Missions & Outreach 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations

Matthew 28:19

Anchor Lancaster

Sierra Leone Missions

Rising Hope
Medical Center

"Featured above are three ministries that received more than $150,000 each through our 2025 Go: Generosity Unleashed campaign, a special initiative honoring Pastor Joe DiPaolo's retirement and extending Christ's love both locally and globally."

Our Vision

First United Methodist Church has a long history of serving our neighbors locally and around the world. We partner with organizations that share Christ's love through compassion, justice, education, healthcare, and community development.
We envision our church as a hub of Christian ministry where people encounter Christ through worship, service, hospitality, and community partnerships. Beyond these ministries, our campus serves Lancaster by hosting recovery groups, worshiping congregations, community orchestras, concerts, and other events that bring people together. 

Mission Partners

Local Partners

  • Anchor Lancaster – Providing breakfast, showers, case management, and support for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Learn more at anchorlancaster.org.
  • Discovery Corner Academy – A Christian preschool and kindergarten nurturing children in a safe, loving learning environment. Learn more at discoverycorner.org.
  • LUMINA – Sharing God's love through food, clothing, education, and programs that strengthen families in Lancaster City. Learn more at luminaoutreach.org.
  • AARP Tax-Aide – Free tax preparation and assistance for qualifying individuals each tax season.
  • LifeCycles – Mentoring young people through Christ-centered bicycle adventures that build character and faith. Learn more at lifecyclesteam.org.
  • Prison Ministry – Sharing Christ's love through prayer, encouragement, Bibles, and practical support for those affected by incarceration.
  • Refugee Welcome Team – Partnering with Church World Service to welcome refugees and help families build new lives in Lancaster. Learn more at cwslancaster.org.
  • Lancaster County Food Hub – Providing food, clothing, and connections to essential services for neighbors in need. Learn more at lancasterfoodhub.org.
  • Tenfold – Partnering to help individuals and families achieve stable housing and financial security. 

Global Partners

  • Sudan Rebirth Ministry – Empowering the next generation through scholarships for kindergarten through master's-level students. Learn more at sudanrebirthministry.org.
  • Africa Sunrise Communities – Developing schools, healthcare, and Christian ministry in South Sudan. Learn more at africasunrise.org.
  • Sierra Leone Missions – Supporting healthcare, education, and community development through the ministries of Rev. Dorcas Kamanda. Learn more at salonerising.org and servingsierraleone.org.
  • Tanzania Missions – Supporting church planting, education, healthcare, and community development in Tanzania. 
  • Wycliffe Bible Translators – Helping to make God's Word available in every language through the ministry of Chip and Cathy Sanders. Learn more at wycliffe.org.

Join the mission

Serve the Kingdom with us as we love Lancaster and our world. 

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