Serve our Families

Angel and Dove Tree Ministry

We collect Christmas gifts for the children of incarcerated parents or teens/adults receiving mental health services.   Coordination begins in the fall as we are given a list of families, we reach out to child host/guardians and specifically gather needs for each child.  During Advent our church members pick an angel or dove from our Christmas tree (or online tree), which are delivered before Christmas.  Contact Pat Blosser or Anne Blosser.

community dinners - 4:00 PM (2nd Saturday of the month)

The second Saturday of the month, we serve our famous meatloaf dinner to over 80 of our neighbors in need through the FUMC Community Dinner. At this time, volunteers are needed to package the meals in the Downstairs Fellowship Hall (limited to 10 individuals or fewer adhering to current Covid-19 protocols) and also to deliver the meals -- families are welcome to help on a delivery route! For more information about a meal packing or delivery shift, please contact Clay Murray.

Fall pounding

See more about our "FALL POUNDING " efforts in 2022 coming soon!   During the Fall season of harvest, we often count our blessings and joyfully strive to share our love for other neighbors and friends. Our FALL POUNDING is a cherished Fredericksburg UMC tradition. Remembering our Lord’s charge to “FEED MY SHEEP” we collect food and/or other important items for the Thanksgiving season.  Please contact Mike Cotter, if you would like to participate in the deliveries to the families at Hazel Hill Hall or Heritage Park. 

Food pantry 

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 2:00 - 4:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

ACCESS OUR PANTRY from our parking lot on Charlotte Street. The FUMC Food Pantry is an outreach mission that provides nourishing food and encouragement to over 4,500 people annually and has been open for over to 20 years!  Since COVID-19 we still are open outdoors and the need is growing. Generous donations and volunteers from Fredericksburg UMC members, The Presbyterian Church, St. Jude's Roman Catholic Church, Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, the Community Foundation, and other sources make this free pantry possible. 

To Volunteer check out our Sign-up page https://tinyurl.com/PantryHelp.  For volunteer information please contact us at  
To Donate Money:  A check or online payment to FUMC (Food Pantry Memo or Fund). 

To Donate Food or Diapers: Please call 401-465-7909 or email Tom Gerseny

Pantry Needs: New Boxed Cereal, Size 4, 5, 6 & 7 baby diapers and baby wipes.   Other unopened shelf stable items are also accepted, we can not accept expired items.

We are a Virginia Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program Location.  In accordance with Federal law and U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs,) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g.,  Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc,) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA'S TARGET Center at (202) 720-2500) voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information is available in languages other than English.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.pov/complaint filing cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Mail:
U.S, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Fax: (202) 690- 7442 or Email:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Legal Aid Support

An annual donation from Fredericksburg UMC helps Legal Aid Works (LAW) provide legal assistance to low-income residents of the Fredericksburg region who cannot afford an attorney when they face civil legal issues.  LAW helps avoid homelessness by representing homeowners and renters facing illegal foreclosures and evictions.  LAW’s attorneys help victims of domestic violence who need representation in civil protective order hearings, custody disputes, and child support matters, each of which may impact housing.  The LAW staff members offer community education on the legal rights of the poor and provide basic legal advice through educational pamphlets on their website, www.legalaidworks.org, including online Housing Guides.  The Housing Guide (updated August 2018) provides an updated Description of Tenant laws and a listing of affordable housing options in the surrounding five counties.

Refugee support 

Through our Women of Faith, we support Catholic Charities Refugee and Resettlement Services by providing money for security deposits for those just arriving and needing a home.   Some of our members also assist the Latino population with legal status in the US to apply for their children (under age 21) to come to the US as refugees from these 3 countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, under the Central American Minor Program.  

We also collect new or nearly new household items for the refugees (from Afghan, and Iraq mostly) in our mission control area (near the elevators).  These vetted refugees arrive with only a suitcase and household items are always needed - don't hesitate to drop off or contact Sandy Howson if you are unsure about your items  or Bill Botts for ungoing refugee settlement needs

 

 

 Support groups hosted by our church 

NA Groups and AA Groups