Our Missions and Outreach Belief
AUMC has provided mission outreach from the start of our 50-year long history. Our Missions Committee meets once a month to continue organizing ways for AUMC to participate in missions within the congregation, in and around Charlottesville, Virginia, the U.S., and the world. United Methodists have believed, from the beginning, that each of us is called to participate in the outreaching ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley described this work in simple, practical terms saying, “Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can.”
Putting our faith into action is at the very heart of our Christian calling. By volunteering to serve, every person in the Church has the opportunity to serve and to live their calling more faithfully.
Action in Reading
The Action in Reading (AIR) program is dedicated to helping children cultivate a love of reading! We meet each Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 pm in the Community Building of a local apartment community for snacks, reading, puzzles and games. We are unique in that the program is held in the student’s own neighborhood! Come join us on Wednesdays – no commitment necessary. Just come with a smile and an open heart. If you have questions or are interested in finding out more about AIR please contact Ann Galione (anngalione@gmail.com) or Lynn Bremer (ltbn2books@comcast.net).
Gleaning
Gleaning to help stop hunger one apple at a time!Join other volunteers to glean apples at nearby orchards to pass on to our hungry neighbors. Please contact Jim Hassmer, Charlottesville Area Gleaning Coordinator, The Society of St. Andrew, at 434-466-4375 or charlottesvillegleaning@comcast.net. Also see www.endhunger.org. Aldersgate gleans at the City Market once a month (2nd Saturday) from April through October. Contact Susan Painter
Habitat for Humanity
AUMC is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Since 1991, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville has partnered with more than 130 hard-working low income families in the area to help them realize their dream of home ownership. Their mission: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville works to create simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with low-income families, volunteers and the communities of greater Charlottesville. Visit www.cvillehabitat.org. Aldersgate sends a team once a month (2nd Friday). Contact Tom Blalock.
PACEM
An interfaith group of churches/synagogue who provide meals, shelter and service to the homeless in our community. Volunteers are needed for set-up and take-down, food preparation, visitation, and overnight stay. This program is held during the PACEM season which runs from November through early April. Aldersgate hosts both the women and the men, for a week each during the season. Time commitment can be from as little as one hour to as much as you like during the weeks which Aldersgate hosts.
School Supplies
School supplies are collected and purchased for underprivileged children at Greer Elementary School. Volunteers are needed to assist with shopping, sorting, bagging and transporting of supplies to the school. Shopping can be at the convenience of the volunteer. The loading and transporting of supplies is held the Saturday before school starts. Time commitment is usually one hour on that Saturday. This school supply drive occurs once a year during the summer months.
Wesley Foundation Dinners
Once a semester, dinner is provided for approximately 30 UVA students that attend the functions at the Wesley Foundation. Volunteers are needed for food preparation, serving, and time for fellowship.
International Missions
Aldersgate supports three International Missionary efforts:
- Clara Biswas, Cambodia, works with street children in the capital, Phnom Penh.
- Fred & Ruby Amoah-Darko, Accra, Ghana, work to plant new churches and train pastors and other church leaders throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
- Oleg & Marina, Moldova (Eastern Europe), work to improve the conditions of youth in the poorest country in Europe. They offer summer camps and refuge homes for youth, in an effort to erase human trafficking.