Derry Township Social Ministry 
The primary purpose of our Social Ministry is to take care of people in need within our local community. It is a member of the Derry Township Social Ministry, which is under the Hershey Ministerium (a group of representatives from all churches in the township). Each year, our Social Ministry helps 100-160 Derry Township residents with utility bills and food banks. To donate your food, money, or time, contact Rebecca Boehmer (533-9436), Jim Stover, Craig Fasnacht, or Clara Hess.

Love INC of Greater Hershey
Started by Hershey Ministerium, Love INC (In the Name of Christ) is a network of 15 area churches (FUMC-Hershey included) working together with service agencies to help our neighbors in need. For more information, see Love INC.

Bethesda Mobile Mission 
The second Saturday of every month FUMC-Hershey is responsible for 7 volunteers to serve on the streets of Harrisburg. They go out with a Bethesda Mission staff person with the Mobile Mission van to distribute food, clothing and blankets to the homeless of the city. This rewarding ministry is suitable for older Sr. High youth through adults (permission slip required for youth). Please contact contact Jenny Greene, 533-4856 to join the team of servants for Christ.

Bethesda Soup Kitchen
The third Sunday of every month, four or five volunteers ages 10 through adult are needed to help serve the evening meal at Bethesda 4:30-6:30 p.m. The mission supplies the meal, so no cooking is involved, just serving. Please contact Susan Sinclair, 566-6082, to become a servant to the hungry.

Bethesda Mission Women's Shelter
Construction work at the shelter. If you have hand tools of your own please bring them with you. Volunteers meet in the Church parking lot at 7:30 a.m and return between noon and 1:00 p.m. Please contact Walt Tack, 566-1229.

Habitat for Humanity
One Saturday per month, church members join Habitat for Humanity in building a home in Harrisburg. The group also has a Valentine Tree for people to contribute supplies. To volunteer or learn more, contact Jeff Black of our church.

Our National Community

Heifer Project Overlook Farm, Massachusetts
The Heifer Project is a work camp that has 24 beds and is available to those ages 14 and up. FUMC-Hershey usually makes an annual trip to this camp. Scholarships for those in need are available. For more information, contact Jenny Greene.  

Red Bird Mission, Kentucky
The Red Bird Mission work camp provides home repair for low-income community residents and maintenance for Mission buildings and grounds. For more information, contact Lori Zerbe.

Our Global Community

Ukraine Initiative
The Ukraine Initiative, a ministry of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, has been working in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine since 1994 and in Kiev, Ukraine since 1998. Members of FUMC-Hershey have been supporting the Ukraine Initiative since its inception in 1994 through Christmas Missions at Bila Tserkva and Kiev and Bible School at Kerch. You can help the people of Ukraine by sending financial support or by going on a short-term mission trip. To read about a past trip, click here. For more information, contact Beth Valentine Louder at 533-3931.

Jamaica, Work Camp for Watsontown Church at Lionel Town

For several years FUMC-Hershey has had a missional relationship with Watsonton Methodist Church in Lionel Town, Jamaica. Since 1995, FUMC-Hershey has sent four work teams to assist Watsonton Methodist Church and Basic School. Work included various construction projects including building a kitchen, trusses, a roof, ceiling, painting, and hosting bible school.

Bolivia, Medical Clinic at El Alto
FUMC-Hershey supports the medical clinic at El Alto. Please pray for this mission. Contact financial secretary, John Fisher, 533-9668 x107 to support this mission financially.

Haiti Disaster Relief
Please continue to be in prayer for the people of Haiti. Be assured that God will use your prayers to reach out to our God’s beloved people in Haiti during this most difficult time.
One of the best ways to help is to donate financially. You can send your contribution (designated for Haiti Relief) to First United Methodist Church or place your contribution in the offering plate. These donations will be used to conjunction with ongoing United Methodist relief efforts in Haiti and will be channeled through UMCOR.

Mission Projects