Outreach
The mission work at
Friendship United Methodist Church is spearheaded by the Mission Team. This
group organizes fund-raising projects, coordinates existing mission projects and
evaluates potential new mission projects for the church.
In addition,
several groups within the church--including the United Methodist Women and the
United Methodist Men--support a variety of projects as part of their individual
activities.
Friendship United Methodist Church began participating in
the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in recent years, sending teams of youth and
adults to participate in this home-repair ministry. The enthusiasm and support
for this type of hands-on mission work led the church to form H.O.M.E. -- Hands
On Mission Experience -- to take on such work in the local community, as well as
nationally and even internationally.
Through these various efforts,
Friendship United Methodist Church reaches out to many in need.
ASP: Appalachia Service Project
Birthright is located in Prince Frederick, MD and began in 1995. This office provides assistance to pregnant women of all ages and creeds in a supporting and nonjudgemental atmosphere. Volunteers assist in any way that is needed, including medical care, supplies, and educational materials. For more information about Birthright or to volunteer, please call (410) 257-1402.
Disaster Relief. Through special collections, Friendship United Methodist Church assists in relief efforts for disasters throughout the world, including the many floods, earthquakes, and storms that have affected so many individuals in recent months.
Good News Jail and Prison Ministry. Involvement with Good News takes many forms. One of the easiest ways is to become a Good News Volunteer. You may have time available to teach a Bible Study, or to help the Chaplain with office work, distribute Bibles, or assist in the worship services. But most of all, the Chaplains need a strong group of people who will commit to pray for them each and every day.
Of course, every ministry has financial needs. Good News accepts no local, state, or federal funds and are supported by churches, individuals, businesses, and foundations that are interested in jail and prison ministry. Because of this, Chaplains can preach the Gospel message undiluted and without restriction.
Your giving to the Mission Fund helps to support Good News since FUMC makes regular donations to Good News from the Missions Fund. Members of the congregation are also invited to participate in the many activities of the ministry as they occur; tours of the detention facilities, prayer breakfasts, golf outings and banquets. Please contact Larry Myers at (443) 994-8881 if you would like to volunteer or to learn more about ways you can support the Good News ministry.
Mi Refugio Youth Missions in Guatemala
Project Echo. A homeless shelter in Calvert County.
Safe Harbor. Friendship United Methodist Church supports this local abused women's shelter through various collections of needed items. Also, the Tabitha Circle of the United Methodist Women supports the shelter on a regular basis through projects such as birthday gifts for the residents and holiday parties for the child residents.
South County Assistance Network (SCAN). Friendship United Methodist Church supports this local food pantry in several ways, including volunteer help at the distribution center, as well as food donations. The first Sunday of each month is designated as "Cereal Sunday" and members of the congregation are encouraged to bring in a box or two of cereal for SCAN.
The South County Faith Network Inc. is an interdenominational, not-for-profit group of churches improving the quality of life of seniors and disabled adults in Southern Anne Arundel County, Maryland through informal, home based, care-giving services.
Volunteers help clients by providing minor home repair and maintenance, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, telephone reassurance, yard work, care giver relief and friendly visits. These services have helped care recipients maintain their independence. The organization serves an area which includes the communities of Churchton, Deale, Friendship, Galesville, Harwood, Lothian, Shady Side, Tracy's Landing, and West River.
If you are interested in helping this organization or know of someone who may benefit from it's services, please contact Keith Ulrich at (410) 741-6607 or kulrich@coainc.com.