Serve At Aldersgate

Aldersgate UMC in collaboration with the Cal-Pac Annual Conference believes that education aimed at prevention of human trafficking is the most important action we can undertake. With a local focus, we can support the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, The Global Center for Women and Justice, and others’ fight against this tragic human rights violation. Fifty percent of the people trafficked in Orange County are minors with the average age of 14, mostly women and girls, and 80 % are Americans, not foreign born. Our charge is to study the issue, be a voice, and make a difference.

Aldersgate UMC partners with our neighboring school, Benson Elementary, to provide food for their pantry for needy families, books for their students, and to help fund after-school enrichment classes. We attend their advisory board meetings to be aware of areas in which we can provide help.

At Aldersgate UMC, the Family Ministries team cultivates spiritual growth for children and Youth through nursery care, Children's Sunday School, and Youth programming. We welcome volunteers! Other opportunities include childcare for MomCo meetings, helping with Vacation Bible School, or chaperoning Youth outings. To learn about the volunteer application process, please contact: families@aumctustin.org

Family Promise of Orange County is a non-profit that aims to create a pathway of support for families experiencing housing instability and insecurity. Family Promise maintains a transitional housing apartment complex for homeless families in Tustin. Aldersgate UMC was a partner in furnishing this facility and continues to volunteer for Family Promise events and has donated Christmas gifts to the families at House of Ruth. Please visit www.familypromiseoc.org for more info.

In partnership with University United Methodist Church in Irvine, Aldersgate UMC has collected items for food and hygiene bags, clothing, diapers, blankets, and cuddly stuffed toys for asylum seekers housed at the Mexican border and aided by Cal-Pac's Border Ministries. Please visit https://calpacumc.org/ministries/social-justice/immigration-strategy-group/ for more info.

Miracle Babies is a non-profit organization committed to supporting perinatal mothers and their families during their neo-natal intensive care journey by providing essential resources, emotional support, and a compassionate community. Four times a year, Aldersgate UMC provides support to their Orange County auxiliary by hosting a lunch for the parents at UCI’s Douglas Hospital. Please visit www.miraclebabies.org for more info.

Aldersgate – MomCo (formerly MOPS International, or Mothers of Preschoolers) is an international, faith-based organization dedicated to connecting and empowering moms through community, resources, and support (www.themom.co/about ). MomCo Aldersgate is a fully inclusive gathering of moms from infants – high schoolers that meets on the first and third Tuesday night of the month, from September to May. Our evening group includes dinner and childcare and is ideal for working moms! For more information, please visit here or contact Pastor Maria: maria@aumctustin.org

Sabil US is a local organization that supports underserved OC populations through health and human services that ease socio-economic hardships and provide tools to build better lives. Sabil’s tools provide support for physical, social, mental, and economic welfare. Aldersgate UMC supports Sabil by providing financial assistance as well as volunteering at their food pantry and for distribution days. Please visit www.sabil.us for more info.

On the third Sunday of each month, Aldersgate UMC takes a turn supervising showers for 40-50 homeless men and women at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church using a shower trailer provided by Family Promise of Orange County. At least two AUMC volunteers cover each of three 2-hour shifts between 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM - additional volunteers are always needed. Each guest receives snacks, clean underwear and socks, as well as personal hygiene and grooming supplies to help them through the week.

For over 15 years, on the third Sunday of the month, Aldersgate UMC serves a freshly cooked supper and provides groceries to our neighbors in need of support and community. Each month, over 35 volunteers setup, cook, serve, distribute groceries, and clean up for 80 – 100 guests. New volunteers are always welcome to join this meaningful, community building ministry. For more info, please visit https://stpauls.org/called-to-serve/sunday-supper or to volunteer please visit https://aumctustin.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/

Do you enjoy technology or want to learn new skills while serving the church? The AV Team helps create a smooth and engaging worship experience by overseeing audio, lighting, video, and livestreaming. Opportunities include setting up audio equipment, running the slides, and helping with our online worship broadcast. No experience is necessary. We provide training and support. If you enjoy working behind the scenes and making a difference, we'd love to have you on the team.

ZOE Empowers supports young people and their younger siblings in severely disadvantaged circumstances to become self-sufficient after three years in the program. ZOE leaders identify and empower the neediest individuals in their community by educating them in proper health and hygiene practices, food security methods, best financial practices (microloans, business plans), vocational training, and the value of working as a community. Since 2016, Aldersgate UMC partners with ZOE Empowers groups in Rwanda with visits and financial donations, helping to lift dozens of young people and their families out of poverty. Please visit www.zoeempowers.org for more info.