"Community for Kids" is a heartfelt ministry that is aimed at addressing the issue of food insecurity among children within the Blue Valley School System. Once a month, a dedicated team gathers for about 30-45 minutes on a Thursday to assemble weekend food packs, ensuring that children in need have access to nutritious meals outside of school hours. With a striking statistic revealing that one in twelve children in the Blue Valley System lives in a food-insecure home, this ministry serves as a crucial support system throughout the academic year. Volunteers and donations are the lifeblood of "Community for Kids," and both are constantly needed to sustain and expand this vital service, making a tangible difference in the lives of many children and their families. To learn more about this ministry or volunteer, please contact Janis Kirkeby.
The Outreach Ministries embody the essence of the church's mission to extend its service and ministry far beyond the physical confines of its building, directly addressing the needs of those who might not regularly attend church services. This expansive ministry is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to fostering justice and righteousness within public domains and policies, aiming to make a meaningful difference in society. It actively responds to the multifaceted needs of the community, nation, and world—whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual—demonstrating the church's dedication to healing, supporting, and uplifting those in need.
Under the leadership of Teresa Schulte, the Outreach Chairperson, these ministries strive to create impactful changes and offer hope and support to individuals and communities, reflecting the church's deep commitment to living out its faith in action.
"Numana" is an inspiring annual event that galvanizes the community into action, bringing together between 70 to 130 volunteers to package an impressive 15,000 to 25,000 meals in a single day. Organized in teams of 10 to 12, participants engage in a hands-on process that involves measuring ingredients, filling meal bags, weighing and sealing them, and finally boxing the finished products for distribution. This year marks a special focus for the event, with all the packaged meals destined to support local families in need, reinforcing the community's commitment to battling hunger close to home.
The "Stilwell Caring Ministry" is an effort that is spearheaded by the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, but with the committed involvement of many other organizations - including Stilwell United Methodist Church. This ministry plays a pivotal role in the community by distributing thousands of pounds of food—literally tons—completely free of charge, every week, to individuals and families in need. The significance of this outreach is underscored by the fact that people are willing to travel more than 60 miles to benefit from the generosity and support offered. Opportunities for involvement are open to all, ranging from donating shelf-stable food items (which are collected in a designated box within the church entryway every week) - to actively volunteering on Tuesdays or Thursdays to help prepare, package, and distribute the food, making a tangible difference in the lives of many. For more information about volunteering please contact Pastor Phil.
"Parent's Night Out" is a thoughtful community ministry designed to offer parents a well-deserved break by providing them with a safe, engaging, and affordable childcare option one Friday night each month. For a nominal fee of just five dollars per child, parents can enjoy three hours of uninterrupted time for themselves, secure in the knowledge that their children are in the very capable hands of dedicated church staff and ministry volunteers. From 5:30 to 8:30 PM, children are not only fed but also entertained with a variety of activities and games, ensuring they have a fun and memorable evening. For more details about this invaluable service and to register your children, parents are encouraged to visit the Children’s Ministry page on our website.
Building Community Partnerships - The theological heritage of Stilwell UMC is deeply rooted in collaboration and community spirit. There are many times throughout the year where we join forces with other local churches, the Stillwell Community Organization, and Stillwell Elementary School to create opportunities that bring the entire community together. Throughout the year, this partnership organizes popular events such as Trunk-or-Treat, Easter Egg Hunts, and other events that not only foster a sense of unity and joy among community members - but they also strengthen the communal bonds by providing welcoming spaces for everyone to gather and celebrate. Moreover, Stilwell UMC extends its impact beyond events by financially supporting the vital work of these organizations, especially in aiding the children and families of Stillwell Elementary School during the holiday season.