Mission Work at Lewis Center

At Lewis Center UMC, missions is more than a project or an event, but a core part of our foundation as a church. Below, you will find ways to be a part of our church community as we find ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. 

opportunities to serve

We hope you will join us in serving others in the name of Jesus. Please contact the Missions Team at missions@lewiscenterumc.org with any questions regarding any of the opportunities listed below.

Alpha Recovery - OctOBER MONTHLY MISSION

Our church hosts weekly meetings to help people with their hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  The Alpha Recovery Program is a faith-based, non-profit organization that aide’s families, friends, and those suffering with any out of control behaviors without passing judgment upon a person's shortcomings regardless of their age, race, gender, creed, or social status. The weekly support group utilizes Cognitive Restructuring and acceptance, support, and accountability from other addicted persons. They also run Jericho House, a level 2 community recovery residence that is peer-run, volunteer monitored, and community supported. Alpha is a house of healing from any out-of-control behavior that separates you from God, yourself, and your family.  For online giving you can donate here and select Monthly Mission or designate Alpha Recovery on your check memo.

PIN HOLIDAY CLEARING HOUSE - COAT DRIVE & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There are 1,401 children registered for the 71st annual People In Need (PIN) Holiday Clearing House and we need 429 more brand-new winter coats. If you are willing to shop for some coats, please access the sign-up list to see the list of sizes still needed. Bring the coats to the church between Nov 23 and Dec 7. If you would prefer to purchase brand-new hats/gloves, those are welcome as well and adult sizes are typically the most needed.

For those looking for a great way to give back during the holiday season - please check out the various tabs of the PIN Holiday Clearing House volunteer sign-up site. (Coat Land is the last tab for those who are interested in volunteering there.)

Common Ground Free Store is a warm, welcoming place where basic material needs – clothing, shoes, household goods, linens, toys, personal care items, diapers, wipes, and prepared meals – are available to anyone for free. Below are different ways we can help support their good work.

• Find out more info here about how you can cook or donate food to help the Free Store continue to provide approximately 100 meals, every time they are open.

• Fill out this application form to register as a volunteer and sign-up to help.

• Donate new or used items for the free store.

  • Click here to find out what they do/don’t accept and when donations are accepted.

  • Most Needed Items: Brand new socks, underwear, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, razors, toilet paper, and size 5 and 6 diapers.

  • Check out their Amazon wish list and ship things directly to them!

Our church has supported the United Methodist Church For All People (C4AP) ministry for more than 15 years by providing breakfast to those in need on the second Sunday of each month. Each Sunday, we will need 6 volunteers to help provide the food and 4-10 volunteers to help serve breakfast (arrival time is 8AM) at Church For All People downtown.  Please review the volunteer categories and sign-up for as many Sundays as you can in 2025 to support this important mission of the church.

• Volunteer A: Pick up other volunteer's items from LCUMC at 7:20AM (if needed) and provide 3 hot casseroles & 30 cereal or fruit bars

• Volunteer B: Provide 3 hot casseroles (or 40 breakfast sandwiches from White Castle) & 2 gallons of chocolate milk

• Volunteer C: Provide 3 dozen (36) hardboiled eggs, 2 gal orange juice, & 5 lbs of bananas

• Volunteer D: Provide 3 dozen (36) hard boiled eggs, 40 pudding cups, & 1 gallon of chocolate milk

• Volunteer E: Provide 3 large boxes of cereal & 2 gallons of white milk

• Volunteer F: Provide 2 hot casseroles & 5 lbs of oranges

On behalf of those in need who are served at Church for All People, we thank you for your generous gift of time and meals. 

Some of our church members serve as Food Pantry volunteers at People In Need.  Jobs include sorting incoming donations, checking dates, preparing groceries for pick-up orders, and assisting clients in shopping in the PIN grocery store.  Available morning shifts are Monday-Friday from 9AM-12PM.  Afternoon shifts are from 1-4:30PM on Monday-Thursday and from 1-3PM on Friday. You must be 18 or older to volunteer in the food pantry and can commit to volunteering once a week, once a month, or as their schedule permits.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer - click here for more information. 

"The world is my parish." - John Wesley