Outreach Ministry

We at Lakeside are committed to the needs of Sanford, sowing the love of Jesus Christ in our families, church, community, and world.

1. Grace and Grits: We serve at least 2 times a year at this food/clothing ministry in downtown Sanford where homeless and hurting people can find a hot dinner, some food to take home, some clothes, and friendly people.

2. Harvest-Time International: We work with Harvest-time providing labor and supplies that help local people in poverty and that help people globally. Supplies include food, clothing, linens, toiletries, and other grocery items.

3. Partner with Brethren Reaching Out: This ministry works to provide a safe and spiritually nurturing environment in the projects of downtown Sanford where kids often to not have strong parental involvement and are exposed to many social problems. We have done Vacation Bible School together, often have dinner together to build relationships, and partner to meet other needs.

4. Local Need Fund: When available, we help people purchase food, clothes, and gas, as well as provide limited help paying for utility costs.

5. Christmas Gifts/Parties: Yearly, we pick a charity to sponsor a Christmas giving tree or a Christmas party for abused or needy children.

6. Society of St. Andrew Gleaning Projects: Once or twice a year, we glean unused produce to feed the hungry.

7. Adoption Ministry: We advocate adoption for children in need and have many families who have adopted children in our congregation and are a resource for others who seek adoption.

8. Fellowship Park: We have leased 6 acres of land to the Seminole North Little League for $1/year in hopes that they will finish building 3 baseball fields and a tee ball field to be used for the benefit of children and families in the Sanford community. This project is looking for sponsors to finish the job.

9. Recreation Practice Fields: Each week, we offer our grass parking areas to baseball, football, and soccer teams. 7-8 teams make use of the space free of charge because we want to offer our space to be community space.

10. Backpack Drive: We work with Brethren Reaching Out to collect backpacks and school supplies for kids in need. Last year, over 90 children received needed supplies.

11. MountainTOP (Youth Summer Ministry and AIM): Lakeside participates in the MountainTOP ministry, conducting youth-focused and adult ministry mission trips serving the rural poor in the Cumberland Mountain region of Tennessee. Our goals include meeting the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the people of the region. We typically go in the summer (the Youth Summer Ministry) and one weekend in the Fall (Adults in Ministry or AIM).

Brethren Reaching Out With Sister Rose

Sister Rose needs a right hand person to help her consistently on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays with reading, Bible studies, and watching over the kids between 10am and 2pm. If you feel God’s Spirit speaking to you about this ministry, please call (407) 221-5196 to find out more from Sister Rose.

Resources:

• United Methodist Committe of Relief (UMCOR)

Books:

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, Lynn Vincent