Missions

Jesus calls us to share the Good News with the Greater Melbourne/Palm Bay community and beyond. We participate in larger community events to connect with all people. Relieving suffering is God's love made real. Local mission and domestic and international opportunities in Cuba and Haiti help us live into the call on our lives to reach out to the least, the lost, and the lonely. For more information on how to get involved in one of the ministries listed below, please contact our Missions Chairperson at missions@fumc-melb.org.

2013 Local Missions Emphasis:

Habitat for Humanity - Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County has been working with our community to eliminate substandard housing. This has been done through a joint effort with their homeowner partners, faith communities and business partners. To keep increasing this effort, Brevard Habitat does workshops to inform, engage, increase awareness and educate the community. You will learn about who qualifies for a Habitat House, how someone applies for a Habitat House, how you can get involved, what you can do if you can't swing a hammer and more! Above are photos from the current Apostles' Build. For more information or to get involved in the Habitat project, please e-mail Judy at habitat@fumc-melb.org. 

University Park Elementary - During Celebrate Jesus in July 2012, Pastor Dionne challenged our congregration to reach out to our local school, University Park Elementary School. Through the Missions and Outreach Teams and other small groups, the journey began. In July, the student ministry and a group of adults cleaned and weeded the school campus. In August, First Church filled 55 student bags with supplies using teacher recommended lists. These supplies were given to children in need for school. This year, the effort continues. The teacher conference room was painted, a luncheon was provided for the entire staff, including gift ornaments for each person from the First Church congregation. In February, the Outreach Team organized another campus cleanup. A group of eleven from First Church currently help first grade students with the Accelerated Reader Program. Because of our efforts, First Church was named Universtiy Park's Business Partner of the Year for 2012-2013. If you would like to get involved in this Mission Program, please contact the church office at 321.723.6761 or by e-mail to missions@fumc-melb.org.

Community of Hope - Community of Hope is a transitional housing ministry which provides homes and counseling for homeless families with children. God has provided First Church with some properties that will enable Community of Hope to expand their ministry.

Special Gathering - Special Gathering is a blessed ministry that serves the mentally challenged in our community. Weekly, First Church supports this ministry by providing space for Bible study and worship, financial contributions and prayer. Linda Howard is the Director of Special Gathering.

Other Local Missions Supported by First Church:

Genesis House                                         Promise
Sharing Center                                         Campus Crusade for Christ
Backpack Ministry                                     IDignity                                   
Daily Bread                                               Florida United Methodist Children's Home
Holiday Caring and Sharing                      Pastors' Caring Fund
The Children's Hunger Project                 The Job Seekers' Club

2013 Global Missions Emphasis:

Cuba Covenant - Under Communist rule, the people of Cuba suffered greatly under this oppressive structure. First Church and Gibara United Methodist Church are in a covenant relationship as sister congregations serving God. Through mission trips, prayer, and financial contributions we seek to partner with our sisters and brothers in Gibara. We are planning a mission trip in 2013 and are excited to see how God will continue to knit our relationship long into the future.

Haiti Relief - After the earthquake of 2010, our hearts were moved at First Church to be vitally involved in partnered ministry in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. First Church supports two vital ministries in Haiti through mission trips, prayer, financial contributions, and medicine/vitamin/clothing collections.

Other Global Missions Supported by First Church:

Heifer Project