Other JFUMC Missions

In addition to our church’s community mission organizations (JCOC, the Garden of Eatin’, Jax Snack Packs, and the Serving Table) we are heavily involved in missions in the local community and throughout the world.

Jacksonville Community Missions

Wesley Foundation - Wesley Foundation is a campus ministry of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, located in close proximity to our church on the campus of JSU (Jacksonville State University). Jacksonville First UMC provides annual mission funds to support this campus ministry, and church members are involved in various ways. Each semester, we provide at least one meal for the weekly worship gathering. Learn more about JSU’s Wesley Foundation here.  

Jacksonville Meals on Wheels – This ministry provides elderly, disabled or homebound individuals with a hot, mid-day meal delivered by volunteers. Learn more about the national organization of Meals on Wheels here.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) - SHP is a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. JSU sponsors a bed build on campus each year with the Gadsden Chapter of SHP. JFUMC Provides funds for two beds along with the mattresses and bedding and any available church volunteers for the bed build.

Regional Missions

United Methodist Disaster Response Warehouse – Located in Decatur, Alabama, this ministry provides humanitarian relief after a natural disaster strikes. This is an all-volunteer charity with churches and communities donating and packing supplies to prepare for the next disaster. Volunteers pack supplies for cleaning buckets, tornado buckets and school and hygiene kits. You can find more information here.

Community Enabler – This is an agency located in nearby Anniston on the frontline of the economic crisis providing food, clothing and utility assistance to the growing number of people seeking aid, ranging from the newly unemployed to the chronically poor. Learn more about Community Enabler here.

Interfaith Ministries & Adult Dental Clinic - This ministry provides assistance and serves as an advocate for individuals and families in crisis in Calhoun County. Among the programs are an adult dental clinic and emergency assistance for utility bills, rent, prescriptions. The Open Door program is a place for homeless and displaced persons to have access to a phone, computer, shower, toiletries, snacks and an address to receive mail. Learn more about these ministries here.

Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County – Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Our vision is to have a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Volunteers don't have to be skilled, just simply willing to learn. Learn more here.

United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) - By providing homes, healing and hope, UMCH strives to embrace and nurture children who are in need of someone to care for them when those closest to them aren’t able to adequately provide that care. While faith serves as the core of UMCH mission, they are driven by a desire to nurture, support and prepare kids for productive, thriving futures. Learn more here.

Second Chance – This organization provides free services to victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, career training, 24 hour crisis line, court and child advocacy, thrift store, support groups and a plan to help clients lead an independent life. Learn more here. 

Martha’s Hope - Provides an emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Located behind Anniston First United Methodist Church, volunteers provide and serve an evening meal for the guests, creating a warm, community atmosphere. JFUMC has teams providing meals each month. 

Global Missions

African Children’s Mission (ACM) - ACM reaches out to children in destitute circumstances, working to end the cycle of poverty by partnering with local churches and communities to provide support through child-sponsorships, discipleship, education, school feeding programs, pastor training, medical clinics, providing access to clean water, and much more. A mission team led by one of our church members, Dr. Bruce Cunningham, serves every two years at ACM in Uganda. JFUMC has several families who sponsor children at ACM. Learn more here.

Missionary Support - On behalf of JFUMC, the Missions Committee sends funds in support of the following global missionaries. When in the US, these missionaries come to visit JFUMC and share their experiences in the mission field. 

Joe Riddle & Family - General Board of Global Ministries - serving at Lithuania United Methodist Church from Trussville, AL

    Kirby & Whitney McMunn & children - World Gospel Mission - serving in the Czech Republic from Mentone, AL

    Lyle & Diana Thomas - NOVO Creative Missionaries - serving in Petersburg, Russia - brother to JFUMC’s Casey Thomas

Servants in Faith & Technology (SIFAT) - We help with this nonprofit Christian organization, located in Lineville, AL, whose mission is to share God’s love through service, education and personal involvement with a needy world. People from around the world gather at SIFAT’s international training campus to learn practical skills to foster sustainable community development.  Learn more here.

Lion’s Vision Mission - We assist with “Alabama Lions Sight” in promoting sight conservation through research, education, detection and treatment. For over 20 years Lion’s Vision Mission teams from throughout Alabama have served in different cities in Mexico each year. Learn more here. 

To read more about the latest in mission involvement and JFUMC, see this week’s newsletter here.