Founded by the United Methodist Church, the mission of Africa University is to provide quality education within a Pan-African context through which persons can acquire general and professional knowledge and skills, grow in spiritual maturity, and develop sound moral values, ethics and leadership qualities.
This mission of AEF is to encourage, recognize and support creativity, innovation and excellence by enhancing educational opportunities in the Avon School Corporation. AEF also provides a structured mechanism for active support by corporate and private partners so that funds raised can be connected to the educational needs of students and teachers.
Avon UMC Sunday School Mission Education
The Mission Education fund provides financial support to AUMC Sunday School classes for supplies and materials used to teach our children about the importance of missions both locally and around the world.
For nearly 50 years Brightwood has been providing a wide range of programs to help families in the Martindale-Brightwood community grow, develop, and become stable. They offer an academic enrichment summer program, after school tutoring, a food pantry, parent empowerment sessions, and job readiness workshops.
Volunteers needed: tutors and mentors for their after school program during the school year from 4:00 – 6:30 pm, Monday – Thursday.
On their website, there are opportunities to sign up to serve as a mentor, tutor, and volunteer at Brightwood Community Center.
A week-long camp for special needs youth ages 15 and up held at a camp facility in Lawrence County, which is owned by the Indiana UMC Conference. The camp provides a great experience for the campers and a break for their parents. They are always in need of counselors for the camp.
Supported by Avon United Methodist Church missions by the collection of new twin sheets, pillow cases, towels and washcloths in the month of September. Dayspring Center, located in central Indianapolis, provides emergency shelter for homeless families. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to emergency shelter and food, they provide families with the tools and resources need to become an independent family again. Dayspring Center staff works with each family to develop a plan to address the underlying issues of their homelessness.
Family Promise of Hendricks County
Our mission is to fight homelessness in Hendricks County by coordinating immediate shelter and needs assistance programs alongside longer term compassionate support services for families in all areas of life.
Avon UMC recently adopted Family Promise as a “Donor Church” with the possibility of becoming a host church in the future. If you would like to donate, you can do so anytime at www.familypromisehendrickscounty.org. There you will find a tab to join their email list for opportunities to get involved and other updates.
Get REAL inC. is a girls ministry located in Avon which believes, “It’s easier to build a strong girl in Christ than to repair a broken woman of the world.” Their group mentoring gatherings for girls in 2nd through 12th grades, strives to encourage, equip, and empower girls to Get REAL: Respected, Educated, Able, and Loyal in Christ. Get REAL gatherings are a place where girls and women can come be themselves, live life alongside one another, and grow with each other through a biblical perspective. This girls ministry is always looking for Christian women to invest in and build relationships with the girls.
Other needs of the ministry include: social media assistance, website and graphic design expertise, committee members for upcoming women’s event, monthly office cleaning, snacks and water donations for the girls groups, and financial support to further build strong girls for God’s glory.
AUMC was a long time sponsor of Habitat of Hendricks County. They have now merged with the Indy group and formed, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. You may also be aware of the Habitat ReStore in the former Ace Hardware building on north Avon Ave and County Road 100 N. You can support this organization by donating items and shopping at ReStore.
You can also get involved in a build as an individual or as a group from AUMC or another church or organization. Each year about 8,000 volunteers gift their time and talents to help build 20+ homes and service dozens more.
Heifer International, a nonprofit organization, works to end hunger and care for the earth by providing farm animals and training in sustainable community development. Since 1944, Heifer has helped more than 4 million families in 125 countries become self-reliant for food an income. Those who receive animals then “pass on the gift” of the first female offspring to another member of their community, empowering individuals to transform their neighborhoods, their nations, and our world.
Helping Hands Fund
Funds disseminated by the pastor and office staff to help individuals or families in the Avon community who have urgent, short-term financial needs.
Located at 264 E. County Rd. 100 South in Avon, and has been in operation since 2003 serving residents of Hendricks County who are struggling to provide food for their families. The pantry is open each Monday and typically serves fifty or more families each time, with 35% of the clients being children, 55% adults, and 10% over the age of 65 yrs. Avon UMC supports this pantry through our collection of food donations, and also with a monetary monthly donation which helps with the purchase of discounted meat to distribute along with canned goods.
In 2017, Lucille Raines will be celebrating 40 Years of Changing Hearts and Lives. There are many ways to support this organization such as the Talk-Tour-Lunch ($8/person – great for Confirmation Classes and United Methodist Women), Gift to Raines Cards (free but a donation is appreciated), and the purchase of Lucinda Pins (cause-related business dedicated to supplying quality jewelry for non-profit organizations). For more information on these and other opportunities to serve, please visit their website.
Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that promotes good health, independence, and eases loneliness for home bound seniors in our community. Volunteers deliver meals to those who cannot prepare meals for themselves due to illness, disability, or age. A team of registered dietitians at Hendricks Regional Health plan and prepare the meals.
Contact Meals on Wheels at:
Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County, Inc.
1000 E Main Street, Danville, IN 46122
1-317-745-3469
A downloadable brochure about volunteer opportunities is available on their website.
Locally run by Tammi Jessup, Mental Health America of Hendricks County is definitely a mission worthy of your time and talents. MHA Hendricks has programs that reach people of all ages like their “Kids on the Block” puppet program that reaches over 5,000 kids. They offer more programs than can be listed, so please go to www.mhahc.com for more details. Some highlights include:
FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS
Laughing for the Health of It – The only MAJOR FUNdraising event that includes dinner, silent auction, and comedy at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds.
Gift Lift – sends gifts out during the holidays. They served nearly 400 Hendricks County nursing home residents, county home residents, and county residents with persistent, severe, mental health conditions that otherwise would not receive any during the holiday season. Items are collected year round but efforts ramp up in November for the holiday season. They also have a Wreath Sale during this time that raises much needed funds for their programs.
Branching Out – A tree mural in their office that has names of donors painted on a leaf for a donation of $100+ or on a GOLD leaf for $500+. Your gift to this program is tax deductible.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
They welcome individuals and groups interested in volunteering.
All year-round projects include help in the office with mailings, help with ground maintenance (perfect for Scout troops or company volunteer days), or assistance with special events.
The holidays are a busy time for them and they would love to have you join us! Projects include wreath making and assembling gift bags for our Gift Lift program, providing for those who might not otherwise receive a gift.
If interested in any of these opportunities, feel free to contact Tammi Jessup or email Kris Pickett, Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteers@mhahc.com or call 317-272-0027 to learn more.
Metro Ministries – E. 10th St. Youth Ctr.
A ministry out of East 10th street UMC, primarily provides programs for children in the area. Provide significant teaching to educate children about the world. About 120 children per day receive services. The mission is to provide a safe place where the spiritual, emotional, education and physical needs of children, youth, and their families are responded to in a holistic approach.
http://bluecolorado71.wix.com/east10th-cyc-event-2012
Metro Ministries – Fletcher Place
“Breaking the cycle of poverty through the compassion of Jesus Christ,” is the guiding spirit of Fletcher Place Community Center. Extensive help to children of all ages gives those coming up in poverty the chance to have a better view of life and therefore a better chance to escape the poverty into which they were born. For those mired in poverty, meals and clothing are freely given. Education in life skills helps those who can to receive their GED and learn basic life skills such as managing a checking account. A hands-up program gives employment to people who would otherwise not be able to find a job for different reasons such as release from prison. An art program called “Art in the City” gives youth a hands on introduction to making various kinds of artistic works.
Metro Ministries – Roberts Park UMC
This ministry is in its second decade of service to the Indianapolis community. Since 1999, Soup’s On has prepared and served nearly 150,000 meals to their neighbors in need. Each Sunday a hot meal is prepared in their kitchen, and served to 250 guests after their 10:30 am worship service. Churches and organizations from across the Indianapolis metropolitan area participate in this ministry, and each week a different team supervises and shares in the preparation and serving of the meal. This effort takes a crew of 20 volunteers each week, and nearly 1000 each year. AUMC is responsible for cooking and serving the meal at Soup;s On every fifth Sunday in the months that have five Sundays (approximately 4 times per year).
http://www.robertsparkumc.org/outreach/soup%E2%80%99s
Metro Ministries – General Fund
Metro Ministries, Inc. partners and collaborates with Central District connecting resources to ministries and ministries to resources through United Methodist Churches and community ministries. The Central District is one of ten districts in Indiana Conference and is made up of local churches in Marion County, Hancock County, Hendricks County, Johnson County, Shelby County and Morgan County.
Metro Ministries – Vida Nueva UMC
This is a very active Latino ministry of the United Methodist Church. It serves in the Spanish language instruction in such areas as life skills, bible study and also provides Spanish language worship services.
During the past eleven years located at 2801 West Washington Street, the congregation has increased their ministries to include compassionate ministries: http://www.indymetroumc.org/ministries
- English as a Second Language classes
- GED Preparatory Classes
- Food Pantry and Clothing Store
- Kids Club – literacy, cooking, reading, computer, art, soccer
- Neighborhood Christian Clinic is a partner each week
- Adult keyboarding and basic computing
- Descubriendo Indy – Summer Youth – Discover Indianapolis
Midwest Mission Distribution Center
Midwest Mission Distribution Center is a disaster relief facility located on an 8 acre campus, 4 miles south of Springfield, Illinois. Construction began in October of 1999 and opened for ministry in the year 2000. Midwest Mission Distribution Center’s mission statement reads, ”To compassionately help God’s people in need locally, nationally, and around the world, and to offer a center to fulfill the call for service to our neighbors in Christ’s name.”
MMDC distributes its kits, resources and supplies after a request for items has come in and has gone through the appropriate channels for approval. MMDC makes a point to connect with local organizations as well, to provide aid particularly with those items that are taken in that do not quite meet all of the size restrictions for the kits. Midwest Mission Distribution Center as well is part of the UMCOR Relief Supply Network, and often gives UMCOR supplies to respond to disasters both within the United States and abroad as they see fit.
MMDC provides that “hands on” mission experience. When volunteers come, there are a number of projects that they may be involved in. Volunteers pack kits, sort items, sew school bags, hospitals gowns, and quilts. Volunteers box goods, help with mailings, build crates and desks, repair bicycles and sewing machines, help unload items, fill shipping containers, organize materials, and whatever the needs are at any given time. There are opportunities for those with special skills, trades, and those at peak abilities, and opportunities for individuals who may be more limited. No matter what your abilities, there is an important job that needs you!
Mission Trip Scholarships
AUMC parishioners who volunteer for a faith-based mission trip outside the U.S. can qualify for A $500 scholarship to help with expenses. Volunteers for a faith-based mission trip in the U.S. can qualify for a $100 scholarship. Contact the AUMC Missions Team for more information.
Nehemiah Ranch – Building Lives, Character,
and Community Through Christ
Operating April-October, Nehemiah Ranch is a calling that was answered by Jeff Leath years ago and has flourished into a 34 acre ranch in the heart of Avon. Nehemiah Ranch’s mission is to provide a fun, safe, and faith-based environment for people of all ages to experience family-oriented activities that build relationships with others as well as Christ. There are many opportunities throughout the year to serve with the largest being Harvest Days. Held each weekend in October, Harvest Days is fun for the whole family! There are FREE hayrides, hot dogs, s’mores, bonfires, entertainment, and pumpkins from the pumpkin patches for kids 12 and under! The work days are posted on their site, nehemiahranch.org, provides additional opportunities to volunteer your time and talents.
New Life Riders is a non-profit, member driven group of Christian Motorcyclists serving God and the community. The organization’s main purpose is to lead and guide motorcyclists in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Its members are encouraged to join and participate in their local churches and become missionaries through this ministry. Our church supports Bob and Kathy Dillon as they seek to introduce fellow bikers to Jesus.
The New Life Riders meet on the 1st Friday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Bob Evans in Plainfield (located off Rt. 267 and North of I-70). Bob and Kathy can be reached at 317-839-8572.
This is a United Methodist Charity based in Northern Indiana that is dedicated to provide the opportunity for children in Liberia and Sierra Leone the opportunity for a quality education. During the last part of August and early September we collect school supplies for this great cause, which are then shipped to Liberia and Sierra Leone by these dedicated individuals. The AUMC Mission Team also donates $2000 annually to this cause to provide work-study grants (16) or help fund special projects such as the construction of a new school or dormitory.
Project A.N.G.E.L. (Area Neighbors Giving Extra Love) is the largest provider of Christmas to needy families in Hendricks County and has been active for over 30 years. In 2006 Project A.N.G.E.L. was incorporated as a not for profit organization, and has received 501(c)3 status. It is dependent solely on donations from businesses, and individuals. The purpose of this organization is to assist families within the Hendricks County community in obtaining basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. During the Christmas season, our church collects new toys and gifts for donation to this cause, members help sort canned food for distribution, and a monetary donation is given from the Mission’s budget.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Indianapolis utilizes the sport of fly fishing to assist in the physical & emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings. This organization was introduced by Jeff Fluharty a few years ago. Jeff was able to merge his passion for fly fishing while aiding in the healing of those that served our country.
You can go to the national website www.projecthealingwaters.org for events across the country and regional contacts. Locally, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is operated by Richard L. Roudebush VAMC Indianapolis Fly Casters. “Like” their Facebook page: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Indianapolis, Indiana Program.
Over the course of the year the AUMC Missions Teams donates $100 each to several Walkathons each year. Our goal is to sponsor those causes that have both specific interest to our congregation such as the Mitochondrial Walk (in honor of Gabby Hanlon) and other more broad and nationally focused causes such as Relay for Life which touches many in our congregation. If you have questions or would like to have a cause considered for sponsorship, please contact Dave Levstek at dglevstek@sbcglobal.net
This is an organization based in Indianapolis that rescues prepared and perishable food. This food is then prepared into nutritious meals and distributed to over 60 social service organizations that feed hungry people. Second Helping also use rescued food to train disadvantaged adults for careers in the culinary field. Over 480 adults have graduated from this program.
Seminary Students/Student Ministries Scholarships
Seminary students associated with the AUMC congregation are eligible to qualify for scholarship funds by applying to the AUMC Missions Team. Contact the Senior Pastor for more information.
Senegal – Women’s Skills Center
Women in Senegal are marginalized to a certain degree culturally and also because of religion. The United Methodist Church in Senegal set up programs that could give women economic skills so that they could educate and feed their children. Education for girls is not a priority; the literacy rate is only 25% among women, with a high divorce rate and the practice of polygamy, life is difficult for women in Senegal.
Today the program is open to young women ages 16 and up who either never went to school or were forced to drop out and marry at a young age. The program is for three years and they are taught sewing, knitting, embroidery by hand and machine, tie-dye, batik design, painting on cloth, French literacy and cooking. When a student completes the three year program they are given a free Singer treadle sewing machine with the hope that they will go into business.
Senior Services of Hendricks County
SSHC provides numerous services to seniors including transportation, health screenings, light housekeeping, caregiver workshops and support groups, and information and assistance for Social Security, Medicare, and other governmental programs.
Provides 24 hours safe emergency housing for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children. Their mission is to build stable and independent lives through essential programs offered in a supportive and Christ-centered environment.
VISION – To be a catalyst to bring together faith community, community leaders, businesses, law enforcement, and the court system to address critical issues such as violence, chronic unemployment, and lack of education.
PRAY EVERYDAY AND ALWAYS – Keep the coalition and those they reach.
FUNDING – Sponsor summer youth programs – Ten Point collaborates with the Fervent Prayer Church providing summer youth employment. Financial gifts help provide programming and hiring of more outreach workers who walk the streets to reach young people.
SERVICE
Business Owners – partner with Ten Point by offering temporary summer employment.
Volunteer to mentor students.
Volunteer your talents and see how they can help.
Register your email address at indytenpoint.com to receive needs, updates and other pertinent information.
XCC–Xtreme Character Challenge
72 Hours of Inspiration, Challenge, & Adventure
Multiple teams of 8-10 men (21+) embark on a 72 hour (Thurs-Sun) life-changing journey, surrounded by stunning scenery, seeking the boundaries of their abilities, and trying to overcome the deep abyss between head and heart. Areas in the U.S. like Red River Gorge (KY), Ouachita Mountains (AR), Sierra Nevada Mountains (CA), Wichita Mountains (OK), and the Blue Ridge Mountains (NC) are the backdrop for men facing their fears, friends becoming brothers, and God revealing Himself intimately to wild hearts. After embarking on his own journey, Jeff Niemeyer followed a calling to get area men involved in Hendricks County.
For the most up to date information on how to donate or about upcoming dates, locales of XCC adventures, how to put a team together or join another team visit www.the4thmusketeer.org. The cost of a trip is $225 per person, but the return is priceless.
At The Gathering Together we care for families at the end of life, making the final moments more comfortable. Our volunteers serve in many ways from companions to our guest families, to housecleaning, gardening, cooking, and crafting. We try to fit our needs to the interests of our volunteers and can usually accommodate how folks want to serve
Our companions sit with patients and at times when the Director is out. They are not required to give care unless they are comfortable doing so. Mostly, it is sitting, visiting, reading, praying, and making light meals.
Our crafters sew, knit, crochet, paint…whatever they are good at…we try to find a project for them to contribute. Since we do not charge anyone for staying with us, our crafting is an income-stream for us.
Special events like Gathering in the Garden (June), Soup’s On (October), and Holiday Open House (early December) are fundraising activities which take dozens of volunteers in many roles. There are other events throughout the year, so please go to www.thegatheringtogether.org for the most up to date information.
Specific Needs always include Forever Stamps, paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper), sugar and vinegar for our jelly-making, bleach and OXI-Clean, and gift cards to any grocery or craft stores, Sam’s or Costco.
We also appreciate folks who would like to bring in light meals when we have large, hungry families with us.
The Path Home, Veterans Assistance
THE PATH HOME is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization that helps veterans and their families in many ways. Our mission is to be there as our fellow veterans and their families find their path home. Don’t just stand on the sideline, get involved and let our veterans know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
Turban Ministries
The turbans are donated to Hendricks Regional Health, Hendricks Cancer Center, IU West, IU Downtown, Riley Children’s Hospital, and the VA Hospital Cancer Centers. On average, AUMC donates around 2,000 turbans each year.
A sticker is placed on each turban reading, “A Gift of Love from Avon United Methodist Sewing Group.” They are put in a basket and the patients can take as many as they would like. We also receive requests, almost weekly, from our congregation and community for families, friends, co-workers, etc.
Opportunities – Cutting Parties which are advertised in the Sunday bulletin every 2-3 months. A great opportunity for those that cannot sew but want to help. Fabric is provided. Sewers – sew the turbans at their home. Distribution – volunteers deliver finished turbans to area hospitals. Rising Cost of Fabric – 1 yard of fabric yields 4 turbans at an average of $5/yard.
Remember the words of our Lord, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the not for profit global humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR is working in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States. Their mission, grounded in the teaching of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering – whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster, with open hearts and minds to all people. UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. Every dollar you give to UMCOR goes to the program you designate. UMCOR is 100% efficient.
Blinded Veterans fund, $800, yearly to purchase bus tickets for blinded Vets to get to the hospital. Also funding for various individual projects that come up from time to time at the hospital