Summer of Sharing

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

This summer, River Road UMC is putting faith into action through three months of hands-on mission opportunities. Whether you give, serve, or both, there's a place for you in the Summer of Sharing. Each initiative connects our congregation to neighbors near and far who are in real need, and every act of generosity matters.

Monthly Initiatives

  • This June, we're helping prepare for a Back-to-School Resource Fair that will serve more than 100 immigrant and refugee families from Chesterfield, Henrico, and Richmond. Held in July, the Fair offers a warm, shopping-style experience where parents and children can choose the supplies they need for a strong start to the school year.

    To make it possible, we're collecting new socks and sneakers for students from elementary through high school.

    What's Needed:

    • New socks: kids' medium and large; adult small and medium

    • New sneakers/tennis shoes for boys and girls, sizes Youth 8 through Adult 9

    Deadline: Bring items to the church by June 30th.

  • This July, we're partnering with Voices of Jubilee, a community of pastors and volunteers who walk alongside incarcerated youth and their families. Each year, Voices of Jubilee delivers 300 Christmas packages to young people in area detention centers, and River Road UMC is helping fill them.

    Beginning Sunday, July 5, stop by the Christmas Trees in the Welcome Center or Narthex, choose a gift tag, and pick up that item to donate. Your gift will remind a young person that they are not forgotten.

    What's Needed:

    • Personal care items (specifics listed on gift tags)

    • $25 Visa gift cards

    • A wishlist of needed items is available here, ‍or pick up a printed copy at the church in mid-July.

    Deadline: Bring items to the church by July 31st.

    Volunteers are also needed the evening of August 19th.

  • On August 19, we're partnering with 28:19 Ministries to host a school-supply store right here at River Road UMC. English learners representing 13 different countries will be able to choose the supplies their children need for the new school year. River Road UMC will support this effort by providing a portion of the school supplies, opening our facilities and playground, and offering hands-on volunteer opportunities.

    What's Needed:

    • Elmer's Glue Sticks

    • Elmer's Jumbo Glue Sticks

    • Large Pink Erasers

    • Blunt End Scissors

    • Crayola Markers

    • Crayola Colored Pencils

    • Pre-Sharpened Pencils

    • Black Sharpies

    • Pens

    • Expo Dry Erase Markers

    • Pocket Folders

    • 3-Ring Binders

    • Baby Wipes

    • Plug-In Headphones (3.5mm audio jack)

    • Notebook Dividers

    • Zippered Pencil Pouches

    • Pencil Boxes

    • Post-It Notes

    • Highlighters

    • Zippered Sandwich Bags

    • Zippered Gallon Bags

    • Backpacks (elementary and middle/high school sizes)

    • $10 Walmart or Target Gift Cards


    Deadline: Bring items to the church by August 16th.

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
    Volunteers are needed to staff the store and supervise children on the playground on August 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Email Lori Alford at engagement@riverroadumc.org for more information.

No time to shop?

Cash and check donations are always welcome. You can also give online anytime and designate your gift for Summer of Sharing.

Give Online

Stay and Go!

July 5th - 26th

Created in partnership with 28:19 Ministries, Stay and Go! is a four-week small-group experience that helps us practice missional living right where we are. Together we'll explore how everyday faith can bless our neighbors and heighten our awareness of God's presence in ordinary moments.

What's Included:

21-Day Devotional Guide:

A daily, practical journey into missional living. Guides are available for $10 on Amazon.

Serve Project: Saturday, July 18th

Spend a few hours offering a simple act of love in our community, meeting neighbors and sharing kindness in tangible ways.

Optional Online Gatherings:

  • July 5 (Zoom) — Kickoff and orientation

  • July 26 (Zoom) — Wrap-up and debrief

Participate at whatever level works for you. Use the devotional, come to a gathering, serve on July 18, or mix and match. All are welcome.

GET INVOLVED

Questions about any of these opportunities? We'd love to hear from you.

Randy Reaves, Missions Chair

randalreaves@verizon.net

Church Office (804) 740-7061