Methodists are known for their hands-on social action, for their sober and healthy habits and for their routine and methodical ways. One of the three rules for living a Holy Life as set forth by John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, is to do good, “of every possible sort, and as far as possible, to all.”
Here in the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Riverside, we engage in concrete actions that make the community a more just and loving place. We feed the hungry, support mission projects, offer comfort to those who are suffering. We encourage everyone to participate in actions that protect God’s creation and advocate for the oppressed. We invite you to join us as we serve as the working hands and dancing feet of our Lord in the world. Some of our current missions are below:
We partner with our local chapter of Family Promise to help families with shelter, food and funds to help them achieve sustainable independence. We envision a world where every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future. Are you willing to help?
United Women in Faith (UWF) frequently fund microloans through Kiva. With relatively small amounts of money, Kiva can help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. UMW supports women owned businesses, and reinvests all repaid loans into new businesses. They have given more than 100 loans so far.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) seeks to alleviate suffering caused by disasters that strike anywhere in the world. With a philosophy that “communities own their recoveries,” UMCOR acts quickly to support local efforts to accomplish immediate relief and long-term recovery while providing for volunteers to offer compassionate ministry in the aftermath of disasters.
HOPE Room at Wesley UMC
We partner with our fellow Methodists at 5770 Arlington Ave. to staff a drive thru and walk up pantry and homeless outreach program every Friday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Come for food, clothing and an optional Bible study. They call it the HOPE Room.
Gifts of rabbits, bees, sheep, goats and heifers are part of an international effort to provide living gifts that keep on giving. This congregation has operated the Heifer International booth at the Alternative Gift Fair for more than 40 years, raising money and sending it to to the organization.
United Women in Faith (UWF) supports a high school girl with tuition, books, and uniforms at Padhar School in Madhya Pradesh, India.
This church supports Feeding America, Riverside. This is the largest food bank in the Inland Empire, serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Feeding America provides food to food banks who then distribute the food in their local area.
Baskets from Ten Thousand Villages, gifts from Heifer International, Paper flowers, ceramics and baklava are all part of the Alternative Gift Fair, a tradition in Riverside that gives shoppers an Alternative to the Shopping Mall. Have a handmade holiday by coming out to the fair the first Sunday in December, at 4845 Brockton Ave. Vendors at the fair have to be donating significant proceeds to nonprofit causes.
Meals on Wheels was founded at First United Methodist Church and continues to operate here as a fully functioning non profit organization. Volunteer drivers take low cost meals to seniors or others in need of a steady delivery of food. Find out more at: https://www.riversidemow.org/
