Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
Learn about Missions with the Mission Team
The people of Westlake UMC are committed to respond to the needs of others through tangible acts of mission, using our God-given time, talents and resources on behalf of others in response to God's love for us.
The Mission Team works to connect all WUMC members to the myriad of opportunities available to serve others. Check out the suggestions below! If you are interested in serving as a team member, speak with Rev. Judy Wismar Claycomb.
WUMC provides significant financial and volunteer support for agencies such as:
- Community Corner emergency food pantry and resale shop
- Sister church relationships with inner-city Cleveland congregations
- "Volunteer in Mission" projects - hands-on work projects locally, nationwide, and in Russia
- Flat Rock Homes and Care Center, a residential care facility for children and young adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities
- Westside Community House, inner-city agency serving low-income neighborhood families with child care, senior programs, meals on wheels, and other programs
- And many other organizations
For more information about mission projects and opportunities for service, watch the Monthly Messenger and weekly bulletin.
Camphor Mission Station
Westlake United Methodist Church is a mission partner with Kathy and Danny Dickriede at the Camphor Mission Station in Grand Bassa County, Liberia. The Camphor Mission Station is a boarding mission that includes a clinic, a school, an agricultural program, and a United Methodist Church. You can keep up with the exciting work that the Dickriedes are doing by reading their blog.
Medical Mission to Nuevo Progresso
A letter from Audrey Walsh, RN
It is time to begin to plan for our group's next medical mission trip to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico on Jan 14-17, 2010. Again, I will be part of a team enjoying the opportunity to conduct a Medical Mission Clinic in the small Mexican border town of Nuevo Progresso. Our group stays at The First United Methodist Church in Mercedes, Texas (whose Mission is to support this Ministry) and commutes across the border each day to conduct a medical clinic and home visits for the residents of that area. The clinic mission is part of an on-going commitment of the United Methodist Church West Ohio Conference, who sends a medical team every three months to this community in an effort to provide a continuity of medical care. This team (40 Doctors, Nurses, student Nurses, translators and clerical personnel ) consists primarily of folks from South and Western Ohio, and include three of us from the West Cleveland area.
How can I help?
Saving a Life with Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Malaria kills over 1 million children a year. For just $10, Nothing But Nets supplies a net, distributes it to a family and educates them on its use. The United Methodist Church, along with Sports Illustrated, is a Nothing But Nets partner.
Here at Westlake UMC our members were challenged to provide one net for every member for a year. Our goal is 700 nets and we are well on our way. The children donate money through their Sunday School classes and the adults give their offering in worship or by mail. When you make a donation through The United Methodist Church 100% of the money goes to Nothing But Nets. The UMC funds administrative costs through a separate line item in their budget. If you would like to donate, mark the memo line of your check Nothing But Nets.
Get more info on this life saving ministry. Go to www.nothingbutnets.net
Sharing Your Talents
There are many ways that you can serve right here in the church. From upkeep of our building and grounds to the sound system to making coffee and computer work. Just about anything you can think of, the church relies on volunteers with a heart for specific ministry to be involved to make it happen.
Check out the Connection & Caring service groups and talk to either Ellie Peiffer to get connected in service.
Give Money to the Cause You Are Passionate About
Besides time and talent, money is also an important way to serve God and the community. Sometimes, we can't physically go to the places where the need is the greatest or where our heart may be calling us to serve. But thru the global ministry of the United Methodist Church our money can go there and make a huge difference.
Did you know that 100% of any money you donate to United Methodist missions thru our church goes directly to the cause? Unlike most agencies, no money is taken out to cover overhead expenses. 100% of your donation goes to the mission you designate because the church has already supported the administrative costs.
If you have a particular cause you are passionate about, chances are the United Methodist church is already serving in mission there. Click here to check out all the ways and places your money can be in mission thru the General Board of Global Ministry website Check it out.
As a convenience, donations to United Methodist or other agencies can be made directly through WUMC. For instance, if you want to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity, you can give it to WUMC and it will be forwarded. Or you can give a donation to Flat Rock right here in the offering plate. The donation can even be included in your regular check. Just indicate on the memo line and the envelope how much goes to the church and how much to Flat Rock or other agency.