Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. Peter 4:10

Mission Ministries at FirstChurch

For more information on mission activities or to become involved in any specific mission work, contact Mission Ministry Director Sherrie Walker (655-8981) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Methodist Assistance
Through funds donated at the communion rail, special donations, and memorials, money is given to needy families or individuals that have a short-term need, like a bus pass, help with a bill, or medication.  Food is also given through a food pantry.  Methodist Assistance volunteers are in the office from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to help those that come.  Methodist Assistance works with Christians in Action and Catholic Outreach to help those in need.

Meals for the Elderly
Volunteers from the church assist the San Angelo Meals for the Elderly Organization by delivering meals to those in need during the months of March and September. Meals are delivered during the lunch hour, and routes are available all over town. Sign up to deliver once or several times during the months. Sign up occurs the month prior to delivery.

Baskets of Blessings
In 2007, the church donated 100 large bushel baskets filled with food and other special items to those in need. The baskets were given to local organizations, Project Dignidad, Wesley UMC Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, and House of Faith to be distributed. Families from the church took the baskets  home several weeks before Easter, and filled and decorated them. Instructions and an itemized list for the contents come with each basket.

Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is a shoebox gift ministry that serves children in over 100 countries throughout the world. 2008 was the first time FirstChurch has participated in this ministry, and the goal was to collect 200 shoeboxes. Boxes blessed during all worship services then mailed for distribution around the world.

House of Faith
House of Faith is a backyard ministry that reaches children from ages 2-18 throughout San Angelo and Tom Green County. The church supports the “San Jacinto Club”, which is located near downtown, each year by underwriting a portion of their Christmas party. This means the church pledges 40-50 monetary gifts or wrapped gifts – it alternates each year. Families are asked to provide a gift for one or more children from the club.  Each gift averages $20. The information is available at the beginning of November, and gifts are typically returned to the church the week after Thanksgiving.

Costa Rica Mission Teams
The church has sent four mission teams (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008) to Costa Rica, which is in Central America. The teams are hosted by Methodist missionaries, Ray & Lidia Zirkel, who live in San Jose. Teams do construction work and provide Vacation Bible School to local children while they are there, and range in size from 16-22. No experience needed – all skill levels are needed. You do not need to know Spanish. Information for another trip in 2010 will be available in the spring of 2009.

Relay for Life
FirstChurch sponsors at least one team each year for Relay for Life.  This fundraiser for the American Cancer Society is a big community effort and always a special time for participation.  The Survivor Lap at the beginning of each walk is always a moving experience.  Walkers walk around the track throughout the night in support of the fight against cancer.

Food Drive For FUMC Food Pantry and Project Dignidad
Project Dignidad is an ecumenical ministry that provides food in emergency situations to individuals and families.  FirstChurch has green collection boxes all around (FirstPlace Café, Sanctuary Entrances or Church Office) for drop-off of food items at any time.   Each month there will be a special request for certain food items.