Serve in the Community
Hope in God is our new theme for Missions and Community Outreach. We live in a time of increasing hopelessness in our world. We know that anxiety, depression, effects of illness, financial problems, substance abuse, and mental health issues have created an ever-increasing sense of hopelessness. The answer…hope in God! Having our hope in God allows us to be agents of hope. It is our presence, our touch, our words, our personalities, our giftedness, and the Spirit of God that lives in us that carries a message of hope to our world. We must live it out…we are not ashamed of the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ. We hope in Him, and we have hope in God.
Pray. Go. Give. There are three ways you can be involved with missions and community outreach at First Woodway. First, we need those who will pray for our events, our encounters, our conversations, and our trips so that God would be honored and proclaimed in all we do. Second, we want you to go. Come join us in serving in our community, the US, or internationally on a mission trip. Finally, we want you to give. This may be of your time, giftedness, or financial support for our mission trips or community outreach opportunities. Your giving will help proclaim God to our community, country, and the world. There is a place for everyone to be connected in sharing the hope of the gospel through missions and community outreach. Please consider getting involved as we pray, go, and give.
“Open to God, open to people, open to the world.”
Open to God – we are open to be led by His Spirit.
- “Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me.” – 2 Corinthians 2:12
- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”- Acts 1:8
Open to people – we are open and want to be extended and ready to speak life into individuals.
- “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:11
- “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Open to the world – we are open and available to go and share the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
- “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” – Acts 14:27
- “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Wash and Prayer
Contact | René Maciel
We care and serve our community at The Washtub Laundromat on 235 N Hewitt Dr every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. We pay for their laundry, offer drinks, snacks, and have great conversations. Join us in loving our neighbors by washing their clothes and praying with them.
Caritas of Waco
Contact | Lynn Brooks
We minister at Caritas every Wednesday from 8:45-10:45 am. We serve in their pantry by stocking shelves and helping customers shop for their food. As we do this, we engage in conversations and at times pray with those who come to Caritas seeking help. We hope that these conversations and opportunities to pray with others will lead to sharing the gospel with many. The harvest is ripe to feed and share the Gospel. Caritas is located at 300 S 15th St. in Waco. No sign up or RSVP necessary.
Given in Jesus’ Name Food Pantry
Contact | Rhonda Jones
We are looking for volunteers every Thursday from 8:00-11:30. We need volunteers to shop, stock the pantry shelves, bag food orders, talk to and pray with our customers, and bring food to cars on carts. Every week we feed families from all over Central TX. We need your help in keeping our food pantry stocked. Please check here for a list of current food items needed. Sign up here if you are interested in becoming part of the food pantry ministry at First Woodway.
God’s Toolbox
Contact | Lynn Brooks
God’s Toolbox’s primary focus is to care for, share with, and serve others through home repair projects, ramps, and grab bar installation. GTB assists the elderly, people of low income, and the disabled, enabling them to live in warmth, safety and independence. Email Lynn with your need, a brief description of the project, address of home, and cell number of main contact person. You will be contacted to confirm the details submitted.
Narrow Road Hiking Club
Contact | Jen Martinsen
The Narrow Road Hiking Club is a fun way to introduce others to our church community. Jen Martinsen is leading this group and will plan a new hike in the Waco area once per month. If you are interested in getting on the Narrow Road Hiking Club email with details about upcoming hikes, contact Jen. Make plans to join in and bring a neighbor and friend as we hike various trails and take in the beauty of God’s creation. See you there!
Wednesday Night Saints
Contact | Wanda Glaze
Each Wednesday night during the school year, 30-40 people receive a warm meal along with a hug and a prayer. These homebound families love the conversation time the most, just knowing someone cares about them. Email Wanda or call 254.666.8276 and see how you can spend one hour each week to help deliver a meal to someone who is hurting and alone.
Here at FW, we partner with a number of organizations in our community by coming alongside them in their ministry to serve and encourage them in all that they are doing for others. If you, your family, or your life group are looking for places to serve, feel free to use this list to plan a time to serve and show the love of Jesus to those who just may need your service and encouragement today.
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Caritas of Waco | Contact: Lynn Brooks
Caritas of Waco is a non-profit organization that was opened in 1967 to serve the needs of poverty-level individuals living in the Waco-McLennan County area. The mission of Caritas is to “provide urgent support to people in need in our community.” This is accomplished by offering emergency/supplemental assistance in the form of food, clothing and household items, utility assistance, prescription medication assistance, rent and mortgage assistance, emergency lodging and travel. The philosophy of Caritas is to move low income families “beyond hunger to hope” through a combination of urgent assistance (e.g., food) and the case management intervention. Caritas is effectively placing many individuals into employment positions and into vocational training programs through it case management program.
Friends for Life | Contact: Kay Johnson
Friends for Life helps the elderly and adults with disabilities live independently as long as possible, protects, and cares for those unable to care for themselves. Our core values of integrity, professional teamwork, and compassionate service define who we are and how we act as individuals within Friends for Life.
To learn more or volunteer, email Kay or call 254.772.7600 x110.
Mission Waco | Contact: Front Office Coordinator
Mission Waco’s mission is to empower the poor and the marginalized through Christian-based, holistic, relationship-centered programs, equip the middle-class to become more compassionately involved among the poor, and to engage in systemic issues of social injustice which oppress the poor and marginalized. Mission Waco deeply values the contributions of volunteers and donors, whose dedication and support play a crucial role in fulfilling our mission. Check out their Volunteer Page, Donor Page, and/or reach out to their front office via email or call 254.753.4900.
Mentoring Alliance | Contact: Amie Reynolds
Mentoring Alliance is a faith-based organization that serves kids and families in the Waco area through partnering with local public schools for after-school programs, summer camps, and 1:1 mentoring. For volunteer or giving opportunities email Amie or call 254.447.6364.
Salvation Army | Contact: Lynn Brooks
Our endeavor is to break the cycle of poverty through a variety of programs while meeting the basic needs of those in our community. The Salvation Army is needing even more help in the summer months. We are asking all of our volunteers to sign up for a shift through the summer or sign up for TWO! The shift is from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. This is a serving job that includes set up and clean up. You can sign up to serve here.
Together For Good | Contact: Kellie Davidson
This organization exists to create pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable families in Christ-centered ministry. Find out more about opportunities to give or serve by emailing Kellie or calling 214.616.1929.
Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children (ACCVC) | Contact: Lori Carter
ACCVC promotes healing of children and crime victims through culturally sensitive advocacy, collaboration, prevention, and treatment. To learn more, donate items, or volunteer, contact Lori McCarter, call 254.752.9330 x130, or visit their website.
Compassion Waco | Contact: Front Office
At Compassion Waco, we firmly believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual regardless of their socioeconomic status. Guided by our faith principles, we are committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and nurturing environment that empowers homeless families to regain stability, dignity, and hope. To learn more, volunteer, or give to Compassion Waco, shoot them an email or call 254.755.7640.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes | Contact: Ben Johnson
The Heart of Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes seeks to advance the Gospel and make disciples of every coach and athlete in Central Texas. We have multiple volunteer and funding needs connected to our Jr Captains Camp, Captains Camp, Victory Bowl, and Character Coach ministry. To learn more about this ministry, serve, or give, contact Ben, call 254.717.4290, or visit their website.
Isaiah 117 House | Contact: Janay Morgan
Isaiah 117 House provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children and teens awaiting foster care placement. We are able to live out our threefold mission of reducing trauma of removal day, lightening the load for child protective services, and easing the transition for foster families because of community support of our mission. Contact Janay, McLennan County Location Leader, or call 423.518.3760 x635 if you would like to get involved to help change the way foster care begins!
Care Net | Contact: Rachel Van Pelt
Care Net Pregnancy Center helps support pregnant women and parents with life affirming services that radiate the abundant love of Jesus Christ. You, your family, or life group are invited to help with individual or group volunteer needs. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Rachel or call 254.772.8270. She would love to connect with anyone looking for a place to serve!
Family Abuse Center | Contact: Makayla Smith
Family Abuse Center serves victims of domestic violence in six counties across Central Texas. Today, Family Abuse Center is the sole comprehensive domestic violence service agency in a six-county region, serving Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. Family Abuse Center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency safety shelter, counseling, case management, legal advocacy and other services to help survivors of domestic violence. For more information about FAC email Makayla or call 254.772.8999. In terms of donations, FAC always needs: trash bags, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and paper towels. Learn more on their Volunteer page.
