Missions

First Church Missions: Partnerships and Connections

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Morning Glory Ministries

The first ministries the group worked with were Rooted & Rising (formally United Methodist Children Services), Northcott Neighborhood House, and  at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

“These opportunities to go out into the world really help us to grow.  Of this, I am sure.  Second Saturday Servants provides a meaningful way to serve God by serving those in need. Everyone is welcome to participate; you do not have to be a church member. Workers may choose from one or two projects that typically last two to four hours. You can choose from projects that will take place at the church or beyond the church walls in the area.”
-Thomas Bolton

Our Second Saturday Servants now serve in a wide variety of programs that serve the poor. Together, they are making a difference in the lives of those in need. We support the following ministries with hands, our hearts, and our pocketbooks.

Larry Under the Bridge

Learn more about Larry Under the Bridge

Divine Intervention is a collaborative ministry of over 46 intra-faith communities including First United Methodist Church of West Allis. Divine Intervention is spearheaded by Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church. We serve their Larry Under the Bridge ministry once a month.

52 Sundays a year…and now also Mondays, Larry Under The Bridge brings significant bagged dinners and basic supplies to local campers/homeless in our area.

It’s just what we do.

Larry Under the Bridge is a food and encouragement ministry to the homeless in the Bay View area. Significant bagged dinners and basic supplies are delivered to strategic locations near campsites on Sunday evenings every week and now also Mondays. Larry UTB helps 30-50 people each Sunday and Monday night of each week. Each dinner consists of:

• 2 sandwiches
• Granola/breakfast bar
• 2 pieces of fruit
• Cookies or other desert item
• Occasionally chips
• Bottled water

In the summer months juice boxes, Gatorade, and extra waters are given out. Bug spray, camouflaged tarps, and sleeping bags are some of the other items handed out when available.

In the winter months gloves, hats, and long underwear were also supplied to campers. Donated toiletries, socks, underwear, toilet paper are handed out year-round.

Through Larry Under the Bridge we are changing the world, one person at a time!
The homeless who we are coming to know as friends are changing!
Our church members and ministry are changing!

Mineral Street Programs and Services

Learn more about Mineral Street Programs and Services.

We serve once a month in Mineral Street’s Morning Glory program for the homeless.

Repairers of the Breach

Learn more about Repairers of the Breach

We provide regular support for Repairers of the Breach which provides Greater Milwaukee’s only daytime refuge and resource center for homeless adults.

Located at 1335 W. Vliet Street in Milwaukee’s central city, the Repairers of the Breach Center is open from 7AM to 4PM, Monday through Saturday.

Their daytime sanctuary is an empowering place where homeless and at-risk men and women create community and a sense of “ownership” in their center. They work together to find solutions to homelessness using our “constellation” of free resources—all in a nurturing and non-judgmental context emphasizing “homeless helping homeless.”

Northcott Neighborhood House

Learn more about the Northcott Neighborhood House

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Thanksgiving Baskets Ministry

Thanksgiving Basket Distribution – Saturday, November 22nd: Join us in spreading warmth and gratitude this holiday season! First Church will be distributing Thanksgiving baskets filled with all the essentials for a festive meal to neighbors in need. This cherished tradition has been a cornerstone of our outreach for many years. Distribution is from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in our parking lot. We especially encourage our older youth to volunteer — it’s a meaningful way to give back, and we promise you’ll leave with a full heart. Please dress warmly and be prepared to be outside. Reach out to Annette Intravaia if you would like to help. Let’s come together to make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for our community!

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Fill the Stocking Ministry

The Children’s and Adult Sunday School classes collect socks for the homeless during the Advent season. These socks make a missional difference and are delivered to Morning Glory Ministries, Larry Under the Bridge, and Northcott Neighborhood House. Warm socks create warm hearts. Your support continues to strengthen such mission work.

Mitten Tree and Socks for the Homeless

These programs collect winter wear for children and socks for the homeless. They are distributed through a charitable organization.

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Angel Tree

Angel Tree Donation Page

Once again, we are excited and looking ahead to this year’s Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program! I have received the names of approximately 35 children who live in the FUMCWA neighborhood with an incarcerated parent. Like in years past, we will be providing each child with two gifts on behalf of their incarcerated parent to show the love of Jesus Christ to the child. By providing these gifts, we will also help provide a connection between the parent in prison and their child/children. On Sunday, November 23rd, look for the Angel Tree in the narthex where you will be able to choose an angel tag bearing the name and gift wish of a child. There will also be an instruction sheet for you to take as a reminder of the details of this year’s ministry. The gifts need to be purchased, wrapped, and returned to church no later than 10:30 am on Sunday, December 14th. Also, after the church service concludes on December 14th, please head over to the church library to help with the delivering of gifts to the children’s homes. We always need delivery volunteers, and many hands make light work!
It could be as simple as dropping off one or two packages on your way home from church. If you have any questions, please call or text Pam Chesky Johnson or contact the church office.
Grace and peace, Pam Chesky Johnson

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Rooted & Rising (formally United Methodist Children’s Services [UMCS])

Wisconsin Conference of the UMC (Wisconsinumc.org) announces a new agency, Rooted & Rising. Rooted & Rising values dignity, potential, and worth of each individual and creates a nurturing environment and sense of community in which miracles do happen. Through housing, childcare, resources, and community engagement, Rooted & Rising acts as a stepping stone for families on their way towards stability. Their Family Resource Center focuses on helping families with several needs including emergency foodbank, clothing bank, hygiene products, access to food share and other resources. FUMCWA partners with the Wisconsin Annual Conference in supporting Rooted & Rising through our Apportionment giving also known as “Connectional Giving.” Rooted & Rising, Northcott Neighborhood House, and Harbor House are supported by our Apportionment. Your support continues to strengthen such mission work.

Click here to learn more about Rooted & Rising.