Outreach Beyond Our Walls — Making an Impact
Reaching out to the community in our own neighborhood, across the country, and globally – is a vital part of our ministry at Kent UMC.
Join Us
Reaching out to others – in our neighborhood, across the country, and globally, is a vital part of our ministry at KUMC.
If you want to join us in making a difference, contact the church office at 253-852-3900 or general@KentMethodist.com. You can also fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, and someone will contact you.
Giving Tree—There Are Changes This Year!
With federal budget cuts, the possible delay in SNAP benefits, the potential for huge increases in healthcare premiums, and the closure of KentHOPE and Catholic Community Services-Kent, which are significantly impacting the homeless situation, the need in our community is more urgent than ever. In light of these situations, Outreach has made some changes to our Giving Tree this year.
We will have tags on the tree for the following:
Gift cards to Fred Meyer or Safeway for Vine Maple Place
Monetary donations (of any amount) to Shared Bread
Socks, hats, gloves for the growing number of homeless folks who attend Tuesday Dinners at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
We will be making 175 gift bags on December 17. The bags will include the above items and a few other things that we will purchase with Outreach funds. The times are:
December 17 – 12:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall
December 17 – 6:00 PM in the Fellowship
In addition, there will be:
Opportunities to participate in the stocking stuffers for Atlantic Street Center
Envelopes for monetary donations for Atlantic Street Center
Outreach will also be adopting a family living at Martha House, a St. Stephen’s Transitional Housing program.
There will be specific instructions on the tags regarding where to return gifts. Everything should be returned by Sunday, December 14. If you have questions, contact Elaine Lowell (ezlowell@mac.com or 425-305-1876).
Each week, you will see gold stars added to the tree as gift tags are taken. These stars are a reminder that our light is shining a blessing on those around us.
As we enter this Advent season, thank you in advance for your generosity. As disciples of Jesus, serving others by sharing our time, talents, and treasures is a powerful witness to our neighbors and the watching world.
Atlantic Street Center—There Are Changes This Year!
Atlantic Street Center would very much appreciate donations of small gifts for the approximately
250 families they serve each Christmas.
Atlantic Street Center has received a large donation of stockings, so they are not requesting stockings from us this year.
Did you know Atlantic Street Center in Seattle was founded in 1910 by two Methodist Deaconesses, nurse Jesse Gasser and teacher Mary Jane Hepburn? KUMC has a long history of supporting Atlantic Street Center through our Mission and Outreach Committees and the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women). Atlantic Street Center is helping and encouraging children to grow into their full potential. To make that happen, children need adults to provide support and encouragement. Sometimes that support can be as simple as a Christmas gift from someone who cares.
Here is how you can help. Donate small gifts for newborns to age 18.
The age breakdown is 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-18.
Atlantic Street Center always needs help with quality items for teenagers! Suggested items for teens are portable chargers for phones, mini-hand creams, satin pillowcases, nail polish, spa headbands, fidget toys, mini card games/brain teasers, mature coloring books, colored pencils and markers, small LEGO sets, dark colored knit hats, and local sports team T-shirts and other items such as hats or scarves.
Suggestions for children 3-12 are: new stuffed animals, small toys, puzzles and games, art supplies, coloring books, crayons, and markers.
Items can be dropped off at KUMC in the ASC basket in the Narthex by Monday, December 8. For questions, contact Linda Mills at (206) 399-2302 or wmil1218@aol.com.
Monetary Donations Welcome:
Look for Atlantic Street Center envelopes on the Giving Tree in the Narthex. Drop the envelopes in the Sunday collection or mail them to KUMC. You may also donate online via the KUMC app or website. For
Turkey Drive Update!
Luke 3:11 says, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise." The Outreach Beyond Our Walls Committee is so pleased to share the results of our Turkey Drive. This year, our church members donated even more than last year. See our contributions below.
Collected
Broth—134
Dressing—181
Canned Cranberries—131
Cinnamon—125
Dollars—$2,465
Breakfast Foods Drive Update!
In early September, we collected 2,593 pounds of food and $640 in cash donations at the Covington Fred Meyer for Kent Food Bank. This is an opportunity to make a difference with your time, not your money. We invite our community to contribute to this event. Given the overwhelming success of our first drive and the significant need, we plan to facilitate this initiative three times a year.
Community Loaves—Holiday Update
Our Community Loaves mission is going well, thanks to a few community members joining our baking team. We are now baking both bread and energy cookies for the Kent Food Bank. This is an ongoing opportunity for anyone to join. Orientation online at your convenience. If you'd like to try it out, we are offering a special delivery of Holiday shortbread on December 14. The recipe is very simple, and the cost is low. If you are interested, please contact Sandra Durbrow. We'd love to have you join us.
Foster Parents Needed!
Calling all caring individuals in King County! Your help is urgently needed to support vulnerable youth and teens in foster care in YOUR community.
Becoming a foster parent can provide the stability and care these youth and teens desperately need. Together, we can make a real difference in their lives and help them build a brighter future. By fostering a youth or teen, you can help build trust and stability during difficult times, prepare them for adulthood, and become a meaningful mentor.
You can foster the future and create a better tomorrow for these vulnerable young people.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, scan the QR code or visit dcyf.wa.gov for more information.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @FosterParentsWA