs an opportunity to do meaningful work in the community so that they will gain job skills, life skills and be known and valued in Woodbury. Students do a wide range of tasks for us each Friday morning from vacuuming and cleaning, yard work, filing music and planting bulbs with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Those seeking to help with this important mission of our church should contact Meg Temple @ megtemple1@gmail.com.”
Community Services Council of Woodbury (CSCW)
CSCW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Woodbury residents facing financial challenges. Founded over three decades ago by local faith communities, including the Woodbury United Methodist Church, CSCW has grown into a vital resource for our town, offering compassionate support to individuals and families in need. CSCW operates several key programs to support our community:
- Woodbury Food Bank: Serving an average of 80 families weekly, the Food Bank provides essential groceries to households in need. Additionally, the food bank offers donated items not typically stocked, allowing guests to choose freely.
- Energy Assistance: During colder months, CSCW provides supplementary heating assistance to help families manage rising energy costs. • Crisis Assistance: In times of sudden hardship—such as job loss, illness, or personal tragedy—CSCW offers short-term financial aid to help individuals regain stability.
The WUMC supports and sustains the critical work of the CSCW by regular financial support, by collecting food and by supplying volunteers to help serve at the Food Bank. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Meg Temple @ megtemple1@gmail.com.
HELPING HANDS
Our Helping Hands Service Corp provides an extended network of community volunteers to help those with critical short-term needs but lacking sufficient resources or family they can turn to for help. Projects range from simple handyman projects to transportation to delivering a meal. Our goal is to both help with a small project and to take the time to hear a neighbor’s needs and story. We invite you to join our Helping Hands team. For more information, contact Helping Hands at HelpingHands@WoodburyUMC.net or (203) 263-4775.
