Outreach

Outreach is the work applied toward the fulfillment of Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor.” The committee recognizes and addresses the needs of the world on a local, national and international level. All of God’s creation is included.

Our community ministries include support for Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project, Hope Thru a Vision, Department of Social Services for homeless clients, Nest Alliance Bed Ministry, Ashe County Middle School, and Appalachian State Campus Ministry.

Internationally, we support Project Agape. This is a ministry for Armenia’s children.

Armenia is a Christian nation of people thought to be descendants of Noah’s Ark. They are now a land-locked country with very limited resources and are often warred upon by Azerbaijan.

We welcome everyone to join us in this exciting service to Jesus.

Membership in our church is not a requirement.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 15:40

Ashe County Summer Reading Adventure a Children’s Literacy Initiative of The Duke Endowment hosted by West Jefferson UMC

The Ashe County Summer Reading Adventure will help 24 rising 1st through 3rd graders who are reading below grade level improve their ability to read and assit their families to participate in the process. Area churches, business, schools, and government agencies are already seeking ways to be supportive. The program runs for six weeks, June 19 – July 28, from 8:00 AM til 4:00 PM and will include a half-day of intensive reading exercises in the mornings and enrichment activities in the afternoons. Breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks will be provided. ALL FOR FREE! The children will be surrounded with love and expertise with a reading teacher and an assistant per 12 children, A 6:1 child/teacher ratio.

Our most urgent need is for VOLUNTEERS in the afternoons, 12:30 – 4:30. These volunteers do not have to have teaching experience – just a love for children! Volunteers may work flexible hours. All who work with the children will be provided a free background check and will be required to take a brief online course in “Safe Sanctuaries” – our church’s procedures for ensuring the safety of our children. To request information about any aspect of this children’s literacy adventure email Pam Cope at [email protected].

Circles of Care

Outreach: Purpose: To recognize and address the needs of the world including on a local, national and international level with fulfilling Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor”. Helping Hands: Purpose: To offer “helping hands” to assist church members with a need. Various tasks might include changing a lightbulb or providing a ride to an appointment. Visitation: Purpose: To provide caring and social interaction with those who are homebound or need a visit.

Bereavement: Purpose: To serve our church families who are experiencing a loss by preparing and serving a meal. Volunteers, under the leadership of Barbara Miller will be called upon to help as needed. Prayer Group: Purpose: To gather as those who desire to life up the concerns and needs of our church and community through prayer. Members gather every other week on Wednesday @ 1:00pm in the Gathering Room. Prayer Shawl Ministry: Purpose: To provide prayer shawls for those in need as requested. All those who knit or crochet are invited and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 10:00am in the Gathering Room. Food and Fellowship: Purpose: To provide members and guests with fellowship opportunities. Volunteers would help prepare, set up and serve at these events. Special Events: Purpose: To assist with seasonal decorating and special events throughout the year. Children, Youth and Preschool Ministries: Purpose: To develop and nurture ministry to the youth of our church and community.