First UMC Tavares doesn't believe that faith just happens for an hour or two on Sunday morning. There are lots of ways to be involved and to live and grow it during the week! And sometimes that's just be meeting together for fun too!

The opportunities begin on Sunday mornings, from singing in one of the choirs, to being an usher or sound technician, or just greeting folks at the door. Check out our Christian Education and Music Programs pages.

Other opportunities include the following:

United Methodist Women
The UMW is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of missions through participation in the global ministries of the church. There are several different points of focus or activity. For example, there is a Service Group that contributes to the welfare of our church and community through sewing lab robes or teddy bears for children in the hospital. These groups meet together once a month for fellowship, and spend part of that time working on various projects and activities in small groups. All meetings are held in the Activity Center building, first and third Saturdays at 8:00 am, September through May. There are also gatherings where all the groups meet together, as well as Summer Socials. Women of all ages are welcome.

Men's Fellowship
Men of all ages are welcome to come for a guy time of prayer, study and just good company. Topics will vary based on interests and seasons, and may include such things as devotionals, prayer partners, breakfast, projects in the church or the community or Bible study. The group meets every two weeks on Saturday mornings at 8:00 am in the UM Activity Center. Come see what's going on at the next meeting!

Tuesday Morning Work Crew
Don't let the word "work" fool you. Yes, this group of guys take care of a lot of little handy-man and other projects around campus, but they have a lot of fun together doing it!

Prayer Group
A dedicated group of prayer warriors meets faithfully every Monday morning to pray for any need and to praise God for answering prayer! There is no prayer too big or too small. Please let us know if you would like prayer.

Helping Hands
A core team of volunteers coordinates people from throughout the congregation to share in small acts of service. No long term commitments are required, just a willingness to once in a while give that little helping hand. Maybe once or twice a year, bake brownies for the reception after a memorial service. Or drive a friend to a doctor's appointment. Little gifts of service are shared by anyone who wants to participate throughout the year.

Food Pantry
Throughout the year, canned and other dry goods are collected for the church's food outreach, the Food Pantry. Look for the yellow wagon in the Gathering Area outside of the Sanctuary. During the month, volunteers sort and stack donations and prepare bags to have ready when someone in need contacts the church. The Food Pantry is open Tuesdays, 10 am to noon, in the Compassion Cottage. If you need a little assistance to get you through a rough time, or know someone who might, please contact the church office for more information.

Bloodmobile
The parking lot plays host once a quarter to the Bloodmobile from Florida's Blood Centers.

Office Volunteers
Our office volunteers answer the phone, fold bulletins and newsletters, and generally just help keep the place running!!

Christmas Bags
In December each year, we assemble wonderful gift bags for shut-ins in the community. Donations such as craft items, small toiletries and other items to put in the bags are accepted throughout the year. There is a drop-off location in the Gathering Area outside of the Sanctuary. Craft items such as lap robes, slippers, bookmarks and holiday decorations are especially appreciated. Bring in those small-sized soaps, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, toothbrushes and toothpaste left over from any trips you've taken. Also nice are pens, pencils, small notepads and note cards.

Jail Ministry
Magazines of all sorts are collected throughout the month and delivered to the county jail here in town, as an outreach to the prisoners. There is a drop-off location in the Gathering Area outside of the Sanctuary. Just kindly tear or cut out your name and address information from the cover.

Overeaters Anonymous
Are you interested in a spiritual, physical and emotional approach to your eating problems - of all kinds? Overeaters Anonymous may be your answer, and a group meets on campus. Anyone is welcome to come and share the experience, strength and hope that abounds at these meetings. Please check the calendar for meeting times and places.

If you would like more information on any of these programs or activities, please do not hesitate to contact the church office at 352-343-2761.