Community
Outreach
As Beloved Children of God, we are called to go out into the world and share His love with others. Here at Woodmar UMC, we put our vision into action by implementing a wide variety of community outreach programs. Whether it’s helping to feed the hungry through the Blessing Box or Community Garden, offering clothing to those in need through Kids Closet, or even just having fun hosting Trunk or Treat, we love serving the community as the hands and feet of Jesus.
MiniUP™
“MiniUP™ was birthed out of God’s call on our church to live life intentionally with our neighbors. We have prayed and wrestled with how to do this in a way that is authentic and honors our Savior as well as our neighbors. Our intention is to come alongside people, to get to know them, to learn from them, and to, perhaps, meet a need, if invited to do so.” Rev. Esta Rosario.
Overview: The mission statement is: To uplift and empower young children through reinforcing the importance of education and the development of life skills. UP stands for Unlimited Potential. During the 2022-23 school year, 83 kindergarten, first and second graders along with 19 sixth grade Buddies participated in MiniUP™. Twelve adult leaders met with children on Tuesdays.
MiniUP™ also aligns with an action goal of Woodmar’s Racial Equity Group, which is to provide positive opportunities for child development and education in our community.
MiniUP™ is currently for Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Students along with Sixth Grade Buddies.
MiniUp™ will meet on most Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 at Jefferson Elementary School.
MiniUP™ leadership team is comprised of adult volunteers from Woodmar UMC and Christ Lutheran churches who are background checked and actively participate in the development of lessons as well as providing encouraging relationships with children.
MiniUP™ Sixth Grade Buddies interview for this leadership position. Buddies are an integral part of MiniUp™ Buddies lead each age-level group through the Station rotation and act as role models for the children. Buddies receive training and ongoing support from adult leaders and their sixth grade teacher.
MiniUP™ schedule for leaders and children:
3:00 - meet in the cafeteria to set out snacks and name tags.
3:25 – collect the children from their classrooms with an attendance binder.
3:30 – Meet in the cafeteria for a snack and group organization.
3:40 – groups dismiss to rotate through their three stations: Phonics, Math and Handwriting. Each station is comprised of three groups, Kindergarten, First and Second Grades, and rotate every 15 minutes.
4:30 – children are dismissed to their parent or caregiver at a designated door.
Community Garden
Our community garden is for everyone! Watch it grow! Come and pick some fresh vegetables to enjoy. And, you are always welcome to help weed! Share in God's bounty.
Trunk-or-Treat
Our annual Trunk-or-Treat is housed in the Community Center (there aren’t any actual trunks in our Trunk-or-Treat, just treats!). It’s a great time for kids to collect some sweet treats for Halloween and show off their awesome costumes in a safe environment. We also provide hot dogs, chips, and hot chocolate so people can eat and hang out.
Blessings Box
The Blessing Box is a way we strive to help feed the hungry in our community. As our sign reads, the system is very simple: Take what you need and leave what you can. Since its construction, we have been blessed with abundant donations.
Little Library
Stationed right next to our Blessing Box, the Little Library is similar to its larger sibling – take what you need and leave what you can, but this time with books instead of food. We love to encourage reading for people of all ages. Learning doesn’t stop once you get out of school!
Community Preschool & Childcare
Our Community Preschool & Childcare is a state-licensed and registered facility. We are a Level 4 on the Paths to Quality provider, the highest possible rating, and strive to ensure that children’s needs are met and that they are provided with a quality education. Please visit the preschool’s website to learn more, click here.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”
– Ephesians 2:10
To participate in our community events, please visit our Events Calendar and sign up for our newsletter.
If you have questions about our Community Outreach programs, please email our office.