First United Methodist Church
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Sharing the Love of Jesus Christ

Serving Ministries

 
"As the LORD your God has blessed you, you shall give to him (your neighbor). You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you..." Deuteronomy 15:14-15  
 
 
 

Bags of Grace

 
The Serving Ministries Team regularly distributes bags of necessary items to the homeless who visit our church during the week. These "Bags of Grace" include bottled water, non-perishable juice, individually-packaged food items, sample-sized toothpaste and shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, socks, tissue and deodorant. With cold weather approaching, there will be an increase in the need for gently-used blankets and sleeping bags, as well. If you would like to donate items for our Bags of Grace, please drop them off at the Visitors Desk on the first floor of the E&A Building. If you have questions, please contact Jamie Sanders or Debbie Buchanan Engle, Director of Serving Ministries, at dengle@fumcshreveport.org or 424-7771.
 
 
 
 

Emergency Assistance

First United Methodist Church works daily to help our neighbors by providing emergency assistance. We regularly offer financial help for utility bills, rent, prescriptions, and other needs. We also provide Goodwill clothing vouchers and emergency Greyhound bus tickets. Hundreds of people come through our doors every year seeking emergency assistance. In order to help as many people as possible, we work closely with Centerpoint/211 and other area helping agencies.
 
 

Our Allendale Neighborhood 

 

Allendale Friendship House - Through a partnership with Community Renewal International, members of First United Methodist Church began hosting Report Card Parties at the CRI Allendale Friendship House. These parties are held for neighborhood children who have received a "C" average or above on their report cards.
 
Central and Ingersoll Elementary Schools - FUMC is committed to the students and staff at Central and Ingersoll Elementary Schools. We conduct an annual School Supplies Drive for these neighborhood schools. If you would like to make a donation, the students need paper, pencils, notebooks, crayons, scissors, kindergarten mats, backpacks, tissues and paper towels. Members of the Serving Ministries Team deliver the supplies to each school.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, the Serving Ministries Team and church volunteers provide special gifts for each teacher, and a catered lunch one day during the week.
 
Each Christmas, FUMC members participate in a huge Teddy Bear Collection for the K-2nd graders. The teddy bears are collected in the sanctuary and at FaithLink during the month of December and are delivered to the school children prior to Christmas break.

 
Fuller Center/Building on Higher Ground - Implemented by the Fuller Center and Community Renewal International, this program pairs volunteers with resources to build new homes in the Allendale neighborhood. Originally intended for Katrina evacuees, this program has expanded to provide low-cost, first-time home ownership to FUMC's neighbors. FUMC continually provides teams of volunteers, as well as financial donations, for this important project.
 

 

 

Quarterly Blood Drives

First United Methodist Church and LifeShare Blood Center host four Blood Drives each year. These are generally held the first Sunday of each quarter during Sunday morning services at the FUMC campus. A photo ID is required to give blood.

Criteria for Donating Blood
* Must be at least 17 years old
* Weigh at least 110 pounds
* Be in good health
* It is recommended to eat a well-balanced meal

Questions About Eligibility
Some health conditions or medications may temporarily or permanently prevent a person from donating blood. Be sure to bring the name(s) of the medication(s) you are taking.
           
Medical Conditions
AIDS-individuals at high risk and their partners Cannot donate
Colds and flu Cannot donate until well
Diabetes, on medication (controlled) Can donate
Hepatitis and jaundice after age 11 Cannot donate
Pregnancy, after delivery, miscarriage, abortion Six week wait
Menstruation Can donate
Note: People who have had cancer should contact the center to determine eligibility.
 
Medical Procedures
Surgery, without transfusion, after release by physician Can donate
Surgery, with transfusion of blood or blood components 1-year wait
 
Medications
Antibiotics, oral 72-hrs from last dose
Antibiotics, injectable 7-day wait
Allergy Medications, Diuretics, Diet Pills, Sleeping Pills, Tranquilizers, Aspirin, Tylenol Can donate
Blood Pressure Medications Can donate
 
Vaccinations
Measles, Mumps, Rubella One month wait
Flu Can donate
Hepatitis B Can donate


 
Community Grants Program

FUMC provides annual grants for non-profit agencies that help people who are affected by poverty and/or confronted with crisis in their lives.  The Serving Ministries Team seeks out organizations in our local area that need volunteers, as well as financial assistance.  Preference is given to applicants that are located within the area of our local church.  Organizations or entities that are located outside this area must demonstrate that they serve the needs of residents in and around our neighborhood.  Grant recipients include:
 
NWLA Food Bank Philadelphia Center
The Providence House Community Renewal International/
Allendale Friendship House
The Gingerbread House Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission
NWLA Interfaith Pharmacy North Highlands UMC Wheelchair Ramp Ministry
Samaritan Counseling Center Christian Service Program
Centerpoint/211 MLK Health Center
Phoenix Advocacy Center Oakwood Home for Women
S.T.E.P.S. Program The Fuller Center/Building on Higher Ground

 

Goodwill Clothing Drive

On the first Sunday of each month, FUMC youth collect gently-used clothing from the congregation during morning worship services. These clothes are sent to Goodwill Industries in exchange for vouchers which we, in turn, may give to people needing clothing assistance. The $10 vouchers are redeemable at any Goodwill store in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

 

One Great Day of Serving

Every year, FUMC members spend a special Saturday in November working with our neighbors in need.  Church volunteers serve by offering clean-up, light maintenance work, gardening, and other hands-on services at locations like the Allendale Friendship House, Christian Service Programs, and MLK Health Clinic.
 
 

Love Feast

Every Christmas, FUMC hosts a delicious hot lunch to over 500 hungry brothers and sisters in our community. This is the only free Christmas meal served in downtown Shreveport. Volunteers and guests from all walks of life are welcome to attend!
  

 

Paint Your Heart Out

PYHO is an annual, city-sponsored event during which volunteers paint the homes of needy Shreveport residents. FUMC organizes a team each year and spends the day working at a home in the Allendale neighborhood.
 
 

City of Faith Ministry

City of Faith is a federal halfway house located at 752 Austin Place in Shreveport. Volunteers help teach Bible study class on Thursdays, and also mentor to residents as they transition back into society.
 
 
 
Email Debbie Buchanan Engle, Director of Serving Ministries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday Worship Services

Traditional 8:30am & 11:00am

Contemporary 11:00am

Wesleyan Communion Service
9:45-10:30am
Couch Chapel
(1st Sunday of month)

Sunday School 9:45am


Televised Sunday Services

11:00am (live)
KTAL-TV Ch. 6

10:30am ABC (rebroadcast)
KTBS-TV Ch. 3

 

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