Outreach

Our Outreach Volunteers pictured above

At University United Methodist Church, we believe that church is more than just a building; it’s a way of living. It’s connecting with others — in compassion, love, justice, service and fellowship. Volunteers assist with outreach in a number of ways.

Food Center @ 324 University History | Music for the Mission Grant

University United Methodist Church has one of the oldest, continually running Food Pantries in Syracuse, New York. For about 20 years we have been a “Partner Agency” of the CNY Food Bank. The Food Bank offers us grants, education, support, networking, organization and a site to purchase USDA foods, foods that are donated and/or foods that are wholesale. Eventual delivery of these foods stock our shelves where Syracusans visit us monthly to gather food for use in their homes with their families.

Each and (almost) every Friday morning we open our doors to our community. Folk come to UUMC’s Food Pantry for many reasons. We have a force of about 25 volunteers who assist us in our Friday morning efforts. We have students, staff and faculty from Syracuse University, Upstate Medical Center and the Syracuse City School District who use us as a learning/practicum and volunteer site. We have families needful of clothing and diapers (we are also a partner agency for the CNY Diaper Bank), we have pet owners who visit us to collect pet food, we have folk who’d like to register to vote, some come to listen to a nutritional workshop, some folk enjoy a warm seat, coffee, snack and visiting with others. Almost all are food insecure. Almost all need food. We do this work the majority of Friday mornings all year.

We move a lot of food, in many ways an immeasurable amount. Some of our food comes to us without a charge and we work hard to form alliances, barter, advocate and educate so our acquaintances might become our donors or givers of foods. About 60 percent of our Food Budget is paid in food credits that are awarded to UUMC annually by the Food Bank of CNY. The remaining 40 percent is paid in combination of other various grants awards, our congregation and community donations.

The money awarded to University United Methodist Church Food Pantry from Music for the Mission grant ensures that we will have enough money to purchase foods for the complete fiscal year. As our number of guests rise so does our need for more funds and clever methodologies that ensure a cash flow so everyone can eat.

Thank you for your support, interest and commitment in University United Methodist Food Pantry. We consider ourselves blessed and grateful for community friends who ensure that we can run our ministries for the people of Syracuse, feeding them body, mind and spirit.

Galyn Murphy-Stanley, University United Methodist Church

Here’s a video done by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller when he was a Military Motion Media student at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School Click Here to Watch
Here’s a video done by SU student Mary Catalfamo about our pantry: Click Here to Watch

Changing Lives | David Benjamin shares his UUMC story.

Community Groups

A number of groups from the community use our space for their regular meetings. These include Narcotics Anonymous, CNY Pride, Al-Anon, Sierra Club and Alcoholics Anonymous. Contact our office if you’re in need of meeting space.

Refugee Resettlement

During the past 30 years we have sponsored refugees who have come to this country looking for a better life. They have come from Vietnam, China, South Africa, Poland, Ethiopia, Bosnia, Somalia, Sudan, Cambodia, Bhutan and Karen, Burma. We are a welcoming congregation and invite all new-Americans to celebrate with us.

Nepal Mission Work

We’ve had a longstanding relationship with Dr. Mark Zimmerman and his wife, Deirdre, who provide vital medical and nutritional care to Nepalese in remote, mountainous areas.

Past Holiday Events

Thanksgiving Bag Project

Supplies for a full Thanksgiving meal are provided for pantry families, complete with a chicken or turkey. Food for 188 families was distributed in 2019.

Christmas Dinner

In the week before Christmas, church members prepare and serve a complete turkey dinner. In 2019 more than 150 neighborhood residents were fed.

Christmas Party

Sponsored in conjunction with the East Genesee Regent Association, the party for children of the community provides games, crafts, entertainment and food.