Outreach & Volunteerism

Volunteer Ministries That You Can Join Right Here, Right Now!

Jesus said: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:37-38.

The spirit of outreach and volunteerism at First United Methodist Church of Lakewood offers many opportunities to volunteer within the church, within the community, and around the world. We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ by Welcoming, Proclaiming, Encouraging, Nurturing, Serving, and Sending. Join us in fulfilling that mission!

ADULT EDUCATION MINISTRY

Teachers & Substitutes for Adult Sunday School Classes – Classes vary from prepared lesson manuals to less formal discussion groups. Expert familiarity with the Bible is not a prerequisite for attendees, just a thirst for knowledge and how lessons apply to one's life. Adult classes held at 9:00AM on Sunday mornings. Email the Church Office for more information on locations and current topics.

Teachers/Leaders of Adult Bible Studies – Classes vary in format, but often include workbooks to use as a guide. Bible Studies are often held Thursday morning or weekday evenings. Email the Church Office for more information.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Acolytes – Need 4^th – 12^th grade boys and girls on a weekly basis to serve as Acolytes at the 10:15 AM Sunday service. Acolytes also may be needed for special holiday services. Email the Church Office for more information.

Joyful Noise 2 – Ages 3 to 12, Sunday mornings in our discovery room. These young singers get a chance to sing twice yearly at worship services. No talent required. No auditions. Email the Church Office for more information.

Teaching or Assisting in Children's Sunday School – Working with children ages 5-11 from on Sunday mornings. Teacher-ready curriculum. You may choose monthly, biweekly or weekly basis. Email the Church Office to get started!

Vacation Bible School – One week during the summer. We need crew leaders for different age levels and volunteers for all sites - food, crafts, games, etc! Please email the Church Office for more information.

Methodist Camp Representative – This person stays in contact with the camps, helps to set up camp trips and advertise. Email the Church Office to help with this ministry.

CHURCH-WIDE

Hospitality Team – No previous experience required!!! Here is your opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and be the "smiling Face of First United Methodist Church of Lakewood". Volunteers are needed on a rotating basis to serve as greeters, snack distributors, for Sundays 10:15AM worship service - we would love to have you! It's easy and fun plus we will work with you. For more information, email the Church Office.

Newsletter – We need you to help produce the newsletter that will reach out to our community and let them know we are a vibrant, warm, wonderful place to worship and that we are a "family" church which welcomes all who are searching for a church home. Volunteers are needed to write articles, interview activity participants and write about their experiences. Please email the church office.

Arranging Altars for Worship – Provide help in setting up for communion or provide flowers for the altar. Altar flowers can be given in dedication to or in memory of family members, for a special celebration, or other occasions. A sign-up for flowers is available outside the church office. Email the church office for information.

Special Events – Events where everyone can participate. Activities include a yard sale, auction, breakfast, lunch, baked goods, crafts, children's games, and all associated preparation and cleanup. Invite helpers through sign-up boards and phone calls. Proceeds are often used both for missions and for church facilities which support our missions. Contact announced leaders or the Church Office.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Broken Loaf Food Pantry – We provide food to around 100 families every Saturday from 9am – 11am through our partnerships with local churches, individuals, and other organizations. We need people to volunteer on Friday night from 6pm-8pm to set-up. We need to people to volunteer to pick up food on Friday morning. We also need people to volunteer on Saturday morning from 8:30am-11:30am to serve food. Email the church office for information.

Neighbor 2 Neighbor (N2N) – Teams of volunteers from the church family have joined together to visit our neighbors next to the church. This program is a wonderful way to share the love of Christ and to welcome the community to our church. Requirements: a smile; a warm heart. Email the church office for information.

MISSIONS

We support our California Annual Conference and our United Methodist Church denomination in various international missions across the globe. However, we are always open to consider other possibilities. Crop Walk has been one of our many favorite local activities. Email the church office for information.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Our Music Ministries is filled with opportunities for every skill level! If you are interested in any of the music ministries, please contact our Director of Music, Jackie Beery Contact: jackie_beery@yahoo.com.

Chancel Choir - Practices on Thursdays from 7:30pm until 9:00pm. Sing anthems for most 10:15am services, and provide special music services for Easter and Christmas. All voices are welcome! Childcare is provided for Thursday evening practices.

Musicians/ Singers - If you are proficient on bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, keyboards or background vocals, you are invited to share your gifts during worship service. Practices are on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm-9:00pm and Sunday morning at 9:30am.

Steel Drum Band - Practices are after worship service in the Sanctuary around 12:15pm. We play during worship service and around Southern California. Ability to read music is not required and all ages are welcome to join.

PRAYER GROUPS

Thursday Morning Devotional Group - Meet in library at 10:00 AM to study God’s word. We also pray for the members of the church congregation, families of church members with special needs, the community, nation, and world. Email the church office for information.

Email Intercessory Prayer Group - To be a part of this ministry all you have to do is provide the church office with your e-mail address, and they will add you to the team. You will then receive prayer requests from the office via your email once or twice a week. Contact the Church office to sign up.

SMALL GROUPS

Softball – Fun softball games versus area churches Games are generally June through August. We won our divisional championship!!! Contact the Church office to sign up.

Basketball - Fun basketball games generally every Sunday from 4pm-6pm in our Baker's Hall gym. Email the church office for information.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Visitation - We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in visiting people in our congregation who are hospitalized or in a nursing home. Visits usually would last only 20 or 30 min. If you are interested in participating in this ministry please email the church office for information.