Flower Mound, Texas – September 20, 2016 – More than 250 children and adults departed church to serve in nursing homes, impoverished neighborhoods, fire stations and children’s hospitals as part of an annual mission event. Flower Mound United Methodist Church created Depart to Serve to send an army of volunteers into the community on one designated weekend each year to demonstrate faith in action.

“Our Depart to Serve volunteers learn about the ongoing mission work that we support all year long, and opportunities that exist for all ages and stages to participate in serving as Christ’s hands and feet,” says Senior Pastor Holly Gotelli. “As United Methodists, we believe that in response to God’s love and grace we fully and joyfully live out our faith in service to others.”

Mission projects took place in Flower Mound, Lewisville and Dallas as well as at FMUMC, which is building a new sanctuary slated to open this fall 2016. 

Thanks to a team of project leaders, Depart to Serve projects this year will touch the lives of thousands of North Texans. Mission work included:

• Collecting donations by walking with families and pets in a fundraiser for Ranch Hand Rescue and publicizing Ranch Hand’s annual gala in October.  
• Making and taking notes of appreciation and snacks to the Flower Mound police & fire stations.
• Assembling baskets of cleaning supplies for apartments at The Gatehouse at Grapevine.
• Putting together craft kits for girls in detention centers who are at risk of being victims of sex trafficking for Traffick 911.
• Renovating a home in Lewisville for Habitat for Humanity.
• Visiting with residents in Flower Mound Assisted Living & Rambling Oaks Assisted Living.   
• Hosting a family picnic for their neighbors at Rocky Point mobile home community. 
• Decorating blessing bags and making paper hugs for inmates at Coffield Prison for the Kairos Prison Ministry.
• Sorting and organizing clothing, household and food donations at Christian Community Action (CCA). 
• Hosting a snow cone party at the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas.