Getting Involved

There are numerous ways you can plug in to the life of our congregation. Apart from weekly Sunday worship, we have the following activities we warmly invite you to be a part of.

Beach Food Pantry: Founded in 1989, the mission of the Beach Food Pantry is to eliminate food insecurity for those living and working in Dare County. Fourteen churches and several other civic organizations provide the volunteer base for the organization. Volunteers work closely with clients as they shop the shelves during the afternoon distribution period, usually from 2:00 to 4:00. CUMC is scheduled for seven dates this year.

Choir: The only qualification for singing in the choir is a desire to praise the Living God through song. No previous experience or musical training required. The choir practices on Thursday evenings at 6:00 and on Sunday mornings at 8:30. Ronda is always looking for additional voices and would be happy to have you join.

Monday Afternoon Tutoring: Each Monday school is in session, volunteers from CUMC and tutors from First Flight High School assemble at First Flight Elementary to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for additional learning and homework help. CUMC volunteers help with games, snacks, and chaperoning. Thankfully, the high school students handle the hard stuff (like long division!).

Mobile Food Pantry: On the second Thursday of each month, we gather at First Flight Elementary School to package and distribute food delivered by the Food Bank of the Albemarle, which is free to all Dare County residents. Palettes of frozen meats, dry goods, bread, fresh produce, and whatever else might show up, need to be unloaded and put in bags to be placed in clients’ cars as they come through the “dive-through.” In addition to passing out food, we hope to pass along joy and Christ’s love as we serve our neighbors, so even if you can’t provide manual labor, you can offer an encouraging presence.  Any and all help is always welcome! The fun begins at 4:00.

OBX Room in the Inn: Established in 2009 by our own Gail Leonard, Room in the Inn provides housing during the winter months to adults experiencing homelessness in the Outer Banks, in addition to other services year-round. Nearly twenty churches take turns providing the guests with their meals for the week. CUMC will provide food three different weeks during the upcoming season.

Prayer Group: Our Prayer Group meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 on Zoom. We hold the concerns of our church, our community, and our world before God, embracing the ministry of intercession. If you are intimidated by public prayer, no worries! There is no expectation that you lead or participate in the group prayer. You can come and name your concerns, listen as others name theirs, and simply be present in the sacred space that is the Church of Jesus at prayer. You can come and say nothing at all, but bear witness with your body.

Ruthie’s Kitchen: Serving free meals every Tuesday night since October 2009, Ruthie’s Community Kitchen formed when Ruthie Rigor left money to St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in her will. Some folks there decided to partner with other churches and use Ruthie’s money to begin a community kitchen, serving food out of Son Rise Church of Christ. CUMC prepares meals several times throughout the year, but volunteers are always welcome to help serve any Tuesday night.

Student of the Month: The last Friday of the month during the school year, we furnish refreshments and goodie bags for the Student of the Month ceremony at First Flight Elementary School. Everyone is welcome to come out and help with setup and passing out food, and most importantly, to support and celebrate the students.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The third Thursday of each month, we provide breakfast for FCA students at First Flight Middle School. We need volunteers on hand to set up tables and serve food.

United Women in Faith: Formerly United Methodist Women, the purpose of this mission, fellowship, and learning community of women is to know God better and to serve through love in action. Membership is open to all women, regardless of church or denominational membership. Our unit of UWF meets the second Saturday of every month at 9:00, beginning by sharing breakfast together.

Men’s Fellowship: The men of the church gather every other month for breakfast in addition to service projects and community engagement throughout the month.

Serving in Worship: Every week we are looking for people to read Scripture, to serve as ushers and greeters, to assist with Holy Communion – and for the adventurous, operating the camera and livestream.