Missions
Missons
To become more like Jesus through acts of kindness and mercy by serving those in need and by sharing the gospel with the lost.
MISSIONS CALL US TO:
Meet the basic needs of others
Respond to suffering with tangible support
Be radically present in our local communities, our nation, and in our world
Begin with the people right in front of us
Types of Missions
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What is a Core Mission?
1. Each core mission at First Methodist Church of Oviedo should fall within the following people groups:
· At risk youth
· At risk seniors
· The Underserved (primarily homelessness and hunger)
2. Each core mission has an appointed leader and at least two additional people who are committed to the mission
3. Core Missions must have a high opportunity for serving
· Local / easy to get to
· Activities and serve opportunities that can be put on the calendar throughout the year.
4. A core mission has a high capacity for personal relationship development.
5. The Core Mission and the people it serves, has an identified leader.
6. The Core Mission has been vetted and is a viable, trustworthy faith-based organization.
7. To enable more focused communications, there will be no more than 4 core missions (unless the Missions Guide Team votes unanimously to add a core mission)
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Missions begin with "loving your neighbor as yourself," and First Methodist Church of Oviedo warmly embraces our neighbors. Missions we are currently involved with:
The Fight Against Human Trafficking/S.A.F.E. Central Florida
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We are intentional about connecting with our community so we can love them, share Jesus with them, and invite them to join our community of faith and to come to faith in Jesus.
WE INVITE THEM HERE AND
WE GO WHERE THEY ARE
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First Methodist Church of Oviedo is ready to travel to spread the word of God!
We have mission opportunities open to individuals, families, and youth.
Zambia Mission Trip — July 11–25, 2026
This summer, a team of six from First Methodist Church of Oviedo traveled to Zambia to partner with New Life International Mission in worship, teaching, and service. The team hosted a Kids’ Bible Camp, encouraged local pastors and church leaders, and served through several hands-on ministry projects. Thank you for praying for and supporting our team and ministry partners in Zambia!Alaska Mission Trip — July 24–31, 2027
Join First Methodist Church of Oviedo for a week of mission and service in Alaska! Our team will partner with Thirst Missions to serve local communities through hands-on projects, including construction, food service, and other opportunities to use our gifts and skills.
Cost: $1,149 + travel expenses
Dates: July 24–31, 2027
There is a place for everyone on this mission team! Fundraising opportunities will be available to help offset trip costs. Learn more about serving with Thirst Missions in Alaska here.
To be added to our interest list, please contact Leah Jacobs at LJacobs@fmcoviedo.net.
Our Core Missions
Residing Hope: Formerly The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, Residing Hope is now a diverse ministry that includes therapeutic residential care, foster care, independent living assistance, Montessori education for the community, and counseling services in multiple counties.
Kitwana McTyer, President & CEO
Nancy Pandolph (First Methodist Church Oviedo)
Harbour Hope International: Harbour Hope International provides hope and healing to survivors of human trafficking in our local community through holistic resources and collaborative solutions on their journey to self-sustainability. The foundation of restoration is built upon unified support, leading them to spiritual, mental, physical, and financial freedom.
Merrie & Igor Karimov, Co-Founders
Orlando Union Rescue Mission: The OURM provides more than just relief—we equip the homeless for long-term independence and self-sufficiency built on a personal relationship with Christ. We are more than a homeless shelter. Our life-transforming services are designed to address every area of need (physical, emotional, social, and spiritual) so those who were once hungry, hurting, and homeless can become filled, restored, and secure.
Freddy Clayton, President/CEO
Love Missions: Love Missions is dedicated to the abolishment of modern-day slavery through community awareness and education. Domestically we travel to some of the most impoverished areas of the United States to care for those in need. Globally we travel to remote areas to restore, educate and build safe houses.
Tina Kadolph , President & Co-founder
Carl Kadolph, CEO & Co-founder
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1. Personal Touch
Pray for survivors in Harbour Hope’s programs
Sign up for our weekly prayer texts by texting HOPE to 97000
Sign up for our monthly prayer emails (website)
Join our monthly virtual prayer meeting (website)
Help us send Christmas Cards to our champions
2. Sharing Resources
Gift Cards (Publix, Walmart, or Gas Cards) – empower survivors to meet practical needs independently.
Participate in our Christmas Celebration
Purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist
Adopt a survivor and their children for Christmas
3. Showing Up
Join our Volunteer Team – Empowered Volunteer Training is offered quarterly in a variety of locations. Sign up on our website.
Volunteer with Our Children’s Program
Join a Community Outreach – help with awareness events
4. BIG ASK
Become a Mentor or Monthly Partner
Mentorship changes lives, and monthly partners sustain the work — allowing us to say “yes” to more survivors and children in need of care.
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1. Personal Touch
Pray for children and staff
Cards for the children
Noisy coins collection (5th Sundays)
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
2. Share Resources
Monetary donations / gift cards
Angel tree at Christmas
Sponsor an off campus activity such as bowling, roller skating, and movies
Purchase items on Amazon Wishlist
3. Showing Up
Dinner & Game Nights / 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:15 PM
Host a holiday event: Valentine’s party (Feb 13, 2026), End of the Year party
Day of Hope Tour Day: Saturday, February 21, 2026 (this is family friendly and open to all ages!)
4. BIG ASK:
Linen shower for Independent Living / May 2026
Supporting campus renovations, landscaping, and clean-up
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Our mission partners at Residing Hope are in need of gently used luggage and suitcases. Many of the children leave with their belongings packed in boxes when luggage isn't available, and we'd love to help change that.
If you have clean, gently used suitcases you'd like to donate, we’d love to pass them on to students leaving Residing Hope.
Thank you for helping provide dignity and care for these children during times of transition.
→Drop off in the Welcome Center or the Front Office
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1. Personal Touch
Pray for survivors and for the Legacy Ranch property.
Write notes of encouragement for survivors
2. Sharing Resources
Gift cards (examples: Walmart, Home Depot, VISA cards, gas cards, etc.)
Supplies for Freedom Bags
Silent Auction items for our “Evening of Hope and Impact” (Nov 14), (examples: cruises, theme park tickets, hotel stays/getaways, etc.)
Monetary donations
3. Showing Up
Join awareness and education training events to help prevent trafficking and spread hope
Volunteer at Elevate Her Boutique
Packing Parties for Freedom Bags
Attend our “Evening of Hope and Impact” event on November 14th
4. BIG ASK
Invest in the Legacy Ranch property (corporate sponsors and personal contributions). We have a dollar-for-dollar matching grant for $100,000 from The Father’s Table Foundation to double the impact of any donation.
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Dear Friends,Looking for a meaningful way to serve this fall?
As we head into our busiest season of the year, we're looking for volunteers to join the team at Elevate Her Boutique!
This is so much more than serving in a boutique.
Every day, our volunteers have the opportunity to welcome customers, encourage local artisans, and help tell the story behind Love Missions Global. Many of the handcrafted products in our boutique are created by women rebuilding their lives, including survivors and those who have faced significant hardships. Every purchase helps support their entrepreneurial journey while raising awareness about human trafficking.
Just as importantly, our volunteers become ambassadors for our mission. Whether it's greeting someone who walks through the door, sharing about the work of Love Missions, or simply offering a warm smile, every interaction has the opportunity to make an impact.
No retail experience? No problem! We'll provide everything you need to get started.
Our volunteer hours currently through September are Thursdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Starting October, the hours are Thursdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
While full-day volunteers are incredibly helpful, we also offer flexible four-hour shifts and will gladly work with your schedule.
If you've been looking for a way to make a difference, this is your invitation.
Click here to sign up and become part of the Elevate Her Boutique team.
Together, we can create a place where every conversation, every purchase, and every act of kindness points someone toward hope.
With gratitude,
The Love Missions Team
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1. Personal Touch
Follow our Facebook page for latest news and needs.
Pray for the guests at OURM and those who serve there.
2. Share Resources
Pillows and towels
Unwrapped toys for Christmas toy drive
Bibles
Laptops or used computers to help teach technology skills
Hygiene kits
Backpacks and school supplies
Spring shoe drive (to prepare for foot washing)
3. Showing Up
Serve dinner at the men’s home once a month.
Volunteer for a meal service shift at the Family Home (lunch or dinner service) or Project Hope (dinner service).
Fall Festival
4. BIG ASK:
Tutoring students is a high priority for OURM. OURM students have tutoring Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4:30pm - 7:30pm and Wednesday from 3pm - 4pm and 4:30pm - 7pm.
Community Outreach
We are intentional about connecting with our community so we can love them, share Jesus with them, and invite them to join our community of faith and to come to faith in Jesus.
OUTREACH CALLS US TO:
Be EVENT ORIENTED
INVITE the community to join us on our property for events.
PARTICIPATE in events hosted by our community outside the walls of our church
WE INVITE THEM HERE AND
WE GO WHERE THEY ARE
Some examples of our community outreach:
Food Pantry (benefitting Palm Valley Seniors & Lawton Elementary Students)
Parachute Team
Military Support Team
Volunteer Now!
We love our volunteers at First Methodist Church of Oviedo! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out the information below and let us know the area(s) you are interested in serving. Thank you for your interest!