Oceanview UMC | Missions

Help for Maui, Hawaii

Members of The Florida Conference understand the long-term consequences of a natural disaster. When we read about the fires that ravaged the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, we knew that the loss of life, property and historical treasures was devastating. The lethal combination of hurricane-force winds and parched landscapes resulted in one of the most catastrophic wildfires the U.S. has ever witnessed. The entirety of Lahaina was consumed, and the surrounding region was impacted. As a result, thousands now grapple with displacement and homelessness, and the fire left a wake of grief due to the loss of life.

In The Florida Conference, we understand that being a part of this connection means that we are never truly alone. United Methodist generosity shows up in a variety of ways when it is most needed. Our joys are magnified, our sorrows shared, and our needs addressed, not by an impersonal system, but by a church that believes in uplifting each member. It is our time to uplift the people of Lahaina and surrounding areas.

Friends, we know the need is great. May we approach God and each other with a heart full of generosity, especially during times of crisis, trusting always in His abundant provision.

Palm Beach County Food Project Collection Day October 14, 2023

Our partner food pantries are struggling due to the added number of people needing food. We need your donation of one bag of non-perishable food items every other month. That's one purchase of something extra over a 2 month period, one donation six times a year. Seems small but it has a huge impact.

You can also help by making a financial donation to learn more visit the Palm Beach County Food Project website:

www.palmbeachcountyfoodproject.org

St. George’s Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen

Make sandwiches

Sunday September 10, 2023

St. George’s Center – Saturday Bag Lunch Program

St. George’s Center in Riviera Beach, created in 1998, emerged from a need to feed and clothe indigent and homeless individuals and their families in the area. In 2014, St. George’s Center served 116,514 meals to the hungry residents of the community. Oceanview is one of several churches that provide meals at the center.

We provide bag lunches on the 2nd Monday of each month. Lunches are then handed out between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Our church provides drinks, chips, cookies and sandwiches enough to pack 150 lunches. You can volunteer to help make sandwiches on the 2nd Sunday of the month after church in the fellowship hall church kitchen

Website: https://www.saintgeorgescenter.org

C.R.O.S. Food Pantry

C.R.O.S. (Christians Reaching Out to Society) Ministries collaborates with other organizations to help feed the hungry in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. In 1978, a group of United Methodist Churches located in Palm Beach County came together to form Christians Reaching Out to Society (CROS Ministries). They realized that together they could make more of a difference assisting the community’s unmet needs.

We believe that to be successful in addressing hunger, the community must come together. For 38 years, C.R.O.S. has brought people of different faiths, civic groups, and members of our community to work together effectively towards the common goal of ending hunger in our county. With limited staff, we utilize the talents of more than 3,000 volunteers to operate our programs. Using volunteers keeps our costs down which allows us to be open numerous days/week. All services are provided free of charge without regard to race, religion, national origin, marital status, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

Yearly Activities and Important Tasks:

December: Christmas collection to Gifts of Hope
December through May: Gleaning
April: Annual fund raiser (Old School Square)
May: Postman’s Food Drive (Participate)June through
August: Day Camps for elementary and middle school students from low income families.
October: Annual “End Hunger Walk” in West Palm Beach.

You can help by volunteering to serve at food pantries or at the C.R.O.S. office; donating food or money or gleaning produce.

Website: http://www.crosministries.org

Contact to Volunteer: Juanita Bryant Goode, Director of Engagement

Email: jgoode@crosministries.org

Contact to Donate: Gibbie Nauman, Dir. of Develop. & Community Relations

Email: gnauman@crosministries.org

Family Promise

Family Promise is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to helping homeless families in our community regain their independence.

Currently in Palm Beach County, there are nearly 2000 homeless children registered in Palm Beach County Schools. We invite you to learn more about us and perhaps endeavor to help us in our mission. All donations to Family Promise are tax deductible.

The following is a list of items needed for Family Promise Families, who are currently being housed in COVID safe, small apartments. There are several families under Family Promise care so your donations are gratefully requested. For more info on Family Promise of North Central Palm Beach County and/or make an online monetary donation, please go to:

http://www.familypromisencpbc.org

Wish List Needs

Stroller for a child up to 3 years old

Highchair for our Day Center

Breakfast items

Granola bars

Cereal bars

Apples / oranges/Bananas

Cheese sticks

Yogurt

Oatmeal

Cereal

Bottled Water

Juice Boxes

FP has done an amazing job continuing to work with families, house families, etc. thru this pandemic, I'm very proud of what they are still accomplishing, dealing with obstacles/circumstances that have greatly impacted the normal operation of the program. - Kathy Perry

Good Samaritan Fund

At Oceanview Church, one way we offer second mile giving is through the Good Samaritan Fund.

This is a special local fund at Oceanview that provides for the needs of those here in our community who need financial help with utilities, rent transportation, etc. and food support for the homeless from time to time.

Participation is easy. You can make a donation through Oceanview Give on the website or you can mail your donation check to Oceanview designating it to the Good Samaritan Fund.

Contact Pastor Emily for more information.

It Takes A Village Ministry

“It Takes a Village” ministry provides school donations when needed for Safety Patrol Trips for Jupiter Elementary, Riviera Beach Elementary and Palmetto Elementary Schools in Palm Beach County. Oceanview donates uniform shirts, uniform shorts, school supplies and donations (when needed) to help fund a child going on the Spring Safety Patrol Trip to Washington D.C.

The AAA School Safety Patrol program is the largest traffic safety program in the world. Since its inception in 1920, the program has provided a safer environment and educational opportunities for millions of school children. Each year, more than 654,000 children participate at over 34,500 schools throughout the country.

The program instills students with a sense of responsibility, leadership and citizenship. AAA provides an array of equipment and material, including electric-lime fluorescent belts, nickel plated steel badges and training. When properly uniformed and trained, they ensure their classmates safety to and from school every day. The program helps reduce injuries and deaths among 5-to-14 year olds, the age group most at risk for pedestrian injury.

During Vacation Bible School, we collect donations of school supplies for our local schools. In addition, we purchase and distribute uniform shirts and shorts to each or our ‘adopted’ schools prior to the beginning of each new school year.

You can help by donating school supplies, back packs, and uniform shirts/shorts. Bring them to Oceanview Church or donate directly to the “It Takes A Village Ministry”.

“It Takes a Village” Contact Information:

JoJo Brockman, Email: village@oceanviewumc.com