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“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Operation Love Your Neighbor (OLYN) is FUMC's community ministry program. As a church family our purpose is "to know Christ and to make Him known". Our Lord has called us to be His hands, His feet and His heart in loving service to members of our community, especially those who are the most vulnerable. We bear witness to the gospel message clearly and effectually when we are living demonstrations of the Spirit of Christ, manifesting His presence to our community through loving service to others.

Jesus was asked: "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matt. 26:36-40)

Why is OLYN so special?

Through OLYN we partner with over 20 non-profit organizations in Indian River County that minister to families and children who are underserved and in need of God's love and compassion.

We are blessed to be a church family that embodies a culture of service. As a ministry program, OLYN seeks to provide focus and direction for our church members. Individuals who invested their time and energy in serving local ministries have graciously volunteered to serve as ministry team leaders.

Everyone in our church family regardless of age, physical ability, interest, or giftedness is called to serve as an ambassador for Christ. OLYN service teams, with a variety of project and work options provide opportunity for everyone to be engaged in ministry to others.

OLYN service teams seek to come alongside those ministries where the Lord is already at work. Jesus promises to everyone who is faithful with little, more will be given. Through service to OLYN ministries, the people of God experience the joy of the Lord as they lovingly embody His presence in the community.

The Food Pantry of Indian River County is looking for volunteers to pack food boxes on Mondays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. The Food Pantry of IRC is located at 2206 16th Avenue on the north side of the Baptist Church building, and was formed over 23 years ago with the mission of providing food to the disadvantaged, unemployed and underemployed of Indian River County. The pantry is in an air conditioned space and volunteers will pack food boxes and stock shelves. Volunteers are asked to wear face coverings along with closed toed shoes. Those interested in serving should contact FUMC church member Dick Dusinberre at RHDusinberre@gmail.com. Thank you for your willingness to serve community members who are food insecure.

Each month Little Birthday Angels (LBA) prepares Birthday Bags of Hope for homeless children in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties. The bags include a large duffel bag stuffed with wish list items, socks, stuffed animals, water bottle, lap desk, hygiene kit, snack kit, school supplies, books, a bible, a devotional and more. LBA is looking for volunteers to help once per month, on a Wednesday or Friday to deliver the bags. The volunteers would work in teams of 2, pick up the bags from the Birthday Workshop at the Mall and deliver to the various locations. There is a contact person at each location that would be expecting the deliveries. The LBA van would be available. If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to Lynn Kiefer at kieferlynn@bellsouth.net.

Organization that Promotes the Well Being of Special Needs Citizens

Teaches Self-Discipline & Mutual Cooperation through Team Sports

Ministry Committed to Rebuilding the Lives of Homeless Men

Handmade Inspirational Cards for Residents in Assisted Living Facilities

Christ-Centered Support for Those Facing Unplanned Pregnancy

Homemade Treats for First Responders & Community Feeding Programs

Delivery of Homemade Treats to First Responders and Others

Family Beach Clean-up Demonstrates Godly Environmental Stewardship

Break Down & Organize Non-Perishable Items for Food Sack Packing

Pack Food Sacks for Vero Beach Elementary Food Insecure Children

Support Low-income Families Through Building of Homes

Safe Shelter for Abused, Abandoned or Neglected Children

Provides Financial & Program Support for Homeless Children & Families

Temporary Housing & Training for Homeless Families in Crisis

Humane Care & Shelter for Homeless Animals and Pet Adoption

Christian Camp & Retreat Center Serving Children, Youth and Adults

Organizes Birthday Celebrations for Homeless Children

Group Sings Hymns & Songs to Residents in Assisted Living Facilities

Prays for OLYN Ministries, Team Members and the Community

Organization that Provides Support for Children and Families in Crisis

Food & Support Services for the Homeless & Low-income Community

Provides Homeless Families Shelter, Support & Life Skills Training

Supplies Fresh Produce to Local Food Pantries & Flowers for Hospice

"Hand UP" Ministry Inspires & Empowers People to Overcome Poverty

Greet, Mentor & Give Food Assistance to Elementary School Students

Assembles & Provides Relief Buckets to Homeless Veterans & Others

Service Projects for the Haitian Methodist Church in Wabasso

Resident Shelter, Training, Counseling, and Support for Hurting Women