Outreach Commission

103 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst, NJ  07755

Phone: 732 531-1150                    Fax:  732 531-2638

Email: OAKHURSTUMC@OPTONLINE.NET

The Outreach Committee is dedicated to reaching into the community and helping those who are less fortunate or unable to help themselves.

 

The Outreach Committee has accomplished numerous tasks by helping enrich our local, national and global community.  Below are a few examples:

 

Blood Drives:  We strive to have at least two per year.  The Blood Drive event on January 13, 2003 was successful.  Thank you to all who donated, as we have collected 21 units of blood.  Outreach Committee and the Central Jersey Blood Center extend sincere appreciation to all for your support.  There has been an increase in the need for blood collections nationwide, so your donation is that much more precious. 

 

Food Pantry Collection:  This ongoing program coordinated through the Mercy Center helps feed poor people and families in crisis situations in our immediate area.

 

Saturday Soup Kitchen:  On any given Saturday, any person can go to Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park and help in the set-up, preparation, serving and clean-up of lunch for people and families in need.  We go as a group every several months.  We are there from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  It is not a lot of time but is very important time.  We have also supported the Saturday Soup Kitchen with monetary donations.

 

Adopt-A-Family:  Through the Mercy Center, we “adopt a family” at Christmas time.  Through this program we ensure that children in our families will wake up to a present under the tree.

 

Thanksgiving Baskets:  We join numerous other churches and organizations by donating and preparing food baskets for Thanksgiving.  This program ensures that needy families will have turkey and all the trimmings to prepare for the day that celebrates God and country.

 

Disaster Relief: Through monetary donations we help intercede when disaster strikes locally, nationally, or globally. 

 

We lend our support to the United Methodist Homes. 

 

Our church’s Social Clubs are near and dear to our communities as we give comfort to mentally challenged adults in our community.

 

The Outreach Committee efforts also include Clean Ocean Action, Habitat for Humanity, Crop Walk, Coat Collection, St. Clares, CADE, Camden Neighborhood Center, Monmouth County Corrections Department, and Ronald McDonald House.

 

We have an Outreach Evening, which is a time of sharing with our congregants while learning about and helping a ministry in need, usually focusing on a country in another continent. 

 

The Outreach Committee is also responsible for explaining to the congregation what your communion offering is being given for.  During the morning service on the last Sunday of each month, a “Mission Minute” describes the recipient of the next month’s communion offering.

 

Anyone who has a desire to reach into the community and help enrich the lives of others less fortunate is encouraged to join this committee. 

 

For more information, contact Bill Lewis by calling the church office, 531-1150 and leaving a message.

 

First United Methodist Church: Oakhurst is wheelchair accessible.