In The Community

The community

we live in is a place to build relationship through service, one of The Gathering’s 5 practices. Scripture teaches that if we want to experience God, if we want to serve him, if we want communion with him, then we need to be in relationship with the poor, the prisoner, the hungry, the sick.

The Gathering has fostered a few strong partnerships over the years that facilitate ongoing service and allow for relationships to continue growing and lives to continue being changed.

KINGDOM HOUSE

Since 1902, Kingdom House has been helping city residents on the near south side achieve a better life. Volunteers provide much-needed maintenance around the agency and serve in the food pantry, day care, development office, or other areas. To volunteer, contact Kenneth Pruitt.

EPWORTH

For 145 years, Epworth Children & Family Services has provided the community with essential youth development services that have helped thousands of children overcome severe emotional and behavioral challenges. Over 2,000 youth and families turn to Epworth each year for emergency shelter, residential and intensive treatment, family reunification therapy, transitional and independent living programs, special education, foster family care and a 24-hour help line. To volunteer, contact Nancy Haas.

SHALOM HOUSE

For over 40 years Shalom House has been serving women who are homeless by providing temporary shelter and helping to address the root causes of their homelessness. Volunteers provide meals, sort donations, plan special events, and spend time with the residents. To volunteer, contact Mary Dunger.

THE BRIDGE

The Bridge provides support for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in downtown St. Louis. Volunteers work with other people from the church and the community to prepare and serve a Sunday evening meal. To volunteer, contact Kelly White.

SOUTH CITY PREP

South City Prep is a free, public, college-prep charter school open to any resident of St. Louis City. The school is 5th and 6th grade with 85 students currently enrolled. Located in the former Messiah Luthern School at 2900 S. Grand, 90% of the school’s students are on free or reduced lunch. With opportunities for literacy support and tutoring, this is a great way to establish a relationship and make a difference in students’ lives. To volunteer, contact Audrey Davis.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity builds simple, affordable homes for low-income families. Volunteers work with people from other United Methodist Churches to build homes on the south side of St. Louis during the summer and fall months.

DAY OF SERVICE

When James challenges us to figure out if our faith is real or if we are “faking it,” one of his key questions is whether or not we are serving. James says that the work that we do to serve others is one of the ways we show our faith. Twice a year, The Gathering will go out to serve together as a church. We will travel out into the community to build houses, serve the elderly and homeless in our community, improve the quality of city schools and help out at Kingdom House and Epworth. Together we can live out a faith that is willing to go to work!