UNITED METHODIST MEN

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Men (UMM) organization exists to enrich the lives of a community of believers in Jesus Christ both within and outside of our church, to expand fellowship among the men of St. Matthews and to provide both physical and financial support for the mission, ministry, programs and facility needs of St. Matthew’s. While the UMM strives to create an inviting and open environment for men to gather and enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new acquaintances, our principal focus is outward in support of our whole church and our local and international community.

As an organization, St. Matthew’s UMM does not function on the basis of a specific list of members; rather it maintains an extensive directory of Methodist men within the church who have expressed an interest in the activities of our organization and in serving our church and its community.

UMM cooks preparing angus burgers, salmon burgers and hot dogs for the picnic on the lawn event for SMUMC members and the community. Our cooks obviously love their work.

The officers serving the UMM are Bruce Thomas ebruce135@hotmail.com (President), and Keith McCartney (Treasurer/Secretary).

The tree stands await arrival of the Christmas trees: May the Lord bless the ministries supported by UMM’s Christmas tree sales.

In addition to service projects both at St. Matthew’s and in our local community (such as preparing meals for the homeless at a part of our church Hypothermia Project or providing assistance to senior citizens through programs administered by the Fairfax County Helping Hands project), the UMM provides financial support to a number of worthwhile missions and ministries at St. Matthew’s. The UMM also provides funding and physical support for several church-wide functions and the “Fall Kickoff Picnic” in September.

Christmas trees arrive fresh from the farm

The SMUMC youth group and parents assist with unloading of the Christmas trees

Funding for UMM contributions originated primarily from our annual Christmas Tree Project. Each year from Thanksgiving through the first two weeks of December, the UMM Christmas Tree Project involves approximately 60 adult and youth volunteers from within the St. Matthew’s community who sell 250 fresh trees to a long list of new and old customers. The UMM also uses this opportunity to inform our customers about the worship and service opportunities available at St. Matthew’s. In many years the UMM typically provides a tree free of charge to families in need who may not have otherwise been able to enjoy a real tree in their home for this special season.

St. Matthew’s UMM is another example of the many avenues available for members and friends to be the “hands and feet of Christ” in our world. We welcome all who wish to serve and fellowship in a warm and inviting Christian environment to join us in this mission.