Message from Director
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Athens First UMC Missions will continue to serve the community's most vulnerable in the following ways:
- We will partner with Our Daily Bread and other like-minded organizations to ensure we are serving both Sack Lunch Ministry and Souper Supper guests in place of our regularly scheduled programs on Thursdays and Sundays. Guests will receive a restaurant gift card that allows them to purchase a meal as needed.
- Because we are adhering to the Mayor and the Commissioner's Office directive of "shelter at home" and not gathering in groups of 10 or more, we are postponing our Mobile Food Pantry (March 28) until they direct us that we can continue this ministry. We are partnering with community agencies, ministry partners, and the Clarke County School District to respond to the immediate needs of our neighbors.
- For the same reasoning as above, we will be postponing our Missions Celebration Brunch on March 29. We are awaiting directive from our Bishop and from the State of Georgia before we announce new dates. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate the next best steps.
I want to thank you all for your outpouring of love for our community and willingness to serve when needed. We will notify you of any opportunities that arise to serve. In the meantime I will be praying for you all and our community at large.
Love Builds Community,
Kimberly Liebowitz
Opportunities to Serve
If you would like to make a contribution to help support our community above and beyond your tithe, OR if you are just visiting our website, her is how you can donate:
Give
Online
When giving online, designate "Special Missions" in the "Other" line. We will use contributions to purchase restaurant gift cards to ensure our community has an opportunity to receive a hot meal.
Check by Mail
AFUMC attn: Kimberly Liebowitz/Missions
327 N. Lumpkin Street
Athens, GA 30601
Sack Lunch Ministry | Every Sunday
Souper Suppers | Each Thursday evening January through April 2020
Emergency Response Team | As necessary
Mobile Food Pantry| Once a month
Our Daily Bread | Once a month
Family Promise of Athens (Formerly IHNA) | Once a quarter
Mission Trips
Regional Missions
Emergency Response Team
Early Response Teams are invited into a disaster area (after a disaster like a hurricane, tornado, or flooding) when it is determined that it is safe. Early Response Teams require specialized training, by the appropriate United Methodist annual conference disaster trainer. Trained Early Response team members will go out to a disaster area and are likely to serve in the following ways: removing debris, tarping roofs, "muck-outs", repair and rebuild tasks, and providing support for the community member(s) we are serving. There is an opportunity for all skill levels.
If you are interested in getting trained for our Early Response Team, contact Kimberly Liebowitz for more information.
Epworth by the Sea
Each year our Student Ministry travels to Epworth by the Sea to minister in that area and in the St. Simons community. This trip is a great opportunity for students who have not had a chance to serve in the mission field to participate in being the hands and feet of Christ.
Student Ministries | Epworth by the Sea
Athens First United Methodist Church serves around the world, focusing our Global efforts to touch the world with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
You can be on one of two teams: the "Go Team" or the "Send Team."
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The Send Team provides needed prayers, supplies, and finances that enable the Go Team.
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The Go Team goes, and serves on the trip.
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Together we are One Team for the mission of Jesus Christ.
Contact Kimberly Liebowitz to talk about any of the international teams listed below, or to discuss how to serve in global missions.
Serving in Costa Rica
Since 1980, Athens First United Methodist Church has sent mission teams to work with the people of El Mirador, a village of Nicaraguan refugees, in Costa Rica. It is a great opportunity for parents and youth to be in mission together. While in Costa Rica, we build houses and community buildings with the people there. We play with the children and sometimes lead Vacation Bible School.
Costa Rica Methodist Rural Center
Contact: Kimberly Liebowitz | | 706-543-1442