Serving The Community

We believe exercising our faith through volunteer work is an important and necessary part of growing in faith. At Allendale UMC, every member is a missionary. It is our joy to help persons discover their God-given passion and how God has gifted them to make a difference in the world.

The discovery process usually takes place through a fun, three week course called "What's My Line?" If the class doesn't fit your schedule, this can also take place through an individual session set up by appointment. Contact us at 727-527-6694 or Allendale@tampabay.rr.com for more information on our next class or to make an appointment.

Below is a small sample of the many possibilities available to you. We have people sharing the love of Jesus in practical ways all over St. Petersburg and outside the United States. God has a place of service planned for you as well! Let us help you discover it.


ST. PETERSBURG, HANDS ON PROJECTS

• CASA Domestic Violence Shelter
  Throughout the year, the Agape Circle coordinates crafts, goodie bags, and parties for the residents of the shelter.
• Habitat for Humanity Team
  On the third Saturday of every month, we send a team to work on a local building project. Workday is from 7:30am-3:30pm. No construction experience is necessary. Persons age 14 and old are welcome to join the team. You must register for each work day by the second Friday of each month. To register, contact the church office at 727-527-6694 or Allendale@tampabay.rr.com
• Ronald McDonald House Feeding Team
  Once per month we serve dinner to families who are living in our local Ronald McDonald House while their child is being treated at All Children's Hospital.
• Women's Residence Outreach Team
  On the first Tuesday of each month from 5:45pm-7:30pm, we serve dinner to clients of the Women's Residence, a transitional housing facility for single women. The Women's Residence provides a safe place for women to stay while they receive job training, counseling, and begin to build that all important nest egg needed before they move to their own home. The Women's Residence is part of the many services overseen by the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. Throughout the year, the Naomi Circle coordinates gifts for the residents.

For more information on local projects, check out the
United Methodist Cooperative Ministries website.

HANDS ON PROJECTS OUTSIDE OF ST. PETERSBURG
We send mission teams throughout the year. Past teams have worked in inner city New Orleans, with Hurricane relief in various parts of the Gulf Coast, on medical mission trips to Nicaragua, and construction mission trips to Haiti. Contact the church office for our latest project at 727-527-6694 or Allendale@tampabay.rr.com

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
This guide provides small, practical ways you can help others throughout the year. Print it and keep it for quick reference. All of the following items may be brought to the church. We will do the distributing for you.

• Paper Instead of Plastic
  When grocery shopping, ask for paper instead of plastic. Local food pantries prefer to distribute food using paper bags.
• Coupons
  Low-income persons often do not have access to coupons since they cannot afford to purchase the newspaper. Food pantries distribute coupons as well as food. All types of coupons are welcome, including: food, medicine, paper products, hygiene products and restaurant discounts.
• Lord's Larder
  We accept non-perishable food items for the local food pantries housed at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and Clearview United Methodist Church. Many persons bring their items with them the first Sunday of the month, but we will accept the donations at any time. Items such as cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, baby formula, baby food, and canned meats are in constant demand. Why not develop the holy habit of picking up one item for Lord's Larder every time you go to the grocery store? What a beautiful way to thank God for providing your daily bread.
• Newspaper & Magazine Recycling
  The United Methodist Men bless the church and other local groups with practical items through the recycling proceeds. The bin is located in the parking lot across from the church.
• Hotel Toiletry Items
  Toiletry items are very expensive and cannot be purchased with food stamps. Local food pantries and homeless drop-in centers are thrilled to receive these "freebies" year-round.
• Flea Market
  We accept clothing and household items October through the weeks just prior to our spring sale. All proceeds from the sale benefit missions.

Lord's Larder
Please remember your non perishable food items for local pantries (Wesley UMC and Clearview UMC) If you forgot your donation, drop it off in the church office anytime. Thank you for what you give to help those in need!

Suggested Items to Bring

• Peanut Butter
• Canned Meat
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Fruit
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Rice or Instant Potatoes
• Pasta
• Paper Towels
• Canned Beans
• Toilet Paper
• Crackers
• Powdered Milk
• Cereal