SIGNATURE MISSIONS

WHAT IS ZOE?


Since 2013, FUMC has been partnering with Zoe Empowers to facilitate orphans and vulnerable children moving out of extreme poverty to sustainably productive lives.  In just three years, heads of orphaned households - some as young as 14 - become entrepreneurs, farmers, butchers, hairstylists, welders and tailors. 


Our newest Empowerment Group is called the Uphenho "Life" Macate Group in Mozambique.

They were formed in October 2023 -  and will graduate September 2026. Click here to see the group.


In Rwanda, the first-year groups had a Christmas party. They took a video of the children celebrating their first Christmas as a family. To see the video, click here. 


“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). 





Brand New Day

Brand New Day is an outreach and rehabilitation program started by Erin Johnson, a member of our congregation which serves street children in the Philippines, helping them to grow personally, academically, and spiritually through shelter, education, and relationships

Contact: Steve and Sharon Johnson, Stevesharonjohnson@gmail.com

FUMC BACKPACK PROGRAM

The FUMC Backpack Ministry makes weekly deliveries of non-perishable foods to over 100 food-insecure children attending Bruce Drysdale Elementary School, supporting at least four meals for these children over the weekend.  Our mission is to be a resource for these children and families struggling with food insecurity who need additional support through the weekends.


Donations specified for the Backpack Program support our purchases of these food items. The children thank you for your donation.


Jane Johnson / 952-607-7705 / janejohnson139@gmail.com

Other Local Missions

  • This is an annual outreach event in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County.  Students “shop” for gifts for their primary caregivers using points instead of money. Gifts are provided by First United and a partner church. Volunteers assist with logistics and set-up, install decorations, maintain gift display tables, help the children with selections, and prepare gift bags.


    Contact: John (jydupre@aol.com) or Patsy (patsydupre@aol.com) for additional information.  

  • This group works as a team with other churches and groups in the community to prepare, transport, then serve meals to underfed children on rotating Friday afternoons at the Boys and Girls Club.


    Contact: Lorraine Perkins lorraineperk@bellsouth.net

  • Provides homes, help and hope for Henderson County youth who have lost their homes.  We have a home that accommodates five foster girls with their foster parents and plan to acquire another.  We also support the training of additional foster parents by providing facilities and advanced remote teleconferencing equipment to the Department of Social Services


    Contact: Dave Bass/ 828-243-6446 / dave.bass56@gmail.com

  • Rooted in Faith Community Garden is a faith-based donation garden focused on building relationships, providing education, and growing fresh, organic produce for the food insecure of Henderson County.


    Contact: Robin Corbin at Corbin rrcorbin28739@yahoo.com

  • The Providence House Community Meal takes place next door to Providence Baptist Church on Oakland Street every Sunday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. This is a hot meal for all those in need. Volunteers from FUMC serve on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays. Contact: Robin Corbin at Corbin rrcorbin28739@yahoo.com

  • The Youth of our church have a servant’s heart and participate in a monthly Serve Sunday. Serve Sunday is a night where our Youth take the time to participate in a local mission project in our community. These projects range from doing yard work to feeding the hungry. Over the summer youth take a one week mission trip to be the hands and feet of Christ.


    Contact: Drew Morton: Drew@hvlfumc.org

other INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

  • Volunteers explore mission opportunities in Cuba. They also travel to Cuba annually to build relationships and participate in “on the ground” missions.


    Contact: Anne Smith / 828-697-9363 / absmith.doc@hotmail.com, Jerry Smith / 828-697-9363 / jj81868@hotmail.com

  • This group sews for several different projects, including little dresses for Africa, layettes for UMCOR (which includes knit sweaters) and tote bags for school children in Haiti and elsewhere. Basic sewing skills are all that’s required.


    Contact: Jeanne Jones / 904-705-9711 /  jhiettj@gmail.com

  • Collects, packs, and distributes Christian media materials to developing countries.


    Contact: Sally Jones / 828-808-2012 / sendingseeds@gmail.com

  • Volunteers are passionate about providing clean water and sanitation for communities in need of this life-giving resource. Our church supports a project in the village of San Jose Nicaragua through El Porvenir. Volunteers visit the site(s) of El Porvenir each January as part of their commitment to this ministry.  Watch video.


    Contact: Tim Mendelsohn / 216-870-2745 / timmendelsohn@gmail.com