Outreach Programs

Ridgewood United Methodist Church members are active in a variety of Outreach Programs that benefit not only other church members, but the community as well.

Most of these positions are volunteer positions staffed by congregants who willingly and lovingly offer up their time to do something nice for someone else.

If you are interested in volunteering with any of these programs, please contact the church office for information at (440) 885-1360.

If you are in need of any of these services, please let us know and we will do our best to assist you.

Animal Blessings

Our pets are a blessing to us! We experience God’s love as we care for and receive care, from animals. Each first Saturday of October, we offer a blessing for our furry friends. Watch our website for dates & times.

Caring Dinner

The Ridgewood “Caring Dinner” is held on the 4th Saturday of every other month at 12:00noon.

• The dinner provides an atmosphere of fellowship and friendship.
• It is FREE to all persons in our community.
• We also deliver meals to our shut-ins on this day.
• The meals are cooked and served by church volunteers and are absolutely delicious every time!
• Both the volunteers and dinner guests have a wonderful time sharing in each other’s company.
• All of the excess food is taken to St. Herman’s Homeless Shelter.

Church Bus

We understand that it is hard for some people to make it to church on Sundays. For those of our congregants who have difficulty with mobility, or cannot drive, for whatever reason, the church van is available to pick them up on Sunday mornings for worship service. We are always in need of volunteers willing to drive our church bus. If you need a ride to church, or are interested in participating in this aspect of our ministry, please call the church office at (440) 885-1360.

Prayer Chain

The Prayer Chain consists of persons within our congregation who volunteer to add those in our church in need of prayer to their own daily prayers. If you or someone you know stands in the need of prayer, please contact the church office by calling (440) 885-1360. All prayer requests are treated as confidential and will only be shared with our prayer warriors and pastor, unless you request otherwise.

Ridgewood Friends

Ridgewood Friends is a group of church members who offer to donate time to help make life a bit easier for others in our church family. These volunteers offer help with rides, running errands, shopping, small chores, visitation, taking someone to the doctor, or bringing a meal to someone just home from the hospital. There is no minimum time commitment required, no meetings to attend, and new “Friends” are always welcome!

Stephen Ministries

Stephen Ministry is a system through which members of Ridgewood UMC are trained and organized to help provide Christian caregiving to members of our congregation and community. This will multiply the amount of caring ministry Ridgewood UMC can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life.

Sometimes it takes more than a parka to keep a person warm; sometimes it takes the presence of a caring Christian friend. Stephen ministers share the warmth of God’s love with those who need it most: the lonely, the depressed, the grieving. Is God calling you to reach out to those who are hurting? Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.

Love One Another As I Have Loved You…
In John 15:12 (NRSV), Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Loving and caring for one another is not just a pastor’s job – it’s something Jesus calls us all to do! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring ministry can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus’ love and care to those who need it most. Stephen Ministry is a vital part of our congregation’s mission.

Please pray for and support this caring ministry and these gifted people whom God has called. If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry or if someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please call the church office at (440) 885-1360.

Visitation Volunteers

In an attempt to reach our shut-ins who still take an active interest in our church and would like someone from the church to visit them, the Outreach and Health Ministry committees have developed a volunteer visitation ministry. Training sessions for participants in this program are provided periodically – please call the church office if you are interested in attending training.