First Coral Gables is a church in action! We believe that we are called not only to gather in worship but also to go out into our community and world, sharing the good news and serving others with compassion.
And guess what…YOU are invited! Join us on one of our local monthly mission opportunities, and take part in these fun and exciting adventures that make a positive impact on the world around us!
April 2024
HURRICANE preparedness kits
THroughout April 2024
For the third consecutive year, the United Women of Faith are leading a drive to create hurricane preparedness kits, which are then provided to Branches’ low-income families to help them weather storms. Items for these kits include first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, solar-powered phone chargers, masks, can openers, etc. To participate, you can bring one of these items to the Sanctuary on Sundays (or to the church office from Monday to Friday). Ideas for the needed items will be hanging on the “Hurricane Tree” in the Sanctuary lobby; just take a tag and bring the item in! Alternately, donations can be made to the United Women in Faith, and they will purchase items for the hurricane preparedness kits. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please send a check addressed to United Women in Faith and mail to First UMC of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33134. For more information, email Dr. Nora Hernandez Hendrix.
June 2024
Climate Justice Tree Planting Event
Saturday, June 15, 9am-12pm
First Coral Gables will once again help breathe new life into Miami-Dade County! We're partnering with the South East District United Women in Faith and other organizations in this divine mission for climate justice. We will be planting young trees at Carol City United Methodist Church to help provide greater tree canopy in that neighborhood, and help reduce temperatures and provide shade in urban areas. This is a great activity for families to work on together! In addition, there will be fun activities for smaller children.
Carol City United Methodist Church
17901 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Breakfast will be provided, so please register for this event. For more information, contact Dr. Nora Hernandez Hendrix at norahh51@hotmail.com.
July 2024
Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
July 22-28
First Coral Gables is heading off on mission to the Dominican Republic! We are returning to continue work that our church began six years ago in Santo Domingo. Our group will be working with the local Methodist churches to have “street parties“ to minister to folks there; travel to a church plant to do evangelism and pray for the needy in the community; and deepen our relationships with our brothers and sisters in the city.
Adults and teens are welcome to participate in the mission trip! The cost of $1,500 per person includes airfare and hotel. (Scholarships are available; please reach out to Pastor Jess for more details.) To reserve your spot, cick the Register button. Then get your passport ready for a life-changing trip that will impact our brothers and sisters abroad for generations to come!
Missions Accomplished
January 2024
Rise Against Hunger, January 28, 2024
On January 28, the church gathered after worship to take part in our January mission project with Rise Against Hunger, assembling nutritional packages for the food insecure people of South Sudan. Over 80 volunteers showed up to offer their hands on this mission, and in just one hour, 12,960 meals were packed and readied for shipment to one of our world's hungriest populations! Well-done, First Coral Gables!
February 2024
Neighborhood walk & clean-Up • February 24, 2024
Our first “Good Neighbors Project” event brought out 25 dedicated participants who made a positive impact in our community! Cleaning up trash in a one-mile radius of our church and offering prayers for our neighbors demonstrated Christ’s love for Coral Gables!
March 2024
CANNED FOOD DRIVE
The Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry provides weekly groceries free of charge to our neighbors in need. In all, they provide assistance to over 220 households. To help the Food Pantry replenish their cupboards, our church held a month-long canned food drive. During the month of March, the church collected 473.2 pounds of food for the Pantry, as well as $2,343 to buy more groceries!!!
If you’d still like to make a financial contribution to help purchase more food donations, please make your gift out to “First UMC of Coral Gables” and write “CG Food Pantry” in the memo line.