Other JFUMC Missions
JFUMC has had a long term commitment to loving our neighbors in our community and around the world.
Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In addition to our church’s community mission organizations (JCOC, the Garden of Eatin’, Jax Snack Packs, and the Serving Table) we are heavily involved in missions in the local community and throughout the world.
Jacksonville Community Missions
Kitty Stone Elementary Tutoring Program – This is an after-school program for tutoring students referred to us by a school counselor. Tutoring sessions are held each Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Community Center and volunteers are matched with students. Learn more about Kitty Stone Elementary School here.
Wesley Foundation - Wesley Foundation is a campus ministry of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, located in close proximity to our church on the campus of JSU (Jacksonville State University). Jacksonville First UMC provides annual mission funds to support this campus ministry, and church members are involved in various ways. Each semester, we provide at least one meal for the weekly worship gathering. Learn more about JSU’s Wesley Foundation here.
JSU Move-In Day – We recruit volunteers to welcome new and returning JSU students back to campus each fall and help them move into the dorms. Learn more about Jacksonville State University here.
Jacksonville Meals on Wheels – This ministry provides elderly, disabled or homebound individuals with a hot, mid-day meal delivered by volunteers. Learn more about the national organization of Meals on Wheels here.
Regional Missions
United Methodist Disaster Response Warehouse – Located in Decatur, Alabama, this ministry provides humanitarian relief after a natural disaster strikes. This is an all-volunteer charity with churches and communities donating and packing supplies to prepare for the next disaster. Volunteers pack supplies for cleaning buckets, tornado buckets and school and hygiene kits. You can find more information here.
Community Enabler – This is an agency located in nearby Anniston on the frontline of the economic crisis providing food, clothing and utility assistance to the growing number of people seeking aid, ranging from the newly unemployed to the chronically poor. Learn more about Community Enabler here.
Interfaith Ministries & Adult Dental Clinic - This ministry provides assistance and serves as an advocate for individuals and families in crisis in Calhoun County. Among the programs are an adult dental clinic and emergency assistance for utility bills, rent, prescriptions. The Open Door program is a place for homeless and displaced persons to have access to a phone, computer, shower, toiletries, snacks and an address to receive mail. Learn more about these ministries here.
Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County – Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Our vision is to have a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Volunteers don't have to be skilled, just simply willing to learn. Learn more here.
Ice Cream Disciples (Coosa Valley Youth Services Attention Home) – The 14-bed Attention Home provides a non-secure, safe, residential environment where juvenile court judges in Northeast Alabama can place girls 12-17 years of age who are in need of supervision. Our “Ice Cream Disciples” spend the first Tuesday of each month at the home providing music, a devotion, cookies, and ice cream from 6:30-7:30 pm. Learn more here.
United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) - By providing homes, healing and hope, UMCH strives to embrace and nurture children who are in need of someone to care for them when those closest to them aren’t able to adequately provide that care. While faith serves as the core of UMCH mission, they are driven by a desire to nurture, support and prepare kids for productive, thriving futures. Learn more here.
Relay for Life – Each year, JFUMC has a team to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. It is a way we can honor all cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost. Learn more here.
Second Chance – This organization provides free services to victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, career training, 24 hour crisis line, court and child advocacy, thrift store, support groups and a plan to help clients lead an independent life. Learn more here.
Global Missions
African Children’s Mission (ACM) - ACM reaches out to children in destitute circumstances, working to end the cycle of poverty by partnering with local churches and communities to provide support through child-sponsorships, discipleship, education, school feeding programs, pastor training, medical clinics, providing access to clean water, and much more. A mission team led by one of our church members, Dr. Bruce Cunningham, serves every two years at ACM in Uganda. JFUMC has several families who sponsor children at ACM. Learn more here.
Servants in Faith & Technology (SIFAT) - We help with this nonprofit Christian organization, located in Lineville, AL, whose mission is to share God’s love through service, education and personal involvement with a needy world. People from around the world gather at SIFAT’s international training campus to learn practical skills to foster sustainable community development. Learn more here.
Lion’s Vision Mission - We assist with “Alabama Lions Sight” in promoting sight conservation through research, education, detection and treatment. For over 20 years Lion’s Vision Mission teams from throughout Alabama have served in different cities in Mexico each year. Learn more here.
To read more about the latest in mission involvement and JFUMC, see this week’s newsletter here.