We are a church in mission! Mission opportunities are available for children, women, and men of all ages! We believe passionately that Christ calls us to reach out to the disadvantaged and help in every way we possibly can. Rev. Richard Smith leads mission outreach efforts within the community and beyond our community. In addition to our hands-on efforts, some noted below, we commit funds to key community agencies such as Angels Clinic, Main Street Youth Center, Needline, Boy Scouts,and the Gentry House. Jesus reminded us, “As you’ve done for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you’ve done for me.” We take that call and that challenge seriously!

Kids in Mission

The children of First United Methodist Church participate in several mission projects throughout the year. Items are collected every Fall for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry. In 2008 children were asked to stuff and pray over a teddy bear bearing the name of Jesus in different languages for shipment to children overseas. VBS offerings are sent to various agencies in our community and our children are urged to actively participate in their community through volunteer work.

Summer Youth Mission Trip

All youth in 6th – 12th grade are invited to share their faith during a week-long mission experience each summer. The middle school mission trip (grades 6-8) is four days of hands on experience working with the disabled, building wheelchair ramps, or doing yard work for the elderly. High School missions are a week long experience where, while on work sites, our youth have painted, made repairs, held VBS for children, played games with the elderly, and more! Our youth have traveled to South Dakota, Alabama, Massacheusetts, Florida, Denver, and Louisiana. For more information visit the youth section.

Local Missions

It’s not hard to find one of our church members out in the community helping others! Our church members volunteer and support missions iin so many ways: Angel’s Attic, Angel’s Community Clinic, Needline, Character Counts, Mountain Missions, Reelfoot Rural Ministries and Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly. First United Methodist Church is also proud to support our H.E.L.P. House ministry (His Eternal Love Provides). Under the direction of Doris Frazer, Deaconess, the H.E.L.P. house ministry not only provides supplemental funds to families for utilities and rent costs, but has also been expanded to include a food pantry and after school tutoring. Hours for assistance are M-W-F from 9 a.m. to noon. The H.E.L.P. house is located at 504 Poplar Street behind the church.

Eunice’s Food Ministry

A new ministry has been formed to honor Mrs. Eunice Chambers for her love and her dedication to FUMC. This ministry will work in cooperation with H.E.L.P. (His Everlasting Love Provides). Your donations will be used for the purchase of emergency food for the needy. On the third Tuesday of every month we will be sacking the commodities for the senior food program at Needline. Please join us in this service! For more information contact the church office.

International Mission Team

First United Methodist Church is proud to be a part of the International Medical Mission team. Around 30 youth and adults from the Murray community travel each summer to Central America. While there, they not only perform much-needed medical services, but they also provide both children and adults with items such as clothing, shoes, and eyeglasses.

Nothing But Nets

The people of The United Methodist Church have joined hands with the United Nations Foundation, the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, Sports Illustrated and other organizations to support Nothing But Nets, a global grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria. You can help prevent malaria deaths by purchasing a net for only $10. To buy a net, you can place your donation in the blue containers placed around the facilities or mail to the church office.