Serving as the hands and feet of Christ in our community and beyond is foundational to Epworth’s ministries. The Mission & Outreach team supports all community outreach and mission efforts that engage Epworth members, families, and friends through advocacy, volunteerism, and giving. The team also grants funds to vital organizations addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and education. Members act as liaisons with community partners to ensure that collections and contributions meet real, identified needs.
Goals
- Encourage volunteerism, advocacy, and giving through Epworth’s key ministries, community initiatives, and United Methodist relief programs.
- Track annual volunteer participation and contributions to measure engagement.
- Partner with local and global organizations to respond to poverty, hunger, disaster relief, and educational needs.
- Offer ongoing opportunities for service through both local outreach and global missions.
What We Do
The Mission & Outreach team meets in person on the first Wednesday of each month for approximately two hours. Meetings include updates on supported organizations, planning for upcoming events and collections, and budget allocation reviews.
Throughout the year, the team coordinates and promotes fundraisers, donation drives, and volunteer opportunities with community partners. Seasonal events include Advent giving, Easter and Thanksgiving meals for shelters, and disaster relief collections.
The team also supports and collaborates with several key ministries within Epworth, including:
- Furniture Ministry
- Hawkins STEAM Academy Partnership and Grace School Supply Pantry
- Feed Your Neighbor at Epiphany Lutheran
- Red Cross Blood Drives
- Paul’s Community Center Meal Ministry
How to Get Involved
Volunteers can serve in many ways, from attending monthly meetings to coordinating collections, participating in community events, or assisting with mission trips. The ministry also maintains an annual calendar featuring service opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity builds, Red Cross Blood Drives, and other community initiatives.
Members can register for events through the sign-up links provided in Epworth’s communications and weekly updates.
Commitment
Mission & Outreach participants commit to monthly meetings, help organize fundraisers and collections, and engage in hands-on service projects. There are no specific costs or skill requirements — only a willingness to serve and share God’s love through action.
Key Outreach Ministries
- Epworth Furniture Ministry
Provides quality furniture and household items to families rebuilding their lives. Volunteers help collect, sort, and distribute items.
Contact: Holly Bollenbaugh - Hawkins STEAM Academy and Grace School Supply Pantry
Supports students and teachers through tutoring, reading initiatives, and classroom supplies.
Contact: Pat Holmberg - Feed Your Neighbor
A weekly food pantry held at Epiphany Lutheran Church. Announcements are made monthly to list current needs. Donations may be dropped off inside Epworth’s Central Avenue entrance. This ministry fills a vital role in the Hawkins neighborhood and beyond by providing staple food items weekly.
Contact: Carol Bardi - Paul’s Community Center – First Saturday Lunch
On the first Saturday of each month, Epworth volunteers prepare and serve lunch for approximately fifty people. St. Paul’s Community Center was founded in 1975 and provides food, shelter, and job referrals to individuals in need. Epworth members also provide seasonal meals and coordinate clothing and food drives for those served at the center.
Contact: Jennie Vancil - Good Works, Inc.
Located in Athens, Ohio, this organization sustains a community of hope for those struggling with poverty and homelessness in rural Appalachia. Epworth members travel to Athens each October for an adult mission trip to serve, worship, and connect through home repairs, meal preparation, and fellowship.
Contact: Polly Richardson - Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build
Epworth partners with Habitat for Humanity and other local faith communities to help construct homes and support families in need.
Contact: June Latshaw - UMCOR and Global Ministries
Supports United Methodist Committee on Relief programs, disaster response, and the Wings of the Morning flight ministry in the Congo. Members are encouraged to consider in-kind and financial gifts for these ongoing efforts.
Regional and Global Outreach:
- Good Works, Inc. (Athens, OH): Annual adult mission trip serving individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. (Contact: Polly Richardson)
- Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build: Partners with other faith communities to build safe and affordable homes. (Contact: June Latshaw)
- Disaster Relief and Global Ministries: Supports UMCOR and Wings of the Morning, a flight ministry serving communities in the Congo.
Leadership
June Latshaw: Interim Chair, Mission & Outreach
Pastor Liz Trig: Staff Liaison, Mission & Outreach
Contact
For more information or to join the Mission & Outreach team, contact June Latshaw or Pastor Liz Trig through the Epworth church office.
To connect directly with one of the supported ministries, please contact the ministry leaders listed above.
Join This Ministry
Anyone can participate by volunteering, contributing to seasonal collections, or supporting fundraising events. Annual opportunities include blood drives, mission trips, holiday meal support, and community partnerships.
For more information or to get involved, contact June Latshaw or Pastor Liz Trig through the Epworth church office.