Highland Avenue United Methodist Church

To carry out this mission, the church has many groups and organizations that meet regularly including the United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Bible Study groups, and choir.. We also have a number of ministries that the church sponsors in order to help those in our neighboring communities and those around the world. The following are a few of these:

Mission Shares

Through our mission shares, Highland Avenue United Methodist Church is actively involved in mission support, both locally and world-wide.

Camperships

Each year, Highland Avenue United Methodist Church helps send church youth to Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop. Camp Mechuwana is operated by the New England Annual Conference, and conducts a variety of camp programs throughout the summer. The church provides limited scholarships for our youth expressing an interest in attending camp.

Giving Tree Ministry

Each December, the members of Highland Avenue United Methodist Church provide clothing, food, and gifts for needy area families. The names of the recipients are kept confidential, and donations are voluntary.

Community Food Center

Highland Avenue United Methodist Church supports the Gardiner Area Community Food Center (Chrysalis Place). A joint project of area churches, the food center provides basic dietary staples for low-income families and individuals, and victims of sudden personal loss.

Community Suppers

Highland Avenue is part of a group of churches that provide free public suppers each Sunday night at First Baptist Church in Gardiner at 5pm. Our church is responsible for the first Sunday of the month. Each month a different group from our church plans, prepares and serves the supper. Please join us!

Community Meeting Space

As part of its community outreach program, Highland Avenue United Methodist Church provides meeting space for a number of civic and self-help organizations. For a list of current meetings, contact the pastor.

Caring Team

The Caring Team meets periodically to  pray together, and to share each other’s updates on the wellbeing of parishioners.  Occasionally, they hear speakers address various aspects of caring.

They send cards, make phone calls and visits; offer transportation; and occasionally, deliver meals (chicken pot pies) to those in need!  Each month, they pick a mission project to sponsor, such as Chrysalis Place, the Gardiner Area High School Food Pantry, Camp Mechuwana, Bridging the Gap, Salem Economic Ministries, and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).  See the Caring Team tab for more information.

Pastoral Visitation

It is the intent of the church to provide a meaningful spiritual experience and outreach program to its friends and members regardless of their ability to attend church on a regular basis. Individuals who would like a pastoral visit are encouraged to call the church.