Ministry Matters: Nurturing Community, Serving Others

  • food pantry

    Lenox Ecumenical Food Pantry

    On site is the Lenox Ecumenical Food Pantry for residents of Lenox and Lenoxdale. The Food Pantry is a cooperative effort on the part of all the area churches of Lenox; St. Ann's, St. Helena's, United Church of Christ (Church on the Hill), Trinity Episcopal, United Methodist Church of Lenox and St. Vincent de Paul. It is open every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am.

    Donations of any non-perishable items are accepted including paper products and health care items. Items can be left in the designated basket in the narthex when the church is open, or in the church entrance. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please send the check made out to "Lenox Food Pantry", and send it to: Food Pantry Coordinator, UMC-Lenox, 6 Holmes Road, Lenox, MA 01240.

    Thank you for your dedication and generosity to this ministry.

  •  plate of food

    Feed My Sheep

    The Feed My Sheep ministry, held at the First Baptist Church, 88 South Street, Pittsfield, and sponsored by UMC Lenox four times a year, stands as a compassionate outreach effort to assist the less fortunate in our community. We extend a heartfelt invitation to volunteers eager to join us in this impactful ministry, offering not only the chance to make new friends but also the profound joy of giving back.

    Our commitment to aiding the needy takes shape in the meticulous preparation of meals at UMC Lenox, 6 Holmes Rd, Lenox, starting at 2 pm, culminating in the service of these meals at First Baptist Church at 4:30 pm. The financial means to purchase the food are derived from our church's bake sales at the Tag Sale, held biannually. Your support, whether through donations or purchases at our bake sales, or through monetary contributions, directly translates into sustenance for those experiencing hardship.

    We implore you to be a part of this benevolent initiative, recognizing that your involvement not only fosters a sense of community but also provides essential nourishment to those in need. For further details, please contact the church office, use the contact page, or reach out to John Allen at (413) 770-1108 or Shirley Perkins at (413) 442-4738. Your generosity has the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

  • knit shawl

    Prayer Shawl

    Shawls wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and warm. They can be used for undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal shower or wedding gift; during an illness and recovery; ministering to others; graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts; or just socializing . . . there are endless possibilities! Check out the following article for more information and ideas.

    If you would like to request a prayer shawl for someone, call the church office at (413) 445-5918.

  • Rainbow Bridge Day Care

    Rainbow Bridge Day Care is a nurturing haven for children, fostering an environment where growth, learning, and joy are seamlessly woven together. Located at the church, our day care center is dedicated to providing a safe and vibrant space for children to explore, learn, and develop essential skills. Our team of caring and experienced educators is committed to creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages curiosity and creativity.

    At Rainbow Bridge Day Care, we understand the significance of early childhood development, and our programs are crafted to promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. From interactive learning activities to age-appropriate play, each day is thoughtfully structured to ensure a well-rounded experience for every child in our care.

    We take pride in our commitment to open communication with parents, valuing the partnership between families and our dedicated staff. With a focus on creating a sense of community, Rainbow Bridge Day Care is not just a place for child care but a place where children build friendships, discover their individuality, and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

    As we embrace each child's unique journey, Rainbow Bridge Day Care stands as a bridge between the wonder of early childhood and the exciting path ahead, providing a colorful and supportive environment where young minds can flourish here.

  • Devonshire Estates

    Service at Devonshire Estates

    In addition to our commitment to nurturing the growth and development of children, the United Methodist Church of Lenox extends its caring outreach to the broader community. Every month, we conduct a special service at Devonshire Estates, catering to individuals who, due to various reasons, may find it challenging to attend traditional church services.

    This monthly service is a thoughtful initiative aimed at bringing the warmth and spirit of our church community to those who wish to participate but may face mobility constraints. Our dedicated team, filled with compassion and a sense of purpose, ensures that the uplifting essence of our communal worship extends beyond the walls of the church. This service at Devonshire Estates reflects our belief in inclusivity, recognizing the value of each individual's connection to faith and community.

    By reaching out to Devonshire Estates, we strive to create a sense of belonging and spiritual nourishment for all members of our extended community. It is our sincere hope that this outreach initiative contributes to a shared sense of fellowship and support, fostering a connection that transcends physical barriers and enhances the spiritual well-being of all involved.

  • Thrift and Gift Shop

    Discover treasures and unique finds at our Thrift and Gift Shop, open every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at the United Methodist Church of Lenox! Step into a welcoming space where pre-loved items find new homes, and where every purchase supports our community initiatives.

    Our shop is a delightful haven for bargain hunters, collectors, and those seeking one-of-a-kind items. Whether you're on the lookout for vintage clothing, home décor, books, or unique gifts, you're sure to find something special that sparks joy.

    The Thrift and Gift Shop is more than just a place to shop; it's a community hub where neighbors connect, stories are shared, and the spirit of generosity thrives. Every dollar spent at our shop goes back into supporting local outreach programs, making your shopping experience doubly meaningful.

    Join us every Saturday and explore a world of affordable treasures. From hidden gems to everyday essentials, our Thrift and Gift Shop invites you to browse, shop, and be part of the community spirit. Your support not only adds new chapters to the life stories of these items but also contributes to the chapters of positive change within our community. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the joy of thrifting with purpose! Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084945111171

Generously, Bombas will donate a pair of socks to the needy for every pair that is purchased. Bombas uses different material for the donated socks; material that holds the smell so that the socks don't need to be washed after each use. The homeless and needed aren't able to wash their clothes regularly so that is why Bombas uses the different materials. 

The United Methodist Church of Lenox Missions Team has filled out the necessary on-line paperwork to receive these socks since 2019. They started out requesting 1000 socks but quickly realized that this area needed more than 1000 socks. Over the last few years, the Mission Team has requested 3000 pairs of socks to be distributed within the surrounding area. Once these donated socks are received, the UMC of Lenox Mission Team contacts people in the community to help distribute them to the needy and homeless. This year the donated Bombas socks were distributed to Conte Community School, Lee High School, South Congregational Church, Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Degrees, Kid's Place, Lenox & Lee food pantries, Dream Center, Officer Derby, and the United Way. 

Thanks to Bombas for the delivery to the UMC of Lenox for distribution into the area communities.