Mission Opportunities

Teams preparing for mission: 

2023

Kenya, Maua Methodist Hospital and other sites

Pop-Up Missions/'Done In A Day'

Is there a need in your local community that is not being met? This could be a food drive, collecting supplies for a detention center, writing cards, cleaning debris, putting up a fence or painting a house. Choose your timeline, one day or many. Invite others to participate. Find an example flyer with other suggestions here.

UMVIM Volunteer Report Form

Documenting your work, whether a Pop-up mission or Disaster Kit building activity, is also important! This information is a vital piece in seeking grants and becomes a measure of the scope of mission volunteering in the OR-ID Conference and the United Methodist Church. Access the simple, one-page, .

Disaster Kits

Oregon-Idaho and the Greater Northwest are experiencing more disasters then ever before. With the closing of UMCOR West in Salt Lake City, getting UMCOR disaster relief kits is taking much longer. We can’t plan when a disaster will happen or what that disaster will be, but we can begin to build a supply of disaster kits to be available for immediate needs.

Plan a kit building activity in your church or community. Contact Louise Kienzle to learn what kits are needed and coordinate delivery to a conference Storage Center.  

Disaster Kits:

Virtual Missions

Exactly the same as a 'regular' mission but different. A Virtual Mission helps teams connect with one another while practicing social distancing, and then when we can gather in community again, it can help us connect with our neighbors. It also allows those that want to know more, learn and build relationships even from a distance.

You may ask, "what does this look like?" Here is a short video from a June, 2020 Virtual Mission Trip to 'Give Ye Them to Eat' in Puebla, Mexico.

Find out more by contacting your UMVIM Coordinator.

Other Ways to Serve

LONG TERM RECOVERY PROJECTS

Whatcom County

Rebuild teams are needed for residents who suffered damaging floods. Contact Cheryl Reagan for more information if you are interested in serving in Whatcom County, north of Seattle near the Canadian Border.

The Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG)

Committed to supporting the wildfire recovery efforts of a string of small towns along Oregon’s North Santiam River — including Lyons, Mehama, Elkhorn, Mill City, Gates, Detroit, Idanha and Breitenbush.

Helping property owners up the Canyon with cleanup and property restoration, the majority of the projects are single day (3-5 hour) outdoor work parties. You will have the chance to provide details on your interest, capabilities, and equipment.

Glide Revitalization: Archie Creek Fire

"As we continue to rebuild the Glide and Idleyld Park areas that were ravaged by the Archie Creek fire lastAs we continue to rebuild the Glide and Idleyld Park areas that were ravaged by the Archie Creek fire last year, many opportunities still exist for volunteering. We need help building sheds and decks, log removal, debris cleanup and event set up. year, many opportunities still exist for volunteering. We need help building sheds and decks, log removal, debris cleanup and event set up."

Jackson County Community LTRG

"Our amazing volunteers are the catalyst for the JCC LTRG. It is with the generous donation of our volunteers’ time, talent, and sacrifice that we fulfill our mission. Volunteer with us today to help rebuild the community, forge new relationships, and strengthen community spirit."

Clackamas County LTRG

"Our amazing team of volunteers and non-profit organizations are committed to helping others recover and rebuild from the devastating 2020 wildfires in Clackamas County. We take our pride in hearing from our community and filling the gaps of any unmet needs. If you want to help, get in touch for more information!"

PRIMETIMERS

Primetimers offers educational and mission service experiences for individuals ages 18 and up. These exciting 5-15 day experiences offer opportunities for educational forums, cross-cultural exposure and faith-filled reflection. 

NOMADS

 NOMADS are mission volunteers who:
  • are looking for retirement with a purpose
  • enjoy traveling in an RV
  • want to share their Christian faith
  • enjoy using their skills in service to others

Mission Volunteers

Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples (ages 18 and up), who seek long-term partnerships with communities around the world. Mission Volunteer opportunities are diverse and range from working with refugees, children and youth, serving as a teacher, pastor, camp director or health care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years.

When you volunteer, we all grow! Learn more about becoming a Mission Volunteer.

Global Mission Fellows

Global Mission Fellows are young adults, ages 20–30, who are committed to work in social justice ministries for two years. They serve outside of their home communities, either in the United States or overseas. This graduate-level fellowship allows participants to address the root causes of oppression and alleviate human suffering alongside community organizations in a variety of issues including public health (including HIV/AIDS), migration/immigration, education and poverty.

Sites and Projects

Use these lists when looking for a place to take an UMVIM team. Click the location to access the list; contact details are included. 

In the Greater Northwest:

Oregon-Idaho Camps

Are you looking for a place to be in mission while having the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of God’s nature? There are camps in the Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Conference that offer both and would welcome your presence.

There are opportunities for all ages to serve in a variety of projects from dishwashing to painting, clearing trails to minor construction, sewing projects to window washing, supporting camp program activities and so much more. There may also be opportunities for local community projects.

Enjoy the misty mornings at Smith Lake and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean at the end of each day.  Come serve on the beautiful Oregon coast, enjoy living in Christian community, and change lives by being a part of the wonderful work we do at Camp Magruder. Contact Troy Taylor for ways you can serve.

Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains fourteen miles west of Sisters Oregon, Suttle Lake Camp is a special place where the vivid green of Western Oregon mingles with the sunny beauty of the east side. Contact Jane Petke to get more information.

The main reasons volunteers serve at Wallowa Lake Camp in northeastern Oregon is to have fun serving God in community a few hours a day in a gorgeous place, with delicious meals, beautiful lodging and plenty of free time to explore the area! Contact Peggy Lovegren for more information.

                   

Youth Service Opportunities:

Sierra Service Project

Sierra Service Project (SSP) is committed to providing safe, accessible, and affordable programs for youth to deepen their relationships with God and others through service. SSP trips cover housing, meals, construction training, spiritual development, fellowship and more. They also offer scholarships to groups and individuals who may not otherwise be able to attend.
See details on the SSP website.

UMCOR

UMCOR Donations 

All monies collected for UMCOR go through your church treasurer and are sent to the Conference Treasurer with the ADVANCE #901440 on the memo line. Remember, 100% of the money you donate goes to the program you specify!

UMCOR operates a supply depot, the UMCOR Sager Brown depot in Baldwin, Louisiana. They also collaborate with a network of United Methodist Relief-Supply Warehouses. Supply kit donations can be sent or dropped off at a depot near you.

UMCOR West in Salt Lake City has closed, but the Oregon-Idaho and the Western Jurisdiction is working to establish strategic supply centers. 

GLOBAL MINISTRIES

You can support mission projects without leaving your home. By giving through The Advance, 100% of your donation reaches your chosen mission project or ministry.

 

Boldly Making Disciples of Jesus Christ - Vitalizing the Church - Transforming the World