Outreach And Missions Work Is An Extension Of God’s Love And Our Expression To Love People

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Whether you call the work of the church a mission or an outreach, it provides much needed support to the recipients in need. Missions and outreach are an act of love and the church family at First United Methodist Church Stigler take that very seriously. We believe in giving from the heart, following the example of Christ:
”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

There is no greater love than sacrificing of yourself on behalf of another. Whether it is supporting missionaries, considering missionary work or actively working in the mission field, it isn’t only about the conversion, expansion of the kingdom or growing the church but more importantly it is the selfless expression of loving people as God does. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Outreach And Missions Programs

First United Methodist Church Stigler is constantly looking for ways to help our local and statewide communities and neighbors in need or to offer financial support to our national First United Methodist organizations. Although we may be a small town, we are mighty in our belief and actions to offer support where needed. Below are a few of the programs we are passionate about. Our church United Methodist Women also support several of these same organizations and needs through their fund raising efforts helping our church have an even further reach to touch the lives of those in need.

Emergency Food Pantry

Assisting with feeding our community has been an ongoing commitment providing temporary emergency food supplies for those affected by emergency and unforeseen situations. Offering canned goods such as spaghetti sauce, fruits, vegetables, tuna and soup; dry goods such as rice, beans, pasta and cereal; miscellaneous items such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, sometimes frozen meats and breads as we receive donated items.

School Back Pack Program

Through our partnership with the local grade school, we learned of the need for many children who were coming to school hungry. Most of these children receive federal breakfast and lunch meals during their school days; however, it was discovered that many of these children did not have meals on weekends. Our church began the School Back Pack Program to provide a weekend bag of items the children can prepare for themselves and include snacks, cereal, microwave items, canned meats and more. The program has been such a success at filling this gap in our community. Each week church volunteers tirelessly prepare 30-100 bags and deliver them to the school for children to have at their home.

Disaster Flood Relief and other disaster response needs

Natural and unforeseen disaster do happen and living in a an area of the state that has so many bodies of water can be precarious and at times be detrimental to our neighbors. Supporting our neighbors in these difficult times is a labor of love.

Also living in high tornado zone we are constantly subject to potential damages and disasters. It has been a long while since we have seen this need; however, our church family is always available to lend emotional, physical and financial support when these or similar needs present themselves.

State of Oklahoma Foster Children

The lives and future outcome for children’s welfare is very important to our church family. Children and youth entering into the foster system are many times uprooted immediately without any time to pack a bag or gather their personal belongings. And although this is many times life-saving, this process can be devastating and heartbreaking and necessary for their personal safety. In our efforts to help these children feel comforted, we have partnered with DHS as a resource providing children with an overnight bag with a clean outfit, PJs, toothbrush, personal blanket, stuffed animal and age appropriate activity (coloring books or cards or a reading book) to help make this transition a little easier and provide a little empathy.

prison ministries

Life happens to us all and to some the choices made have been unfortunate resulting in incarceration. The families affected by this can be left without financial and/or emotional support. Through the First United Methodist Church Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries, we believe in breaking the generational cycles of incarceration. We offer our financial support to various programs of this organization. We are commanded to love all people. We are a forgiving people and believe in reformation and reentry into society.

Veteran’s Support

We are grateful for our freedom nd know that our freedom came at a cost and we proudly support the Stockings For Soldiers organization.

Narcotics Anonymous

Rehabilitation isn’t an easy path and requires constant support and encouragement. Although we do not have a staff counselor or therapist we support a local group through housing their meetings and support groups in our building. To learn more about this organization or be connected to a local support program please visit: https://na.org

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

United Methodist Committee on Relief assists United Methodists and churches to become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. UMCOR works with vulnerable communities to strengthen self-sufficiency and encourage partnerships. It is our pleasure to offer support in the form of donations, prayers and more to assist our church family in this important world-wide work.

Haskell County Nursing Home

Our elders are so important to us and we take great strides to provide support in many ways - Sunday worship service rotation, visits, care packages, holiday gifting, prayers and more.