Shady Grove's Mission Committee is working hard to do God’s work in our community as well as throughout the world. Our goal is to bring our church’s light and promise of Christ’s love to those in need. We ask that you remember that Christ teaches us to go out and be “fishers of people” as well as to care for those who find themselves in less fortunate circumstances than ourselves.

Youth Mission Trips and Activities 
Mission opportunities are a vital part of the Shady Grove UMC Youth Ministry. The largest part of our youth missions are our summer mission trips through our partner, YouthWorks, usually during the month of July. We typically keep travel to within a day's driving distance and have separate trips for middle school and high school.  Other youth mission events have been packaging meals for Rise Against Hunger, collecting items and packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child, putting together UMC Healthcare Kits, CARITAS and many other community outreach activities. EMAIL Lauren Adkins for more information.

Caring Clothes Closet (CCC)
Free clothing for people in need from people who care located in the little white shed, between the church office and the fellowship hall. We have several agencies whose clients are served by our closet, including United Methodist Family Services cottages and foster families, Fresh Start for Single Moms ministry, and others. Visit the WEBSITE or EMAIL for more information.

CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter)
For those living on the streets, CARITAS is a haven of safety. Over 200 churches take turns providing food, shelter and social needs to individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis. The guests stay with each church site for one week with the hosting church providing meals, showers, laundry services and a safe and warm sleeping environment. This is a major project for a church of any size. Shady Grove has been involved with CARITAS since 2002 with the help of hundreds of members. EMAIL Rick Dodge for more information or to help with this ministry. 

Global Missions Shady Grove supports missionaries and mission efforts around the world. Visit the the Global Missions page for more information.

Habitat for Humanity is an nonprofit Christian organization committed to eliminating substandard housing through the rehabilitation and building of simple, decent homes for those in need. Habitat works in partnership with qualified families and community volunteers, including businesses and organizations, to build and sell houses with non-profit, interest free mortgages. Shady Grove is proud to be a part of this effort. Volunteer opportunities include working on a construction site, in the Restore and recycling opportunities. EMAIL Eric Fales for more information.

Shalom Farms
Come Dig in the Dirt! Shalom Farms is a regional food security, community development project of United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond (UMUMR). And Shalom Farms is a non-profit community farm project with the goal of helping low income inner city neighborhoods in Richmond with food security. SGUMC regulalry sends a team of volunteers. Questions? EMAIL Sandi Shriner

S.T.E.P. (Strategies to Elevate People)     WATCH VIDEO 

Here are just a few opportunities to volunteer at STEP.
Step Christmas Store - Opportunities are available in late November and early December to give and serve at the STEP Christmas Store. Donate new toys with price tags and they will be "marked down" so parents can purchased at reduced prices, but still have the opportunity to shop for the gift of their choice. You may also volunteer at the Christmas Store to assist in readying the store and selling the items.
Victory Reading Program - Do you have a heart for working with at-risk children? Here is an opportunity to learn to mentor K - 4th graders in Gilpin Court, where the following is provided; homework assistance, snack, Bible story, small group reading, crafts & fun activities. Victory Reading Program meets 4 days a week (M-Th) from 3:30pm - 5:30pm in The Calhoun Center @ 436 Calhoun Street, Richmond, VA  23220. Most volunteers choose 1 day a week that works best for their schedule. Call or text SGUMC member Nancy Pennington at 804-433-6196 for more information.
Job for Life Meals - Are you or your small group looking for a simple service project with a huge impact? Provide a meal for a STEP Jobs for Life class this fall!  Time spent sharing a meal together is the heart of the relationship building that is central to each student's success. Sign up HERE or EMAIL Briana Duclos

United Methodist Family Services
Shady Grove is involved with the UMFS for various projects throughout the year, such as back-to-school backpack collection for students, painting of cottages, building a new playgrounds, etc. Questions?  EMAIL Frank Basil. 

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