Volunteer

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done" - Proverbs 19:17

Serving Christ here, near, and far away…

Serving others is a fundamental aspect of Christian life at Baker Memorial UMC. All are welcome to participate. Some opportunities are listed below. To see the full list, go here.

Recurring Opportunities

Sunday Morning Connections Team  This team consists of greeters, ushers, and fellowship volunteers. Having warm, smiling faces when someone walks into Baker Memorial UMC and into the sanctuary is a way of showing God’s love and makes someone feel welcomed. Sign up for a specific Sunday of the month or as many Sundays as you would like. Sign up for any of the three volunteer categories here.

Sunday morning Fellowship Hour after worship will start back up in January. The goal is for the congregation to use this time to connect, care for each other, and to reach out to newcomers and visitors. Sign up to host as an individual, family or group. Get the details about what  hosting entails in our Fellowship Guide and sign up here.

Children’s ReCharge  Want to help? You can be a part of this ministry by helping to teach or shepherd on Sunday mornings August-May. Sign up here. Shelly Stienbarger, Director of Children & Family Ministry, will get you plugged in.

Lazarus House Meal  Every second Tuesday of the month, Baker Memorial provides meals for nearby Lazarus House homeless shelter. Options for helping are: preparing dinner in the church kitchen on second Tuesday evenings, donate ingredients for the dinner, and provide bag lunches and beverages. To get connected to the monthly email sign-up with dinner and lunch donation needs and to sign up to cook on second Tuesday evenings, contact Chris Stumpf here.

Meals on Wheels  Kane County Senior Council (senior meals) uses volunteers to deliver on a regular basis or as a substitute. Drivers pick up the meals at the United Methodist Church of Geneva and deliver to St. Charles and Geneva seniors. If you are interested in helping in this way, contact info@bakermemorialchurch.org

Northern Illinois Food Bank  A team of volunteers heads to the NIL Food Bank on the third Monday of every month. Our shift runs from 9am until Noon. Want more information? Contact Betty Erickson via email.

Feed My Starving Children  Volunteer to pack meals with us and discover how much good you can do in just under two hours! Register to work at the Aurora location, space is limited. Sign up on the church app or here.

  • Upcoming packing dates: Thursday, February 27 at 11:30 am; Thursday April 10 at 2pm; Saturday, June 14 at 11:30am; Monday, July 28 at 5pm
  • Location: FMSC’s Aurora warehouse on 555 Exchange Ct.

Hesed House  On the fourth Saturday of alternating months (February, April, June, August, October, and December), four to five members of our congregation serve breakfast at the Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora. It’s a fun and rewarding experience. We meet at Baker Church at 3:30am. and carpool to Hesed House. The group cooks and serves breakfast and also prepares lunches for later in the day. We are back at Baker by no later than 7am. Our crew chief is Tom Warren. Please call Tom (224-605-8594) if you are interested.

Administer Justice  (AJ) Legal issues are often the root of poverty and homelessness, and while 20% of Americans qualify for legal aid with housing, employment, and healthcare, less than half will find that help. Be part of making a difference by joining the (AJ) team who empowers vulnerable neighbors with the help of a lawyer and the hope of God’s love on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9am – 12pm. There is a training for each position. Go to tinyurl.com/AJVolunteers to check out the serving opportunities. Contact Betty Erickson at 630.701.5672 with questions and which position you would like trained in.

Prayer Quilt Ministry  Our Prayer Quilt Ministry seeks to envelop someone in need in God’s loving arms and prayers—literally. A quilt is made for a specific person. Whether you can sew, iron, cut fabric with a rotary cutter, or sort fabric we need help. Quilting day is the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12-3pm. If you can sew, bring a small portable sewing machine.

Pop-Up Opportunities

Throughout the year, we have a number of  areas where there is a need for extra help on a one-time basis for an event or project. We call these Pop-Up Teams. This is a great way to connect with other members and serve the church or community. It’s a win win! Take a look and see what might fit your schedule and talents. Come back often and see what’s new on the list.

Support and Show Your Pride

Show your Pride with Baker Memorial UMC! Yes, Pride month is just around the corner but our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors need our allyship and advocacy for justice and equal representation all year round. If you are interested in supporting Baker Memorial UMC in its LGBTQIA+ advocacy and outreach, please send an email to Mandy Hale at aghale73@gmail.com.

Stock the Box

The Day Guest Ministry works to feed, clothe and house the underserved in our community while also putting them in contact with local services to regain their independence. They are seeking donations of supplies to stock the outdoor food pantry.
  • Needed donations: water/Gatorade, flip-top cans of soup/stew, pasta, chicken and tuna, protein bars/drinks, tuna and cracker packs, cheese or peanut butter crackers.
  • Where to drop off: Please bring donations to Baker Hall on Sunday mornings or Mon-Fri, 10a-3pm. If the door is locked please call the office to be let in, 630.584.6680.
  • Want to help? The Day Guest Ministry is also looking for some volunteers to stock the pantry. Please email Judy Schlarb if interested, judithschlarb@gmail.com.

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them..”

– Hebrews 6:10