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!
Missions Accomplished in 2024
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.
April 2024
HURRICANE preparedness kits
For the 3rd year in a row, United Women in Faith collected items and donations in order to provide low-income Branches families with Hurricane Preparedness Kits. The kits contain important items to weather a hurricane, including lanterns, flashlights, batteries, solar powered phone chargers, first aid kits, masks, can openers, etc.
Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and the dedication of the UWF volunteers, twelve fully stocked hurricane preparedness kits were created — more than any previous year! For more information, email Dr. Nora Hernandez Hendrix.
June 2024
Climate Justice Tree Planting Event
On June 15, our church, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County, Citizens for a Better South Florida, the Southeast District of United Women in Faith, and members of Carol City UMC, united in a divine mission for climate justice. Over 50 dedicated volunteers braved the heat to enhance the tree canopy and landscaping at Carol City UMC. They planted young trees, removed invasive shrubs, introduced native ornamental shrubs, and mulched the areas. As they take root, these new plantings will provide much-needed shade and beautify our sister church. Well done, climate justice warriors!
July 2024
Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
Reinforced with donations from church members, missionaries from the church went down to the Dominican Republic to provide resources and helping hands to our sister church and a local school. During the weeklong trip, the missionaries:
Purchased, filled, and distributed 450 backpacks full of school supplies for the school’s students
Stripped and painted an entire school alongside the teachers and administrators
Hosted a block party for the school students and their parents
Spent the day evangelizing and praying for the people in Pedro Brand with members of the Tres Brazos and La Fe Churches
9 people gave their lives to Christ and over 300 homes received prayer
Worshipped and preached at 3 services
Made great connections with our brothers and sisters in Jesus
Thank you for your prayers for this mission trip, which helped to extend God’s love across the Caribbean!
September 2024
For the second time this year, we held a drive to collect non-perishable items to donate to the Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry. This charity provides assistance to our neighbors in need (over 220 households) with weekly distributions of groceries. During the month of September, the congregation donated over 150 lbs. of non-perishable items to help the food-challenged of Miami!
October 2024
As part of our continuing Neighborhood Walk & Cleanup mission, members of our congregation gathered together for a city-wide beautification mission project. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and lots of enthusiasm, our volunteers set out early to make a difference by picking up litter around the city. The group, ranging from young children to our most senior members, worked together to collect trash from sidewalks, parks, and green spaces, leaving the city cleaner and more welcoming for everyone.
Through the morning’s efforts, we were reminded of how small actions, done together, create meaningful change. Not only did we beautify the city, but we also had the opportunity to connect with neighbors and share God’s love through our actions. We look forward to more projects that make a positive impact on our community!