Missions


Mission Statement

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Thalia will be Christ's witness in Virginia Beach, Virginia, The United States and the World.


Mission Events at Thalia UMC

JCOC homeless feeding event - On April 13, The Good News Sunday School Class, on June 10 The Faith Builders SSC and on October 12 The Seekers SSC will be providing and serving an evening meal for the homeless at the Judeo Christian Outreach Center at 1053 Virginia Beach Blvd. For more information please contact Dan Cott at daniel_cott@yahoo.com.


Disaster Shelter Training - Thalia UMC has been designated as a Shelter Location for our area in case of a disaster. On Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 9AM to 1PM the Red Cross will be providing information and training for Thalia and other churches in our large hall. Please plan to attend this important event and volunteer to be part of our Shelter Team. For more information contact Dan Cott at daniel_cott@yahoo.com.


Youth Mission Trip - More information to follow shortly. Please contact Cathy Sorrell or Eric Granlund for more information.


Mission Opportunities Supported by Thalia UMC

UMC Missionary in Cambodia - Clara Biswas. Thalia's covenant relationship with Clara Biswas pledges prayer and finicial support of her work in Cambodia

Judeo Christian Outreach Center (JCOC) - TUMC is a member of the Judeo Christian Outreach Center [JCOC]. JCOC provides numerous services to the homeless and less fortunate in Virginia Beach. To learn more about their various programs, visit The JCOC Website. For a number of years, TUMC has been preparing and serving four meals a year at the JCOC dining hall on Virginia Beach Blvd. near Birdneck Rd. We have also worked with their Kid's Club programs. See Dan Cott, Thalia's representative to see how you can minister to the needy through the JCOC.

Stop Hunger Now - In developing countries, 91 children out of 1,000 die before their 5th birthday. By comparison, in the US 8 children in 1,000 will die before turning 5. More than 800 million people in the world are malnourished. Every day approximately 25,000 people die of hunger-related causes. Tragically, that is nearly 10 million people each year. Hunger is a major problem in areas that have experienced natural disasters particularly in 3rd World countries. Stop Hunger How is a non-profit, international relief organization committed to ending hunger worldwide by 2030. Stop Hunger Now leads ongoing efforts to feed the hungry around the world by providing direct emergency food and other life-saving aid in crisis areas. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Raleigh, NC Stop Hunger Now is an advance partner with the United Methodist Church and has provided over $100 million of aid in more than 55 countries. Food and aid from Stop Hunger Now have reached the victims of hurricanes, mudslides and earthquakes, provided both hope and sustenance for victims of conflict, have helped feed homeless and destitute after tsunamis, and have reached those suffering the ravages of sickness and disease. Orphans have gone to bed with full stomachs due to their efforts, AIDS victims have been able to take their medicines, and countless thousands of children have been encouraged to attend to school because of hot meals provided by Stop Hunger Now. Stop Hunger Now's Operation Sharehouse program provides life-saving meals to millions of people who suffer from starvation. The volunteer-based program enables churches to play a significant role in feeding the world. It also provides an on-site mission that illustrates the spirituality of hospitality, compassion and justice. Volunteers package high protein, dehydrated meals for use in crisis-burdened areas and school feeding programs.

A packaging event is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, ages 5 to 85. www.stophungernow.org

Thalia Food Bank - More information to come soon.

Faith Works Coalition, Inc. (FWC) - FWC is a relatively new (January 2008) non-profit corporation that was recently formed to better meet the needs of Virginia Beach in maintaining and improving affordable housing. The Board of Directors consists primarily of former church representatives to and officers of the Covenant of Virginia Beach. In its first year of operation, FWC has completed sixteen projects in Virginia Beach. If you know of someone who might need the help of FWC or if you would like to be on an email list that notifies volunteers of upcoming projects, contact Richard Norman at 14hobie@gmail.com. Thalia has provided working volunteers on three projects. Assistance is also needed in preparing lunches for volunteers, working with fundraiser projects and performing other administrative functions.

Habitat for Humanity - TUMC supports South Hampton Roads, Habitat for Humanity by advertising projects and providing volunteers to assist on projects to provide affordable housing in the area. For more information on how you can become personally involved, visit Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. There are no house builds currently in Virginia Beach, but some new builds are anticipated soon. Several members of the congregation have volunteered on recent projects in Norfolk and Suffolk. Work is usually performed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Eastern Shore Migrant Worker Mission - Migrant farm worker life is hard and harsh. Unorganized, unprotected by workmen's compensation laws in most states, ineligible for educational, health or welfare benefits while following the elusive dollar during seasonal employment, migrants frequently find maintenance or even minimum standards of living an impossibility. Nearly ten thousand migrants will provide labor that is critical to the cultivation and harvesting of fruits, vegetables and tobacco in Virginia. Today's migrant workers are primarily from Mexico and Central America with a few from Jamaica or Haiti. It is estimated that 60% of the workers are undocumented. The migrant worker season extends from April to November, however, more and more families are trying to eek out a living in the winter months. Some are finding work at nurseries, the Christmas tree industry, or in poultry processing. Eastern Shore Hispanic Ministry of The United Methodist Church is in service to the migrant population on the Shore by ministering to their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. Casa Esperanza Center or Allyson Jolly House of Hope in Wachapreague, VA provides a clothes closet (as well as other household items) and a food bank. The Rev. Carmen R. Colona, a United Methodist pastor runs the ministry. Thalia UMC supports The Eastern Shore Migrant Worker Mission by providing clothing and household items as well as with volunteers and work projects at the mission. Please contact Dan Cott for more information at daniel_cott@yahoo.com.

Good News Jail & Prison Ministry - TUMC is currently recruiting individuals and groups to provide support to the Chaplains at the Virginia Beach Correctional Facility. Three chaplains serve an average daily jail population of about 1500 and need many volunteers to help them meet the needs of the inmates. In 2008, TUMC supported the jail Ministry by conducting a Bible drive, donating other literature to the Chaplain's Office and providing one volunteer to work in the jail. "Behind the Walls" tours and Orientation Meetings are available for potential volunteers to learn more about this ministry. If you or your group would like to learn more about how you might support or work with this ministry contact Richard Norman at 14hobie@gmail.com. Additional information is also available at Good News Jail & Prison Ministry's Website.

Relay for Life - Whether it's a friend, a family member, or the neighbor down the street, we all know someone who has been touched by cancer. Many of us are concerned about this disease and want to do something to make a difference. That's why the Thalia Striders have decided to take part in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®. It's an event that brings together the whole community and helps raise funds for the fight against this disease. I know you care about cancer, too, and I'd love for you to join us as part of our Relay team.

Elementary School "Lunch Buddy Program" - More information to come soon.

2-1-1-V-I-R-G-I-N-A- 2-1-1 VIRGINIA provides a wide variety of free health and human service referrals. Search the database by category and geographic area. Or, you can talk with a certified call specialist by dialing 2-1-1 toll free, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. In many cases, people end up going without assistance because they don't know who to ask or where to begin. Get started with 2-1-1 VIRGINIA!

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