Your opportunity to serve
Here at First United Methodist we are dedicated to making disciples who serve others. We believe that serving God is one of the greatest joys you’ll ever experience. Why? Because God created you to serve! And when you discover what your gifts are, and begin using them, you will experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose that will be unlike anything you have ever experienced. You will have the honor and privilege of seeing God at work firsthand - transforming your life and the lives of others.
Local Missions
Help our local community members in need! Currently helping with flood relief relief efforts in Canton, Clyde and Cruso. Volunteer days are periodic Fridays and Saturdays. Contact the Church Office to have Jerry DeWeese put you on the volunteer list.
Ramp Builders
Help make homes more accessible to our neighbors in need! Our ramp building ministry provides mobility to the disabled or elderly in our church and community. The Ramp Builders also provide volunteer building assistance to the Jackson County Department on Aging. Clients are selected by the Department on Aging and materials provided to our Ramp Building Team. Volunteers typically meet on Tuesdays as needed by the Jackson County Department on Aging. Contact the Church Office to have Bob Houghton put you on the volunteer list.
HERE
Let's work together to end homelessness in Western North Carolina! HERE's Mission is Working to end homelessness throughout Western North Carolina with Housing Equity Resources & Education. Sylva FUMC is supporting them with volunteers and by partnering together to work on special cases. Follow the link to their GET INVOLVED page to volunteer or give support.
Mission Trips
Be that person who makes a difference in the lives of those affected by disaster! Our week-long missions trips are planned annually. Contact the Church Office to be put on an interest list.
United Christian Ministries
Help you neighbors! United Christian Ministries is an interdenominational crisis ministry for the people of Jackson County who have urgent physical, economic, social, and spiritual needs. On an emergency basis, UCM offers food, clothing, and other forms of assistance. First United Methodist has supported this ministry since its inception. Sylva FUMC is currently supporting them by:
- Contributing $15 for Thanksgiving dinner boxes. This can be given directly to UCM.
- Collecting 500 boxes of cereal and 500 boxes of instant oatmeal for their Christmas Break Bags - bring these to the church office by 12/15.
- Providing volunteers; contact UCM directly to learn about current needs.
Open Door Meal
Let's show our community the meaning of Open Hearts, Open Doors and Open Minds! Volunteer to help with this wonderful community meal for those who need a good meal and a friend to talk to. Free meal and entertainment for the community on the 5th Wednesday of the month. Contact the Church Office to volunteer. On “pause” until COVID-19 numbers decline.
Red Cross Blood Drives
Help host a blood drive! Red Cross Blood Drives are hosted in our Christian Life Center about every 6 weeks, typically on a Friday. Volunteers needed to help host. Contact the Church Office to have Sandi Lewis put you on the volunteer list.
Circles of Hope
Help our citizens of Jackson County thrive and put an end to poverty in our community! Community effort to inspire and equip individuals, families and communities to thrive and end poverty in Jackson County. Training provided by Circles of Hope Haywood/Jackson County. Sylva FUMC is supporting them by sponsoring a meal once a month. Contact the Church Office to have Mary Slagle put you on a support list.
Rolling Start
Let's get our neighbors back on the road and on the path to a better life! Rolling Start is a non-profit group of car enthusiasts that refurbish donated vehicles that are then given to individuals in need of transportation to help work their way out of poverty in Jackson County, North Carolina. Contact the organization to donate a car. Church contact is Gene Robinson.
Walmart Expired Items Collection and Distribution
Help collect and distribute items to those in need! Collection and distribution of Walmart expired items are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:30pm. Contact the Church Office if interested in volunteering or if you know of an organization that could use donations. We can also use help periodically cleaning out the kitchen where some items/boxes are stored.
HIGHTS
HIGHTS works to give the gifts of trust, connection, and hope to the most at-risk and vulnerable youth in far western North Carolina. Since 2020 Sylva FUMC has provided HIGHTS with office and program space. We are currently working together toward an afterschool program to serve middle school students. You can help!
- Volunteers are needed for general supervision, as mentors, to provide meals (about 20 people), and to teach special skills. Contact Julia Heckert, HIGHTS Community Engagement Coordinator, at 828-734-2186 or julia@hights.org to volunteer.
- Clothing and WalMart gift cards are needed to help meet students' needs over the holiday break. Sign up here to contribute item(s).
