Missions
Volunteers In Mission (VIM)
Juarez Mexico - Since 2005 the LPUMC VIM team has made annual trips to Juarez Mexico. Working with Operation HOGAR we have been able to move families from pallet to cinder block homes.
New Orleans - In 2006 a VIM team from Lafayette Park cleaned out and gutted Jason Hurst’s house, which was flooded by Hurricane Katrina. Jason is a paraplegic whose story is described in a New Mobility magazine article. In 2007 we were able to roof the house. The Hursts finally obtained a grant from the federal Road Home program, but it falls short of the cost of rebuilding. The family is still scattered and wanting very badly to get back home, and we want to see them accomplish that. We’ll be back in New Orleans soon.
Shalom House - Metro Family Services
LPUMC prepares a meal on the third Saturday of each month for twenty-five women at Shalom House. Shalom House is located inside Metro Family Services (formerly Metro Ministry) located at 1040 S. Taylor in the Central West End.
Shalom House is a transitional housing program for women with mental health issues. The transitional shelter provides case management, occupational therapy and psychiatric nursing to address independent hiring skills and to promote housing stability. The UMC is a partner in Shalom House.
Habitat for Humanity
LPUMC annually provides teams to assist other United Methodist Churches in building homes, working with Habitat for Humanity.
Centenary Cares
Centenary CARES is an outreach ministry of Centenary United Methodist Church located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. CARES opened its doors in December 2005 and in its first year of service served over 50,000 noon time meals to homeless and food insecure persons.
Although CARES offers meals, CARES is not a “soup kitchen”, CARES is access to human social services. CARES staff provide a welcoming environment where people can come in and rest and get out of the elements. CARES offers sanctuary. CARES offers many services including providing a permanent mailing address, voice mail boxes (in partnership with the Human Development Corporation), and birth certificates and identification, all services that lower barriers to shelter and employment.
On the first Monday of each month a group of LPUMC volunteers make a 2 hour commitment from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Volunteers help serve and clean up the meal. Optimal group size is 8-10 persons. Minimum group size is 6 persons.
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