The United Methodist Church of Bay Shore - Connect and Serve

At each baptism, confirmation, or reception into membership, our congregation speaks a variation on these words:

“We renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.”

They remind us our faith is an active one. Each of us has talents that have been given to us by God. We give back a portion of the bounty He has provided in our financial offerings, but as important as finances are, no amount of money can substitute for each person’s unique and special talents, interests, and abilities. Perhaps the skills you use at home or at work can address a need of the Church or community. On the other hand, maybe serving the Church can provide a way for you to do something completely different from your daily routine. One way or the other, your skills and commitment are needed.

Jesus said “my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). He does not ask of us more than we can bear, neither will your Christian brothers and sisters in this congregation.  Just as with your financial offerings, we call you to offer only that Service you can freely and joyfully give. If your circumstances change, we will recognize and accept any changes this may require of your service. On the other hand, you may find that as you Serve, God's gift back to you will be “Fruit of the Spirit” that brings fulfillment and joy and the energy and focus to live the rest of your life better.

We are God’s Hands Extended to Our Neighbors

Below are some of amazing things we do to demonstrate the love of Jesus and to impact the lives of many while changing the world one community at a time.

1. •Soup Kitchen
   

2. •Thrift Shop 
   

3. •Food Pantry in conjunction with Interfaith Nutrition Network
   

4. •Mission Sponsorship * Disaster Relief
   

5. •World Hunger Drive * The Heifer Project
   

6. •World Service Blanket & Tool Drives
   

7. •Priscilla Closet – lending medical equipment
   

8. •Pastor’s Welfare Fund for assistance in crisis
   

9. •Counseling: youth, pre-marital, marital, crisis
   

10. •Mission Projects: UMCOR health kits; Baby shower for babies in prison; Boxtops and soup labels for the McCurdy school in Mexico and Redbird Mission in Kentucky; Helping Hands lunch bags for pre-schoolers in summer school setting; 3 food drives for Bay Shore Food Pantry; Hats, mittens, gloves, Thanksgiving food baskets and cell phones for Suffolk Coalition and LICC; School supplies and winter wear for EFWA; Gifts for Rosebud children in South Dakota; Hats, mittens, gloves for Christmas party guests; Clothing vouchers honored at Thrift Shop; Boxes for military; Cards for shut-ins, snowbirds and military.