Outreach & Advocacy
Sharing God’s love. Caring for all. Daring to act.
We are called to serve others…
For almost its entire history, St. Paul UMC has been distinguished from other churches by its very robust Outreach Ministry and advocacy efforts.
St. Paul Outreach Ministry boldly and proactively reaches out in accordance with Matthew 25:40 to provide assistance and opportunities to people in need and to build bridges through relationships. The ministry also works to increase understanding of social issues and social justice and to communicate the linkage of these issues with faithful discipleship.
Clothes Closet
St. Paul offers the Lord’s Closet, a clothes closet. Free clothes, diapers, shoes, children’s books, and other available items are distributed on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and on the third Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Lord’s Closet is located on the west side of the church.
Gently used seasonal clothing or monetary donations can be made Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church office. Feel free to stop by or call 703-494-2445 for assistance. No household items please. Toiletries, towels, and linens are accepted.
Feeding the Homeless
St. Paul Sunday School classes and individual members provide meals year-round for families at the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Shelter, which provides emergency housing and comprehensive services, and for adults at the county homeless (drop-in) shelter through our Lord’s Table program.
Food Pantry
St. Paul offers the Lord’s Pantry, a food pantry, which is open on the first Saturday each month 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and on the third Thursday of each month from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the church building. Donated and church-purchased groceries are available to families living in the greater Woodbridge area. Additional food provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available to all Virginia residents who meet household income guidelines.
For record-keeping purposes, food pantry clients are asked to provide name, address, and other identifying language. However, this information is “self-declared” by the client and no proof of identification or proof of address is required.
We are currently serving clients in the east parking lot. Non-perishable or monetary donations can be made Monday through Friday from 9 am. to 2 p.m. at the church office. Feel free to stop by or call 703-494-2445 for assistance.
Advocacy and Support
In addition to feeding and clothing the homeless, we participate in the Cooperative Council of Ministries to advocate for the homeless, working poor, and those in need.
St. Paul UMC is an active participant in Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE). VOICE is a diverse, non-partisan organization that encourages people across religious, racial, economic, and political party affiliations to work together for social justice and to build a stronger Northern Virginia. For more information about VOICE, go to www.voice-iaf.org.
St. Paul also actively supports other community organizations that provide special services for the abused, disabled, or needy people of Prince William County. Among these organizations are Action in the Community Through Service (ACTS), which provides food, housing, and crisis support services, and the ARC of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT, which provides opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to enable them to achieve their greatest potential for growth and independence.
St. Paul provides meeting spaces for Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous support groups, and the Sentara Health Van offers health services by appointment only In the church parking lot every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 703-338-6678 to schedule an appointment.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Please call the church office, 703-494-2445, or use this form to request financial emergency assistance.
Kilby Snack Ministry
The Snack Ministry operates in cooperation with the R. Dean Kilby Elementary School to provide individually wrapped snacks — cookies, snack bars, crackers, and chips — to underprivilieged children to supplement their meals on non-school days.
How You Can Help
Monetary Donations
You may now give online through our Donate page on this website or by writing a check and mailing it or dropping it in the offering plate on Sunday.
Be sure to designate the check for general ministries or for a specific ministry on the memo line. Thank you!
Volunteer Opportunities
Please call the church office at 703-494-2445 or use our Contact Us page to volunteer or inquire about volunteer opportunities. We are always looking for additional volunteers and are appreciative for all our volunteer support.