MISSIONS
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Our missions and ministry opportunities here at First Church are vital components of our spiritual growth. We believe that the path of discipleship must include putting our faith into action (see James 2:14-26). Members of our church family are active in mission opportunities both locally and overseas. Wherever God is calling you, we have excellent missions opportunities available for you.
Breaking Bonds Ministries, Inc. was formed in 2014 with the goal of helping the broken rid themselves of the bondage of sin in their lives. The name “Breaking Bonds” comes from a verse out of Isaiah 14:3 that says, “And it shall come to pass in the day that the Lord shall give thee rest from the sorrow, from the fear, and from the hard bondage that you were made to serve.”
Breaking Bonds is a ministry whose mission is to spread the good news that you no longer have to serve the bondage of this world with drugs, alcohol, anger, sex, food, or any other form of bondage that you may be serving in your life. The program features classes that focus on teaching residents how to rebuild their life in Christ. Residents also receive on-the-job training that often leads to a full-time position.
Breaking Bonds holds a worship service every Tuesday night in Wesley Hall. A free family meal and fellowship time starts at 5:30 PM, with worship starting at 6:15 PM. The service is open to the public and is an excellent way to show your support for the amazing work being done. In addition, Breaking Bonds is always looking for volunteers (including small groups) to help prepare and serve the family fellowship meal. If you or your small group would like to participate, please contact Nolan Dill. For more information, visit their website at bbministriesinc.org.
In His Wings Ministry is committed to nurturing women by sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ. Their goal is to provide a healthy and consistent structured environment on a daily basis, while empowering women with education and guidance. By building a new life on a strong foundation, women, along with their families, can experience restoration and joy. This Faith-Based Women’s Ministry is a crucial support for the community. Their focus is on providing a safe place for women to get grounded and rooted in the Word of God, starting with a firm foundation. As women begin to see the love God has for them, they are transformed into mature women who are empowered to live and act in the way that God intended. For more information please contact Jennifer Tarwater or visit their website at inhiswingsministry.com.
A few years ago, some of our members began looking for ways to help disadvantaged students and their families. Working in partnership with Jonesboro Public Schools, we have created several programs to help the students at MicroSociety Elementary School. The students of Micro are disproportionately impacted by poverty and food insecurity, with 99% qualifying for free meals at school. You can learn more about our programs by watching this short video.
Our members are driven to demonstrate the love of Christ to the kids of Micro in Our members are driven to demonstrate the love of Christ to the kids of Micro in three ways: providing food for the weekend backpack program (see list); serving as a mentor or lunch buddy, visiting weekly with a student at MicroSociety to be a positive, shining influence in their lives; providing funds to help support our continued efforts at Micro (checks can be made payable to FUMC with “MicroSociety” in the memo line).
If you would like to learn more or get involved in our ongoing mission at MicroSociety, please email Lynn Bruner.
An interfaith food pantry comprising 24 religious organizations, Helping Neighbors distributes over 300,000 pounds of food to the hungry and needy every year. Serving the residents of Craighead County, FUMC volunteers help staff the pantry and provide much-needed donations to stock the shelves. Commonly needed items include canned goods, crackers, pasta and rice meals, soap, baby food, and diapers.
Donations can be dropped off in the designated box in the fellowship hall. For more information, visit their website at http://www.helpingneighbors-craighead.org/.
Our medical equipment mission is one-of-a-kind in our community. We take in durable medical equipment that is no longer needed, and our team works to make sure that others are blessed with them. The costs of durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and potty chairs, can be a major financial barrier for some patients. That’s why our medical equipment mission loans out these items for free to those who otherwise could not obtain them.
Founded by Patty Soward, the ministry is now led by Assistant Pastor Matt Knight. If you have any questions, please email Matt.
It’s hard to believe there was ever a time when Christians gathered without the benefit of coffee. Thankfully, we don’t have to live in those “dark ages.” Holy Grounds is our coffee ministry and is open every Sunday morning during worship times. We serve two different blends, a decaf option, as well as tea and water. The volunteers of Holy Grounds strive to make sure that you are both hydrated and caffeinated on Sunday.
If you would like to volunteer to work in our coffee ministry, please email the office.
The Care Team ministry is one of the longest-standing missions at FUMC. Volunteers meet monthly to write cards for the elderly, ill, and shut-ins. In addition, volunteers travel to area nursing homes to bring the joy of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ to residents who cannot attend church regularly. Members of the Care Team are often called upon when a family member of the church passes away, and meals and other preparations are needed.
If you would like to be a part of this ministry or have any questions, please contact Matt Knight.