May Missions in Motion
May is a season of growth, renewal, and new opportunities to serve. This month, we invite you to join us as we share hope, meet practical needs, and show Christ’s love through missions in our church and community.
Spring Has Sprung T-Shirt Drive
Contact: Sandy Houck
From May through August, we will be collecting new or gently used men’s and women’s t-shirts. These shirts will be made available to the homeless and individuals in need that we serve in downtown Buffalo during our monthly Feeding Hope meals.
A collection tote will be located in Mission Alley to drop off donations.
May is National Foster Care Month
Imagine being a child uprooted from your home, carrying all your belongings in a trash bag. For many children in foster care, this is a harsh reality.
We can make a difference by donating new or gently used luggage. It’s more than just a bag - it’s a symbol of dignity, a step toward normalcy, and a boost to self-esteem, offering hope for the future.
As a bonus, you may also include basic personal care items and even a stuffed animal. For $25–$50, a new piece of luggage or a two-piece set can often be purchased. Financial donations to help purchase new luggage are also greatly appreciated.
The drive will end on Sunday, June 7.
For questions, please contact Sandy Houck.
Family Promise of WNY
A homeless shelter for families
April was a special month. When I received the grocery needs list (2 - $35 bags), I noticed it included 18 children at the Family Promise homeless shelter. With Easter approaching, the need felt especially meaningful. Together, enough was collected to provide candy, small toys, and craft projects for the children.
If you’d like to contribute, please donate financially to Feeding Hope, and funds will be put toward these two monthly bags.
Intergenerational Angel Wings
Saturday, May 9, 12-3pm
Contact: Becky Heideman
April showers bring beautiful flowers!
We will be spreading mulch and planting flowers near the Fellowship Hall entrance. This is a pay-it-forward service project for our church. God has done so much for us, and now it is time to give back.
We will need people with muscles and tools to move mulch, as well as helping hands to spread mulch and set the plants. All help is greatly appreciated!
The saying “many hands make light work” truly applies.
Lunch will be provided, along with ice cream from Uncle G’s.
Feeding Hope
Next Meal: Wednesday, May 13
Contact: Sandy Houck
Every month we serve a meal on the streets of downtown Buffalo for those experiencing homelessness and need. We had a beautiful night in April for Feeding Hope. We handed out 100 dinners, complete with our famous brownies and PB&J. They couldn’t wait to dive into the pasta, and many came back for seconds. What a blessing it is to serve!
For our next meal, we are looking for donations of boxed stuffing and instant mashed potatoes. Meal prep will begin in the church kitchen at 2pm, and we will leave to serve downtown at 6pm. Join us for the whole time - or just one part!
Thursday Night Dinner News
Thursdays, 5pm, at First UMC, 8210 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls
Contact: DJ Mahar
It seems like it’s been a long winter… because it has been! But now we get to look forward to some spring and summer conditions! Our dinners in Niagara Falls will also be changing up a little bit to reflect the summer season. Instead of hearty, hot meals, we will be having lighter, cooler dinners, and we welcome the change.
As you know, we love to kick off our summer with a cookout on the Thursday night (May 21) before Memorial Day with hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans. Sounds great! This is where we will need your help. If you’re able to, we are looking for donations of Sahlen's hot dogs and cans of baked beans for our meal. We will need these items by Wednesday, May 20, and they can be left in the fridge in the collection area of the fellowship hall. We look forward to sharing the warm weather dinners with our guests, and we know how much they appreciate our hospitality.
We have been serving 225 dinners per week, on average, in this community that has come to rely on these meals to help make it through when food costs go up. They are also so grateful to be able to share what is happening in their lives and have us lift them in prayer, for joys or concerns, and remind them how much God loves them. Please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry with your food donations, financial assistance, or come on out to help serve. Contact DJ Mahar for details!
PB&J Drive - Help Fill the Pantry
Our church family continues to make a difference in our community! We are still collecting peanut butter and jelly to help keep local food pantries stocked for families in need. You’ll find the blue collection bin in the Fellowship Hall. Every jar makes an impact, and together we can ensure no neighbor goes without.