Reflect Jesus
People see Jesus in us as we work together in Missions and Community Outreach
Ramps of Hope
Ramps of Hope Armstrong County had a busy 2024 season. The team installed dozens of ramps and recovered several previously installed ramps. Sections of those recovered ramps can be reused in new builds, which can greatly cut down the cost of a new ramp. There are about 19 steady workers on the team and we will have anywhere from 4 to 14 on any project. Pretty great for a group that is all volunteers!
We are blessed! Most of the team comes from within the 3 churches of our Allegheny River Charge of the UMC and we are pleased to have a few members from other area churches.
The team enjoys building the ramps and is greatly rewarded when a ramp recipient comes out on their new, safe and easy access to their home and expresses their gratitude to the builders.
It always reminds us that we are doing God’s work in loving our neighbors by meeting a need for them.
The new “ramp season” has begun and the team has been building/installing a ramp nearly every week1
36 Ramps built in 2024 ——- 2025 season is going strong!
SIFT
SIFT – Seniors in Fellowship Together is a community outreach program normally meeting the third Thursday of each month from September to May. It is open to all Senior citizens of the area, no fee is charged but donations are accepted. Each month there is a luncheon and a program of interest to Seniors.
Reservations (by name) can be made from the 1st Monday of the month thru noon on Monday the week of SIFT
(724-548-4312)
Phone reservations only will be accepted and will be limited to 75. You will need to give a name for each reservation made along with a contact phone number. Please call to cancel as there may be a waiting list.
Doors will open at 11:30 AM. Please use the parking lot door.
Upcoming Sift Programs and Menu
On Summer break - see you in the fall!
- Program: To Be Determned!
- Menu: to be determined
Rainbow Road (Preschool)
Rainbow Road Preschool is a non-profit outreach program of the First United Methodist Church in Kittanning.
It is designed to serve interested families in and around Armstrong County.
The purpose of Rainbow Road is to promote social and emotional awareness, cognitive growth, and the creative expression of thoughts and feelings within a Christian environment.
The Preschool is in the Covenant Center across the alley from the church (332 N. Water St., Kittanning)
and is staffed by 3 experienced loving, caring Christian teachers.
Now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year! See the Rainbow Road website above for details!
Monthly Missions
Each month we focus on a different “special” mission focus. Over the past couple years we have donated an “ark” of animals to Heifer International, rang the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, gathered supplies for local Blessings in a Backpack, donated underwear (and money) to House of the Carpenter, Hosted as well as participated in many Rise Against Hunger packaging events, Local Food Bank, Ruth M Smith Center, and many other local, country and global projects.
July/August Mission
For July and August Missions, we will be collecting funds for Rise Against Hunger. We will also need some volunteers from the church to work the packing event on September 20th. There will be more information coming on signing up to work. See Emily with any questions
VBS & Habitat for Humanity
29 years ago, our Vacation Bible School started collecting aluminum cans for recycling. Our “Toucan Crew” counts the collected cans and takes them for recycling, giving all the money to Armstrong County Habitat For Humanity.
Each year during VBS, for every 1000 cans collected during the year we recognize the achievment. At the end of the week, we have a visual of how any cans we have collected since the prior VBS year. This year we released balloons into the sanctuary, one for every 1000 cans collected! What a sight!
We accept Aluminum Cans ALL YEAR long at the church ramp in the alley behind our church or in the wooden box beside the garage. Anyone can drop their empty cans off ANYTIME during the year and they will be counted toward the upcoming VBS year
Over the years we have collected over a MILLION CANS and donated about $17,000 to Habitat for Humanity and still counting!
VBS Yearly Update
VBS ALUMINUM CANS-FINAL REPORT
FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Aluminum cans received during 2025 VBS year (7/1/2024-6/27/2025)
Cans received VBS June 23-37—8057
Total cans received 2025 VBS year—55,461
Many thanks to everyone who saved aluminum cans and brought them to the church.
This is a year round mission so keep bringing in those cans.
Toucan Crew
VBS 2025 was held June 23-27.
Bring your cans to the church anytime to be counted for next year’s VBS (to be held about the 3rd week of June 2026)!