Missions
Welcome to our Missions site! We're excited you're interested in serving Jesus by putting your faith into action. Here, you'll find information about our mission programs, upcoming opportunities, personal stories from past mission experiences, and more. Let us know how we can help you serve others and do God's will.
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Interested in Serving? Click here to inquire!
Mission Stories
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During the mission trip to Lambert, we volunteered to help with various projects, including painting classrooms. Despite the lack of payment, Jacqueline showed up and worked hard every day, displaying a gentle smile and a peaceful demeanor that touched all of us. She embodied Matthew 5:3 and reminded us to detach from material things and put our trust in Jesus.
On the last day of our visit, while Jacqueline was still painting, we presented her and her two boys with personal hygiene items, clothing, and a meaningful amount of US cash to help purchase a new baby goat. This was a small gesture of gratitude for someone who touched all of us so deeply. Jesus provided for us all, and Jacqueline's faith and loving spirit will continue to inspire us in the years to come.
Jacqueline - Blessed are the poor in spirit
Filling the Gap
West Heights UMC works with Partners for Wichita and the Kansas Food Bank to provide free nutritious lunches to vulnerable children and youth, serving about 800 per day during spring break and after summer school, while also offering vision screening at various locations.
Open Door
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West Heights UMC's members purchase and deposit food and personal hygiene items each week to support the United Methodist Open Door organization and its Community Food Ministry, with items picked up and delivered to Open Door weekly. The church welcomes donations any time the office is open, and also invites volunteers to assist with delivering items to Open Door. The Open Door food ministry is seeking more volunteers to help with tasks such as filing, in-take, reception, and distributing food at their east 21st facility.
November Food Challenge: Thanksgiving Foods
TEAM: Errands and More!
We provide support to individuals who are unable to carry out daily tasks such as errands or cleaning. Our services include grocery shopping, library visits, post office and any other basic tasks you need assistance with. We will match you with an appropriate assistant within 24 hours of contacting us.
Family Promise
Family Promise is a non-profit organization with over 200 Networks in 43 states, helping homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through community-based programs. West Heights is involved in the Rotation Program, which provides lodging and meals for families in temporary church facilities. Guests also have access to the Day House for employment and housing searches. Volunteers are essential for the success of the program, providing services such as setting up temporary bedrooms, cooking and serving meals, and providing activities for the children.
Blessing Box
West Heights UMC partnered with Boy Scout troop 703 in 2019 to build a Blessing Box, a miniature food pantry available to neighbors in need of non-perishable food items and books. To consistently replenish the box, groups can sign up monthly to check and stock it at least once or twice a week with non-perishable staples. Snacks and treats are not recommended, and there is a separate area designated for books.
CROP Walk
West Heights UMC has long participated in the annual nationwide CROP Hunger Walk, which raises funds to combat hunger and empower communities worldwide. The local Wichita CROP Hunger Walk returns 25 percent of funds raised to local hunger-fighting programs. CROP Walk occurs annually in October, and there are other opportunities throughout the year to participate in hunger-related outreach programs at West Heights. CROP Hunger Walk has two walking courses (1 mile and 2-3 miles) at Sedgwick County Park, Horseshoe Shelter.
Homeless Resource Center Lunch
West Heights UMC serves the homeless community by providing nutritious lunches to around 150 people every month at the Open Door Homeless Resource Center. The church invites members to participate in various ways, including purchasing, preparing, delivering, and serving meals or helping with clean-up.
Food 4 Kids
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West Heights UMC partners with the Kansas Food Bank to provide food bags for food financially insecure students who may not have access to sufficient food outside of school on weekends. The Food 4 Kids program runs from August through March, with West Heights having a standing reservation on the first Wednesday of each month from 8am-10am. To participate, volunteers should review the volunteer policies in advance to ensure they are prepared.
GraceMed
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West Heights UMC participates in the annual Thanksgiving Day Say Grace 5k to support GraceMed healthcare ministry, which provides high-quality healthcare to under-served residents in Wichita. The event is a signature fundraising event and the largest local 5k in Wichita, with funds raised through registration and donations. GraceMed offers medical, dental, vision, educational, outreach, pharmaceutical, and spiritual care and serves nearly 1 in every 10 people in the Sedgwick County area.
Handyman Program
The Handyman program at West Heights UMC invites anyone with carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, landscaping, or gardening skills to serve in periodic work dates to assist members with light house and yard maintenance or small repairs. No specific skills are required, and anyone can participate. Work teams typically meet in the church parking lot before driving to the work sites, and the program runs from March to November with shorter periods available if needed. Homeowners purchase materials, and the Handyman team provides the labor.
Meals on Wheels
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West Heights UMC partners with Meals on Wheels to deliver hot, nutritious meals to home-bound seniors in Wichita. Volunteers can choose to deliver on a regular or substitute basis, and routes are available in all areas of the city. Requirements to serve include completing an application, participating in a brief orientation, and having a valid Kansas driver's license and personal vehicle. Serving with others is encouraged and those interested in sign up below!
Wichita Habitat for Humanity
West Heights UMC partners with Wichita Habitat for Humanity to help low-income families build and purchase affordable housing. Through this partnership, families are given stability, self-reliance, and the opportunity for healthy, happy lives. Our teams work alongside skilled Habitat construction staff to hang outdoor siding, install roofing and drywall, paint, and landscape. By serving with us, you don't need any skills, just a compassionate heart and willingness to learn.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Wichita and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them to rebuild their lives. The needs and location of IRC vary depending on the crisis.
ASAP Haiti
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West Heights UMC has been involved with the community of Lambert, Haiti since 1993 under Pastor Sam Muyskens. With the help of many mission-minded servants, the project has grown to include a school that serves over 600 students, a medical clinic, a micro-lending project for women, and a solar powered water system and computer lab. One of the best ways to help is to sponsor a student. Mission trips to Lambert, Haiti are also available for those interested in building schools, teaching, or helping in the medical clinic. The cost is approximately $1,900 per person and you should be in good health, able to handle the heat and humidity, and have a valid passport.
Watoto Child Care Ministries
West Heights UMC supports Watoto Child Care Ministries, an organization in Uganda that provides holistic care to orphans and vulnerable women. Watoto offers shelter, food, clothing, education, vocational training, medical care, and spiritual discipleship to those in need. Uganda has suffered greatly due to political and economic instability, including the use of child soldiers. However, through God's grace and organizations like Watoto, improvements have been made. Thousands of vulnerable children have been cared for since 1994, and some of the first children to receive care have graduated from university and are now investing in their country as leaders. Watoto is a testament to God's love for the most vulnerable.
UMCOR
UMCOR is a non-profit organization that assists vulnerable people affected by crisis or chronic need around the world. They provide humanitarian relief and long-term education, training, and support in over 80 countries. UMCOR works with communities affected by disasters, war, or conflict, providing temporary relief and partnering with the affected population for successful solutions. West Heights supports UMCOR through donations and participating in relief supply projects like health kits and school kits. Cash donations are the best way to help UMCOR meet immediate needs, and opportunities to participate in future relief supply projects will be available at West Heights.
Klothes Kloset
West Heights is proud to support the United Methodist Open Door's Klothes Kloset ministry by donating seasonal clothing in good condition to adults, children, and infants in need. Donations can be dropped off in bins located by the sanctuary or office, and our volunteers will deliver them to the Klothes Kloset on a weekly basis. If you're interested in helping deliver donated items, we welcome your assistance in this important mission.
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