For our kids, we believe in promoting the discovery of Jesus Christ through Sports, so Baylake UMC sponsors Upward Soccer annually! Through Upward, kids have a unique sports experience as the program is designed to develop athletes mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially which produces players that develop on and off the field. We believe that every child is a winner! Through this ministry, we have the opportunity to serve others in our community while providing a vehicle for children and parents to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!
Dusty Gray, stilender1@aol.com
Wendy Howard, wendyraehoward@gmail.com
Jesus tells us to take care of the least among us, so we open our doors to the homeless to help care for them. Baylake UMC Partners with People in Need Ministry (PIN) for their Virginia Beach Winter Shelter program for the homeless population. Our church is a designated shelter for one week during the winter months where we lovingly prepare meals, provide shelter and minister to the spiritual needs of our guests.
This program services more than 60 homeless adults each night between the hours of 6pm and 7am from October to April. In conjunction with the Virgina Beach Human Services and PIN, individuals seeking shelter are screened to participate in the program and are then transported to our church where bedrolls, food and coffee are available.
This is an amazing opportunity for volunteers to be used as God’s hand and feet on earth to care for this indigent population showing them love and giving them hope.
Cindy Wilkins, edciwi@yahoo.com
Wendy Howard, wendyraehoward@gmail.com
For over 60 years, we have engaged the community and shared God’s love on the Christmas Tree Lot! We don’t just sell the trees but also share our faith through an Advent Devotional written by people in our church, and through our conversations with families. The proceeds generated from the tree sales support our signature ministries.
Al Will, abjb@yahoo.com
Wendy Howard, wendyraehoward@gmail.com
Once Baylake UMC realized that many children in our community at nearby by Bayside Elementary School qualify for free or reduced lunch expense during the weekdays, but are often hungry on the weekends, we went into action to help these children and families in need.
Weekly, brown bags are filled with food that is child-friendly, non-perishable, and easily consumed. The bags are discreetly distributed to children on the last day before the weekend or holiday vacation by placing them into their backpacks for transport to their homes. Children receiving the food are identified by school personnel as being food insecure by a variety of criteria.
Jeff & Patty Waller, jeff.waller364@yahoo.com, pkwaller@hotmail.com
