United Methodist Church
of Casa Grande
Outreach Lay
Ministries
The outreach team coordinates, plans, carries out, and evaluates the congregation’s outreach ministries, including missions, health and welfare, Christian unity and interreligious concerns, church and society issues, religion and race, and status and role of women.
Aligned with the community’s rhythm, the Outreach Team utilizes diverse methods to align their actions with the community’s needs. They employ surveys to gauge public sentiment, conduct interviews to understand societal values, organize focus groups to gauge shared goals, and analyze data to form a comprehensive community profile. This informed approach enables them to devise outreach strategies that are not just impactful but also resonate deeply, setting objectives that match the community’s distinct character and its inherent challenges.
The following Outeach ministries are currently active. We warmly invite you to explore and discover the offerings of the United Methodist Church of Casa Grande.
To expand a question, click the (+) symbol.
Angel Tree
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program is a Christmas assistance initiative that provides gifts to children and senior adults in need:
- Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as income guidelines, which generally require having a low to moderate income or living in poverty.
- Registration: Applicants need to provide necessary information to determine qualification, including photo ID, proof of residence (like a lease or utility bill), and, for each child, documents like birth certificates or official custody papers.
- Wish List: Once accepted, the Christmas wish list of the child or senior is shared with donors who purchase new clothing and toys.
- Privacy: No private information is shared with the public. Donors receive only a first name and a wish list.
Program Availability: The Angel Tree program operates in many cities across the U.S. and Canada, but not all locations use the same application process. It’s important to check with the local Salvation Army for specific details.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande has implemented Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This is an essential life-saving technique used in emergencies involving sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is a portable device that checks the heart’s rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. CPR is a manual effort to restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. Together, these methods significantly increase the chances of survival after cardiac arrest by maintaining vital blood flow to the heart and brain and attempting to restart the heart’s normal rhythm.
Baby Hats
The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande warmly invites you to join our compassionate initiative: ‘Hats for Newborns.’ This heartfelt project is dedicated to handcrafting cozy baby hats for the little ones at Banner Hospital. Below are the key details and guidelines for participation in this endearing endeavor. Let’s knit together a tapestry of care and comfort for our community’s newborns.
- Yarn Type: Use soft, baby-friendly yarn. Acrylic yarns are preferred for their durability and ease of care. Avoid wool as it can be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Colors: Solid colors are recommended. Bright, cheerful colors are appreciated, but avoid variegated or striped yarns to maintain simplicity and focus on comfort.
- Pattern: The pattern should be simple and suitable for newborns. Both knitted and crocheted hats are acceptable. Patterns that can be completed quickly are ideal for volunteers.
- Size: Ensure the hats are appropriately sized for newborns. They should be snug but not too tight, providing warmth without discomfort.
- Hygiene: Hats must be clean and free from any pet hair or strong odors, as newborns with sensitive immune systems will wear them.
- Community Involvement: The church encourages community participation. Volunteers can contribute by knitting or crocheting hats; the church may hold events to gather these donations.
- Spiritual Touch: The Pastor may offer prayers over the baby hats, adding a spiritual warmth to the physical comfort provided to the newborns.
These guidelines ensure that the baby hats are safe, comfortable, and suitable for newborns at Banner Hospital in Casa Grande. It’s a wonderful way to provide warmth and care to the little ones while engaging the community in a meaningful project. Blessings to all those contributing to this kind and caring act.
City of Casa Grande Electric Light Parade
Purpose of Participation:
- The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande’s participation in the City of Casa Grande Electric Light Parade aligns with its mission.
- The mission is to celebrate and share the joy of the Christmas season.
View of Advent and Christmas:
- The church views Advent and Christmas as a time to spread messages of:
- Hope
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
Connecting with the Community:
- By participating in community events like the Christmas parade:
- The church can connect with the community.
- It can share the spirit of the season.
- It serves as a reminder of the love that came down during Christmas, which is central to the Christian faith.
Outreach Opportunity:
- Such participation also serves as an outreach opportunity:
- Demonstrating the church’s presence in the community.
- Expressing the church’s commitment to being a source of light and love.
Festive Setting and Values:
- Participating in the parade allows the church to:
- Engage with others in a festive setting.
- Showcase its values through creative expressions like float building.
Strengthening Bonds:
- This involvement not only strengthens the bonds within the congregation but also:
- Invites others to experience the warmth and welcoming nature of the church community during the holiday season.
Food Bank Sunday Donations
Nourish the Community: Food Bank Sunday
Join us in a monthly gesture of kindness with our Casa Grande Food Bank Collection Drive. Our church is dedicated to supporting the CG Food Bank in its mission to deliver essential nourishment to families facing food scarcity.
Food Bank Sunday occurs on the third Sunday of each month, symbolizing our commitment to community care. We invite you to contribute non-perishable and unexpired food items. Your generous donations can be placed in the designated collection box within the narthex.
Together, we can ensure that every table has food and every heart has hope. Thank you for sharing in this vital ministry.
Keep Casa Grande Beautiful / Adopt-A-Street program
The Keep Casa Grande Beautiful / Adopt-A-Street program is a community initiative in Casa Grande, Arizona that encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to actively maintain the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of local streets. Here are the key requirements and points of the program:
- Eligibility: Casa Grande residents, businesses, community or civic organizations, neighborhood associations, church groups, or individuals can adopt streets.
- Street Adoption: Streets are adopted in one-mile segments, and only major and collector streets are considered for adoption.
- Commitment: Volunteers commit to removing trash/debris along both sides of the adopted street for at least two years.
- Clean-Up Frequency: A minimum of two annual clean-ups is required, typically scheduled on Saturdays in October and March.
- Safety: Safety vests (provided by the program) must be worn during clean-ups. An adult must accompany minors under 18.
- Trash Collection: After clean-up, volunteers leave all debris in bagged/tied trash bags along the side of the street for city staff to pick up.
- Non-Compliance: If the minimum clean-ups are not performed, the Adopt-A-Street signs will be removed, and the street segment will be available for others to adopt.
Reporting: Volunteers are encouraged to monitor conditions on their adopted street and report any problems to the Adopt-A-Street coordinator.
Open Lot Plan to Create a Garden
- An Open Lot Committee meeting was held on April 23rd to discuss ideas for utilizing the ample open space behind the church.
- Talents were discovered, and many fantastic ideas were shared.
- The project will take place in phases:
- First phase: Focus on clean-up and research during the hot summer.
- In the fall, move forward with irrigation, garden plotting, and installation, among other things.
- Throughout the project, church workdays will focus on continued clean-up and Open Lot Committee meetings.
- Suggestions for naming the “Open Lot,” including “A Little Piece of Heaven,” will continue.
- Everyone is encouraged to get involved and leave their mark. All skills and interest levels are welcome!
Ringing the Salvation Army Bell
Month of December
The “Ring the Bell” campaign is a hallmark of The Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts, particularly during the holiday season. Volunteers participating in bell ringing are stationed at the organization’s iconic red kettles, often in public spaces like shopping areas. The purpose of this campaign is multifaceted:
- Community Impact: The funds collected stay local and support The Salvation Army’s programs in the community where they were donated.
- Changing Lives: Bell ringing helps provide essential services such as meals, shelter, and opportunities for underprivileged children to attend summer camp.
- Spreading Holiday Cheer: The sound of the bell is synonymous with the holiday season, and volunteers contribute to the festive atmosphere.
- Encouraging Generosity: The ringing reminds passersby of the spirit of giving and the importance of compassion and solidarity within communities.
- Supporting Those in Need: The donations help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and assist in crises.
Overall, bell ringing is not just about collecting donations; it’s about being part of a larger movement to provide help, hope, and comfort to those who need it most.
Sanctuary Beautification Project
In our continuous efforts to create a serene and welcoming environment for all, we are delighted to announce our initiative to enhance the beauty of our church grounds.
- To establish a tranquil oasis that mirrors the peace and harmony found in our faith.
- To uplift spirits and strengthen our connection with the divine through the beauty of our surroundings.
- We call upon everyone to appreciate and preserve the beauty of our church grounds, contributing to this sacred space.
- Serene and Welcoming Environment: Emphasizes the goal of inclusivity and tranquility for everyone who visits.
- Enhance the Beauty: Indicates a commitment to improving the aesthetic and spiritual appeal of the church grounds.
- Tranquil Oasis: Suggests a place of refuge and contemplation, reflecting the inner calmness and balance promoted by the faith.
- Connection with the Divine: Highlights the belief that a beautiful environment can foster a more profound spiritual experience.
- Appreciation and Preservation: Encourages active participation in maintaining the sanctity and beauty of the church grounds.
Shield a Badge with a Prayer
The SHIELD A BADGE WITH A PRAYER program is a community support initiative designed to provide spiritual and emotional backing to law enforcement officers. Here are the key points of the program:
- Prayer Support: Individuals commit to praying for an officer every day for one year.
- Personal Connection: Participants may send birthday cards and notes of thanks to their assigned officers.
- Confidentiality: The names and birth dates of participating officers are kept confidential and are only shared with permission from the relevant authorities.
- Community Involvement: The program encourages local newspapers and media to spread awareness and invites churches and community members to participate.
- Record-Keeping: Organizers maintain records of all prayer partners and updates from law enforcement agencies.
The program aims to give officers a sense of being cared for and supported by their community, especially considering the high-stress nature of their work and the personal challenges they often face. If you’re interested in starting a program in your area, it’s recommended that you contact local law enforcement leaders to discuss implementation.
Note:
If you are interested in praying over an officer’s badge, please sign up in the narthex, contact Carol by phone at (520) 705-6158, or email carolhoing@icloud.com for additional information.
UMCCG Laundry Love Participation
- Laundry Love was initiated five years ago to support this area for the underprivileged by providing laundry supplies and funds.
- The service is conducted bi-monthly, specifically on the second and final Wednesday of each month.
- A coalition of six local churches collaborates to facilitate this program. “Laundry Love,” the names of six churches appear — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Trinity Southern Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande.
- The Quick Clean Laundromat on Florence Boulevard serves as the venue for this endeavor.
- Thanks to the outreach efforts of churches and individual benefactors, the program has been sustained and expanded.
- Services have been extended to a broader spectrum of beneficiaries, including the homeless, elderly individuals with limited income, and numerous families.
- This initiative reflects the community’s collective spirit and solidarity.
On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, the churches rotate, with volunteers taking turns handing out quarters and detergent so that Laundry Love voucher recipients may launder their clothing, bedding and other items.
The United Methodist Church of Casa Grande actively participates in March, June, September, and December.
Day & Time 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
(2nd & Last Wednesdays of the month
Two (2) persons two-hour shifts:
- 1st shift from 3 pm to 5 pm
- 2nd shift from 5 pm to 7 pm
- Quick Clean Laundromat
950 E Florence Blvd
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
The effects of volunteering with Laundry Love will serve as a beacon of hope, offering more than just clean clothes; it will provide a sense of dignity and normalcy to those facing hardships. As volunteers tenderly fold garments and share warm conversations, they weave threads of compassion into the fabric of the community. The grateful smiles of families and the renewed spirits of the homeless reflect the profound impact of this simple yet powerful act of service. In each sudsy cycle and every folded sheet, hope is rinsed and spun, emerging as bright as the linens themselves, instilling a belief in a future where cleanliness and care are accessible to all.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your guidance and blessings for our outreach programs. We ask that You fill us with Your love and compassion, so that we may serve our community with open hearts and willing hands.
Grant us the wisdom to understand the needs of those we serve, and the strength to meet those needs with humility and grace. May our efforts bring hope, comfort, and joy to those who are struggling, and may we be a shining light of Your love in our community.
Bless all those who participate in these programs, and may their dedication and hard work be a testament to Your glory. We pray that through our actions, others may come to know Your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
