The year 2020 has been filled with ministry challenges.  Through the OLYN program we have been busy serving our community while honoring pandemic health safety guidelines.  During this difficult time we clearly see how important it is for us to minister outside the walls of our church building, to meet the needs of our neighbors.  Through OLYN service teams we are able to be in mission to our community.  Look and see some of the ways we are working to bless others.

 

 

 

WEEKLY MINISTRY EVENTS

VBE MINISTRY TEAM

 

In January, 855 food sacks were packed

 

During the school year, food sacks were delivered - 2500 food sacks/year

 

With school closure in March food sacks were delivered weekly to the Salvation Army 

 

Volunteers greeted and mentored VBE Students

 

A taco dinner was prepared and served to VBE Families

 

During Teacher Appreciation week  meals were prepared and available through drive up service for VBE staff.  Our cookie ministry team prepared fresh homemade cookies with cards of encouragement for VBE staff.

 

Conducted a Prayer Walk on August 3rd.  See below for details. 

 

Ordered supplies for school kits and prepared over 700 school kits in August. 

SHINING LIGHT GARDEN

 

We deliver fresh produce to Samaritan Center and US Veterans each week 

 

SALVATION ARMY


We prepare and serve meals each Wednesday and Thursday for homeless and low-income community members.   We have 10 cooking teams that rotate each week to cook meals on Wednesday with enough left over to serve on Thursday.  We also have  29  people on our list to serve as floaters. 


Here are a few quotes from the Salvation Army and those served.


"Caring for us is already a true gift we don't often feel from people"


"But your love for us is awesome!"


"Thank you so much for providing meals on a continuous basis & the great buckets you hand out to the homeless - and the gifts & donations you give us all. We can see and feel your love for us." 


"God glows from all of you every time I see you all!  You can truly feel Him in your hearts. And by feeling Him in your hearts & serving Him so freely, it spreads on to us and makes us seek the same love." 



olyn dAY 2020

February 15, 2020, 525 church members participated in our 5th Annual OLYN Day event. Twenty-six ministries in the community were served.  Additionally, we held our first annual Family Fun Day.  Families from our EEC, Hope for Families Center, Samaritan Center and Homeless Children Foundation were on campus to enjoy slides, games, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and cotton candy.  Our Youth and Children's Ministry teams hosted this event. 

 

The Salvation Army

In April and May, we held 4 food drives collecting over 16,000 pounds of food for the Salvation Army food pantry.  Each time we thought there was no way we could top the last food drive, and each time we were proven wrong. We have such a generous and thoughtful church family and community.

 

In July we held another food drive for Salvation Army and collected 2500 pounds of dry goods bringing our total to 18,500 pounds of food! 

Other ministry events

The Arc of Indian River County 

We recently were able to fill a request from the Arc of Indian River County to provide disinfecting spray and paper towels for surface protection against Covid-19. Shopping throughout Vero Beach we were able to purchase 11 spray bottles of Lysol 4 in 1 cleaner along with 15 rolls of paper towels. Thank you Marg Kiefer, our team leader, for delivering these items to the Arc.

Vero Beach Elementary

 A team of about 18-20 from FUMC, Pillar Church and VBE staff particiated in the August 3rd prayer walk.  This prayer walk was a true blessing. The team gathered at 7:20 am and began with a prayer outside the main entrance to the school and continued to six places throughout the campus.  Different individuals led the prayers as they felt moved by the Spirit. We ended in the main hall by the library where we prayed the Lord’s prayer together.  Thank you to all who joined us.  

Safe Families for Children

We were also able to fill a request by Safe Families for Children to help support a family needing weekend meals for the next three weeks. FUMC donated (3) $50 Publix gift cards to support this family of four (mom and three little children). Thank you Randy Hunt for delivering the gift cards to the family last Thursday (July 30th).

 

Little Birthday Angels

 

In May, we assisted Little Birthday Angels with their Birthday Workshop inventory.  In July, we also donated school supplies for school kits and hygiene items for the hygiene kits. 

Shining Light Garden

We harvested peas at Shining Light Garden in May.  


Hope for Families Center


Also in May, we answered the call and delivered not only linens, but towels and games to the Hope for Families Center. 


Hibiscus Children's Center


In June, we once again answered a call and delivered linens and reusable water bottles to the Hibiscus Children's Center.