Throughout the year, there are numerous special collections in response to ongoing needs, as well as special needs as a result of natural disasters.

Special donations made during communion are designated for the Good Samaritan fund to help individuals who face a financial crisis. Some examples are individuals who are traveling but have run out of money for gas, individuals who have no money for a meal, and individuals who have been referred by Social Services and have no money to pay their heating bill during the winter.

Collections to help support Church World Service. These donations purchase dry food and blankets that are sent to Southeast Asia, the Congo or other places in need.

UMCOR (United Methodist Commission on Relief) provides relief to those suffering from hunger, refugees, immigrants, and/or rescue workers nationally and internationally.

Collections of sewing kits, school kits, health kits, money for fishing nets, blankets, etc.

Flood buckets are built, according to UMCOR specs and made available for victims of floods in the US. 

For over 60 years, the Aldersgate community has devoted a special hour of sharing for those who suffer from hunger, poverty, or natural and/or human-made disasters. One Great Hour of Sharing offering is usually on the 4th Sunday of Lent. For additional information visit umcor.org

Each week, faithful members of Aldersgate and others who use the church, bring in non-perishable food items. The food is delivered monthly to Brandywine Community United Methodist Church and Neighborhood House.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

The Boy Scout program has three specific objectives. They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Aldersgate charters to two Boy Scouting units, Cub Scout Pack 67 and Boy Scout Troop 67. These units serve over 80 area youth between the ages of 6 and 18.

CHRISTMAS JOY

The Christmas Joy Program has been operating since 2005 and provides 150 needy individuals in 5 agencies with over 400 gifts to help make their Christmas more enjoyable. Over 60 people participated in wrapping parties to wrap gifts over two scheduled weekends.

EMMANUEL DINING ROOM (MINISTRY OF CARING)

Aldersgate prepares noonday meals on the 16th of each month. In continuous operation as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization since 1979, their sole purpose is to minister to the poor with food and supportive services. Up to 800 breakfast and noonday meals are served every day at three locations. For more information, call 302-652-3218.

FAMILY PROMISE

Part of a national initiative to provide homeless families temporary shelter in churches. The organization’s 131 local groups also provide access to employment and social services. There are about 2,200 homeless people in northern New Castle County, according to a group that is starting a program to help the suburban homeless.

Aldersgate hosts families at our church four times a year. We seek people to set up and take down beds, provide meals, drive the participants to or from the church, and provide overnight supervision. Contact the church office for more information.

FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

A non-profit Christian corporation committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the homeless people of Wilmington area through the traditional spiritual ministries of hospitality, education, empowerment and community. For more information, call 302-652-8133.

HARVEST FOOD FESTIVAL

An annual, ecumenical food collection that results in many tons of food being donated to 9 local organizations who use it to feed Wilmington area residents in need. Worshipers are given shopping bags as they leave their worship service on the last Sunday of September and are asked to bring them filled with non-perishables to trucks in our parking lots on the first Sunday in October.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

Founded in 1927 by the Methodist Women’s Home Missionary Society, Neighborhood House continues to be the heart of community activities, fellowship and services by offering programs that provide opportunities for community residents of all ages to improve the quality of their lives. Neighborhood House is a specific mission of United Methodist Women and is supported in various ways by Aldersgate UMC members and small groups.