FUMC Missions
Be a part of what we love to doAt Fairfax UMC, we have various missions and ministry opportunities to serve both locally and globally. It is our belief that by serving, we are sharing God’s love and creating disciples to transform the world. Throughout the year, there are ministries that give back to the community through fresh grocery delivery, hot meals, English classes and emergency assistance. All ages are encouraged to participate.
Stock the Shelves
Our Stock the Shelves food pantry ministry, which originally served 20 families when it was founded in 2020, now serves 50–70 families every month by providing them with necessities such as food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products. Your donations make this possible! You can give financially to support the food pantry via our online donations portal, or you can donate shelf-stable goods in the blue bins located in the Narthex and church office. Each month has a different item focus, which you can learn about on our Facebook page, or you can click here for a list of all suggested donations. You can also sign up to sponsor an item on a monthly basis; click here to learn more.
Want to give time as well as or instead of donations? Click here and sign up to help with either stocking the food pantry shelves or distributing items. We appreciate all your support of this vital ministry!
Lamb Center Lunch Ministry
At 9:00am on the fourth Thursday of each month, individuals from Fairfax UMC prepare lunches for the guests of the Lamb Center. The Lamb Center is a local ministry that provides important services to the local homeless population such as meals, showers, clothing and other social services. If you would like to participate in the Lamb Center Lunch Ministry, sign up online or simply drop by the church between 9:00 and 10:00am; no sign-up required!
FACETS Hot Meals
On the first and third Fridays of each month, FACETS volunteers prepare and deliver hot meals to over 125 individuals and families who are homeless in our community. Please contact Jim Conklin to assist with this critical ministry.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Fairfax UMC offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for beginner and intermediate-level English language learners throughout the year. We also offer a Citizenship Class to prepare students for the U.S. Citizenship test. The Spring 2024 ESL session is now over, and we look forward to classes returning in the fall. If you have questions, contact the ESL coordinator, Laura Zotian, by email at eslatfairfaxumc@gmail.com or by phone at 703-463-7563. For a full list of English classes offered at churches in the area, visit the ESL and Immigrant Ministries site.
FISH
(For Immediate Sympathetic Help) Volunteers coordinate assistance for life’s necessities: food, clothing, rent assistance, utility bills and prescriptions. Please contact Tony Almond to assist with this ministry.
Seasonal Missions
Holiday Market
Holiday Market is a wonderful ministry our church initiated three years ago and it has found a special place in the hearts of the church and the community at Christmas! Each year, the church collects new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages, along with gently used books, coats, stocking stuffers, and other gifts for adults and kids. Then, local parents who would not otherwise be able to provide Christmas for their kids have the opportunity to select and wrap gifts for their kids from the donations. FUMC is always glad for this opportunity to bless others in such a blessed item of year.
To learn about this year’s Holiday Market, click here.
Hypothermia Sheltering
Every year, Fairfax UMC takes part in hosting the Hypothermia Shelter. Winter is an especially challenging season for the homeless community, and the shelter this ministry offers provides a brief respite that saves lives. Between 40 to 60 guests each night are provided shelter, safety, fellowship, dinner and breakfast the following morning. To learn more about the 2024 Hypothermia Shelter event and how you can help, click here.
Mission to Honduras
Our mission teams have built dormitory and teaching space, practiced English with teachers and students through music and crafts, and visited local homes and farms. If you feel a calling to experience a short-term mission trip to Honduras or just want to know more, please contact Andrea Kennedy.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is an annual event in which FUMC and many other churches work with local individuals and organizations to help repair and rebuild homes for those in need. Volunteers may do outdoor gardening and trimming, painting, power washing, minor repair projects, hardware installation, or other similar tasks. This ministry is a great way to make a tangible difference in people’s lives!
For information on the 2023 Rebuilding Together event, click here.
UMCOR Relief Ministry
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe. Groups and individuals (all ages) are needed to plan, assemble, and distribute items such as backpacks, hygiene kits, and flood buckets. To volunteer, please contact Christie Johnson.