Mission Committee
The Mission Committee works to develop programs that meet needs and alleviate suffering, particularly among the last, the lost, the least.
Dinner begins at the shelter, one of the Mission Committee's ongoing projects.
We believe that to care about the poor, the oppressed, and the suffering is at the core of the Christian gospel, and we strive to give ourselves joyfully, with the humility and compassion exemplified by Christ.
The Mission Committee focuses upon hands-on, person-to-person ministry, in complement to the Social Action Committee, which tackles systemic and political issues. At present, our two main programs are the Shelter Project and the English as a Second Language program. We also maintain a sister church relationship with La Merced Roman Catholic Church in Managua, Nicaragua.
Temporary Shelter for LGBT Youth
PSUMC is working in partnership with the United Methodist Church of the Village and Sylvia’s Place to provide a nightly shelter for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender youth, who constitute a very large portion of New York’s homeless community.Two volunteers welcome the youth and spend the night at the shelter.
For more information regarding training please email the church office.
To register and sign up for a shift, please visit the volunteer page of United Methodist Church of the Village.
Shelter Project
Every Tuesday evening, a team of four volunteers provides safe, welcoming lodging, a home-cooked meal, and fellowship to ten homeless men. The men arrive at 7 PM, enjoy dinner and conversation, have a good night’s sleep, and leave by 6 a.m. Two volunteer cooks provide the meal, clean it up, and then go home for the evening; two volunteer sleepers set up the sleeping area and spend the night with the men. The men are very appreciative of our help, and many of our volunteers say they receive far more than they give. This program is run with the help of Partnership for the Homeless, which has organized these small, intimate shelters since 1982. The Partnership provides the men with showers and social support services. We are grateful to Hanson Place United Methodist Church for providing the space for us to host the shelter. We welcome you to join one of the rotating teams of sleepers or cooks, or to be a substitute. Teams serve approximately once every five weeks. To volunteer contact the church office at 718-768-3093.
English As A Second Language (ESL)
New this year, the Mission Committee has begun providing English as a Second Language instruction to underserved immigrant populations in our neighborhood, with hopes that the program will complement other language programs in the area. As we receive no public funding, we are able to provide lessons to illegal immigrants and are flexible enough to serve those who, due to family and work demands, will only be able to attend once or sporadically. The program, taught by members and friends of PSUMC, consists of twelve independent lessons focused on speaking and conversation skills. As needs present themselves, we will also bring in professionals to address legal, health, and social service concerns critical to immigrants.
We invite you to help teach the classes (training will be provided) or assist with the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities. To volunteer, contact the church office at 718-768-3093.
Ideas for new opportunities for ministry are always welcome. For more information contact the church office at 718-768-3093.