Missions Programs and Outreach

The Missions Team at Linden Heights UMC invites you to get involved in many and varied outreach activities and programs.

Many or our projects require volunteers for hands-on work and we welcome your participation.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution to any of our mission projects you can use your weekly envelopes or the envelopes provided in the church pews. Please mark your envelope for missions or a specific program in missions.

Baltimore County Christian Workcamp

Every year several members of Linden Heights UMC participate in the Baltimore County Christian Workcamp. This year the workcamp runs July 17-22, 2011. The only prerequisite is a desire to help people and a good attitude. Why not join us this year. Applications are in the narthex or can be downloaded from the Linden Heights website. Click on forms. Please see Jim Hedgespeth for more information.

The Baltimore County Christian Workcamp (BCCW) was founded by two United Methodist ministers in 1984. It is now run by lay people and is completely ecumenical, with Baptists, Catholics, Evangelicals, Presbyterians, United Methodists, and other faiths involved. Its task is to “share the love of Christ by improving the homes of and providing assistance for some limited income families in Baltimore County.” Each year, over 60 houses are repaired, from Dundalk to Essex to Parkville to Randallstown to Catonsville to Lansdowne, all during one week in July. The 28th Annual Workcamp will occur July 17-22, 2011.

It is structured like those workcamps that many travel far from home to attend for a week or more. However, with the work sites in the County, it has become a commuters’ workcamp where volunteers only need to commit for one day and can sleep in their own bed each night.

The day starts with breakfast at the host church, Hunt’s Memorial United Methodist, in Riderwood (west of Towson), where bagged lunches are also prepared. Volunteer workers of all ages and with varying skills and abilities are then divided among the work sites. All types of repairs may be done -- plumbing, electrical, carpentry, ceilings, walls, roofs, porches, steps, insulation, general clean-up, interior and exterior painting, caulking, ramps, yard work and much more. Each night a different host prepares dinner for the volunteers, and there are several evening activities planned.

For more information or a brochure, contact Jim Hedgespeth (410-493-7569), Chip Day (410-744-2794) or Frank Thomas (410-667-1725). In addition to volunteer workers, the BCCW can always use appropriate supplies and donations. BCCW is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

10thousanddoors.org

The people of The United Methodist Church are helping change the world. We invite you to Watch, Read, Talk and Find what we're about. And join us on the journey. Click 10thousanddoors.org.

Food Box

A food box has been placed near the entrance to the church where non-perishable food can be placed for distribution to various food pantries and soup kitchens. Some of places food has been donated include Victor's Vittles (Christus Victor Food Pantry), Nehemiah Homeless Shelter, Bea Gaddy, Cecil County homeless, Hampden Food Pantry, Manna House, and several members of our own congregation. Providing food for the poor and homeless is an ongoing concern, especially in this poor economy. Click Donated Food for details.

Free Food for Seniors

There are 20 emergency meal boxes available for seniors (60 years old and older). There is a two day supply of food in each box. This program is to assist seniors in having a nutritious meal when it is difficult to get out because of weather, illness, etc.. This program is offered through the Baltimore County Department of Aging using funding from the federal stimulus program. Please see Jim Hedgespeth or call the church office for your meal box if you are 60 years old or older. A short application is required.

Manna House

Manna House is located at 425 E 25th Street in Baltimore City. Their mission is to offer assistance and support to the homeless, poor, and needy of Baltimore with services contributing toward their independence and stability. Each year, our church makes about four home cooked breakfasts for Manna House. Linden Heights will contribute about $2,000 this year toward this program. Please call Gail Discher if you would like to volunteer your time to help serve.

Cecil County Homeless

We are planning on fixing a meal for the homeless in Cecil County. The date is tentatively set for May 1st. The homeless in Cecil County is a big problem that is largely ignored by the government of Cecil County. There are churches in the area that are helping out, but they could also use our help. The Missions Committee would like to prepare a meal including meat loaf, macaroni and cheese, and apple sauce. We need volunteers to prepare the meal and serve. It takes about 45 minutes to get there. Please look for more details and a signup sheet in the narthex if you would like to participate. If you have any questions, please call Jim Hedgespeth at 410-493-7569.

Deaf-Blind Camperships

Each year our church sponsors deaf and blind youth and adults who wish to have a camping experience. The camp is held at West River Camping Center in Annapolis, Maryland. The camp takes place at the end of July. The cost for one week is about $1,200 per camper and funds are always needed to sponsor those who wish to go.

World Vision Child

Linden Heights sponsers a child adopted through World Vision Child. Volunteers are needed to write letters to our child. The cost of sponsoring our World Vision Child is $472.00 per year.

Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets

Last year Linden Heights provided about 20 bags of food for Thanksgiving dinners and seven turkeys to the Nehemiah Homeless Shelter. The Sunday School decorated each of the bags.

Operation Christmas Child

This project which is sponsored by our Sunday School brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations the around the world. This year we are planning on providing needed items to help people in the Henderson Settlement.