The Missions and Social Concerns Committee coordinates the church’s efforts to extend the love of Christ to the communities in which we live (local, regional and global). The following are specific programs:
Missionary in Nicaragua
CCUMC sponsors Dr. Belinda Forbes, a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving in Managua, Nicaragua with Accion Medica Cristiana (Christian Medical Action). Belinda is a dentist and many members of the church have been to Nicaragua to assist in a dental program in isolated villages in which she participates.
A Wider Circle
For several years we have worked with A Wider Circle, an agency providing gently used donated furniture to homeless moving into transitional housing. Besides donating surplus furniture from our Rummage Sale and Christmas Bazaar, we have raised funds to purchase new mattresses. Members have also been invited to pick ornaments from an Angel Tree, each one listing gifts for one member of an adopted family, which our members can then purchase.
Scouting
Founded in 1940, Scout Troop 255 is chartered by Chevy Chase United Methodist Church and meets weekly at the church. It is one of the longest established troops in Montgomery County. The Troop is open to both boys and girls with an interest in outdoor adventure, friendship, and fun. The Troop has approximately 50 scouts from Montgomery County and Washington, DC, reflecting the wide diversity of our community.
Troop activities focus on having fun through outdoor adventure while fostering character development, leadership skills, and citizenship. In addition to weekly meetings, there are monthly campouts, summer camp, high adventure treks, and community service projects. Troop 255 is a scout-led organization, guided and supported by trained adult leaders and many other volunteers. The Troop meets weekly on Tuesday nights during the school year from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The meetings focus on advancement, trip planning, hands-on learning, and fun activities.
Fostering citizenship is an important goal of the scouting program. In Troop 255, scouts serve the community through numerous Eagle Scout projects, Scouting for Food, troop outings, and at their individual houses of worship.
To learn more, contact outreachCoord@t255.org or visit their website at www.t255.org.
Bethesda Cares
CCUMC provides food for a homeless feeding program at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, in partnership with Bethesda Cares, on the third Sunday evening of every month.
Meals-on-Wheels
Volunteers from CCUMC participate in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase Meals-on-Wheels program every month. They deliver meals to seniors in need and others who are unable to shop or cook for themselves because of disability.
Communities United Against Hate (CUAH)
CUAH is a nonprofit organization that unites our diverse community to combat bigotry, support victims of hate, and promote inclusiveness in Montgomery County, Maryland. We are committed to combating hate crimes, bigotry, and discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, disability, gender, and sexual/gender identity.
Recovery Groups
Info coming soon.