Getting Involved
Ways to get involved at MAPC with hands and hearts!
“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:17) The following opportunities to participate in hands-on ministries are provided by the Outreach Committee as it seeks to help the congregation become involved in the organizations we support through our Outreach grants. If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities, e-mail Don Wahlig at dbw@mapc.com. Let’s put our faith into action!
Sign Up Now to Be a Host in MAPC’s Shelter
If you are already trained as a shelter host: A big “Thank you!” to all who have volunteered to be overnight hosts in the MAPC overnight shelter. You already know what a blessing it is to provide hospitality for the 12 homeless men who call our shelter home 6 nights a week. Contact Don Wahlig for scheduling.
If you would like to explore becoming a shelter host, please contact Don Wahlig at dbw@mapc.com. Don will arrange a mutually convenient time to meet with you. This is a life-changing ministry, both for our hosts and our guests–don’t miss it!
Unique, One-time Ministry Opportunity in South Bronx
MAPC member Rachel Secrest works at a small, public, college-preparatory school in the South Bronx that is looking for people to judge student presentations on Thursday and Friday, May 19 and 20. Each year the school hosts exhibitions of student work. Community judges are paired with teachers and former students to critique the presentations, which can be on religions, natural disasters or a physics-based topic; it is not necessary for judges to have a background in the subjects of the exhibitions.
Volunteers are needed for both days. Training is at 8:30 am and judges begin with the first presentation at 9 am. Judges can come for part of the day or the whole day, which ends at 7 pm on Thursday and 5 pm on Friday. It would be possible for volunteers to start later in the day on Thursday. The school is located at the first stop into the Bronx from Manhattan off the Nos. 4/5/6 subway lines. If you are interested in serving as a judge for the students’ exhibitions, please contact Beverly Bartlett at bab@mapc.com and she will put you in touch with Rachel.
LEAP Reading Enrichment Program
LEAP is a life-changing reading and enrichment program that enables adults to spend one-on-one time with at-risk children in East Harlem. Participants develop wonderful relationships with the children, helping strengthen their reading skills and engaging in fabulous art projects. Once a month, activities also include puzzles and computer activities.
New Weekday Tutoring Program in East Harlem!
Weekday volunteers are also needed to provide after-school tutoring for students from 4-5:30 pm. Volunteers of high school age and older, who want to spend time with children, are welcome to participate. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.
Help Serve Thursday Evening Shelter Dinner
Each Thursday evening, MAPC feeds over 125 homeless and near-homeless individuals from our neighborhood and beyond. To become involved in this wonderful outreach ministry as a server, contact Don Wahlig at dbw@macp.com. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.
Yorkville Common Pantry
Yorkville Common Pantry offers opportunities for volunteers to help pack and distribute food to the working poor on Saturday mornings and other times each week. MAPC has supported this very well organized and effective organization since its inception 30 years ago. This is a wonderful way to follow Christ’s command to “feed my sheep!”
Help an Elderly Neighbor Walk and Care for Their Pet
Search and Care (S&C) ministers to elderly adults in our neighborhood who cherish their independence, but have difficulty caring for themselves. MAPC has supported them for years through our Outreach grants. Now is the perfect time to get our hands involved along with our dollars!S&C has developed a new program to help low/fixed income adults who are too frail or ill to properly care for their 4-legged companions, an essential relationship in their lives. S&C provides opportunities for hands-on ministry by walking a dog, changing a litter box, cleaning a cage, taking a pet to/from vet appointments or shopping for food and supplies. No one person is expected to do all of these things, nor on a daily basis. As they say, “it takes a village.”
Do you have a friendly pet that could bring a smile to an elderly person? For those who are frail and isolated, and missing companionship, we are looking for hands-on ministers from MAPC whose own pet is super friendly and well-trained, to make home visits.
Other Opportunities for Ministry
There are additional programs areas with opportunities to serve that may be of interest to you. Worship, Christian Education for adults and children, and Music all offer places for you to practice your faith and connect with our community.
