Ways To Serve

Provides hospitality for various church-wide events throughout the year. They also care for families who have lost a loved one by providing funeral/memorial service receptions in our Fellowship Hall. 

Stephen Ministers are trained members of our faith family who act in support of our Pastoral Care Team to deepen, expand, and extend the caring capacity of our church. Stephen Ministers walk with the person down the path to greater wholeness, providing regular emotional and spiritual care, and support for as long as the person needs it.

This team provides refreshments and a smile after Sunday worship. 

This group welcomes first time visitors and provides a follow-up contact after their visit. They also provide a friendly face for First UMC at various community events.

Assist in the  church office by welcoming visitors, answering the phone, and various clerical tasks as needed.

Community Outreach Ministry volunteers work directly with individuals and families from the local community who are in crisis. The volunteers  meet with them at the church and provide assistance with needs such as gas cards, bus passes, eviction relief, utilities disconnection, and a variety of other individual or family needs. 

Metcalfe serves a high percentage of children who fall well below the poverty line and is a Title 1 school located less than two miles from First UMC.  Volunteers help in an ongoing capacity doing a variety of things based on their interests like reading to students, helping in PE, testing multiplication facts, assisting with administrative and other necessary tasks.

Volunteers prepare and serve a meal every Monday at 4:00 p.m. for those who are homeless and/or hungry. 

As a Reconciling Ministries Congregation, we are committed to the welcome and affirmation of our LGBTQ+ siblings in all times and all places. Volunteers assist at community events like the Gainesville Pride Festival and other such opportunities that arise throughout the year.

Family Promise provides homeless children & their families with care that includes education, case management, meals, housing and transportation. First UMC shelters up to four families for a week four times a year. Volunteers are needed to transform classrooms into family "bedrooms" as well as provide meals and other things that help all who are staying with us feel at home.  

Greet folks, hand out worship guides, etc.

Acolytes are usually children in the 2nd - 8th grades. Up to 2 acolytes per service are needed for lighting the candles and carrying the processional cross.

This ministry collects the Connection Cards after the service and ensure that the pew supplies are restocked for the next worship service.

This ministry ensures that the altar and Chancel area is ready for the worship service and includes such things as filling the candles with oil, changing the altar cloths, preparing for Communion, etc.

This ministry works with the church Finance Manager to count and document the received offerings.

We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month and this team of volunteers helps to serve the communion elements.

This ministry provides technical support during the worship service in the areas of  the audio system, camera operation, video production, and streaming services.

This ministry provides alternative arts for the worship service such as drama, dance, painting, etc.

Lead or help to lead an existing or brand new Growth Group. 

Be involved with special events at First UMC. We have events geared for adults, families, and children. Based on your talents and desires, you can be the big honcho and handle the planning and/or logistics, work on a team planning the event, or simply volunteer where needed for the event. 

Help with our children or youth Sunday School programs on a rotating basis. We provide all the materials you need for each class.

Volunteer to care for our children in the nursery during Sunday School and/or worship.

Help the Holiday Marketplace Group prepare for our yearly missions and ministries fundraising event through crafting, sorting, organizing, or whatever your talent is!