We support and encourage the WUMC community to stand for justice, serve the less fortunate, and grow relationships with the people and communities around us. We meet bi-monthly to share updates, introduce new project opportunities, and coordinate efforts. Please email the office (office@wallingfordumc.org) if you are interested in joining any of these groups.

Detention Center Welcome Center                                           

WUMC volunteers monthly to help detainees when they are released from the NW Processing Center (formerly the NW ICE Detention Center) in Tacoma. We provide warm welcomes, snacks, drinks, clothes, and backpacks just outside the center at the RV Welcome Center, run by the Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW). We would love to have you join us in this rewarding, useful work.

 Detention Center Donations                                                   

Please refer to the website for information on donating to Advocates for Immigrants in Detention (AIDNW). https://aidnw.org/how-to-donate/

 University District Sanctuary Hub                                    

The Sanctuary Hub sponsors families and individuals seeking protection and connects our church community to other groups and faith communities in supporting those in our area who are impacted by the immigration crisis. This effort has also included supporting the Sanctuary Hub-sponsored play The Detention Lottery.

 Reconciling Ministries                                                          

WUMC has a long history of supporting the LGBTQIA community and advocating for their full inclusion in the United Methodist Church. In June, we traditionally join other area UMC churches in the annual Pride Parade and staff a booth at the Pride festival. This group also keeps tabs on policy developments in the larger church and keeps WUMC informed of important issues, decisions, and ways to be involved in advocacy.

 Mission Trips and Community Service Projects                                   

These day projects and trips allow WUMC to support our community and beyond throughout the year. In addition to planning projects as the need arises, we have a reoccurring MLK Day of Service in January, where we participate in local Day of Service volunteer projects coordinated by United Way of King County. In past years, we’ve helped weed, clear blackberries, plant trees, and clean up South Seattle College’s arboretum and the City Fruit Orchard in Beacon Hill.

 Sister Parish                       

For almost 20 years, WUMC has had a sister-parish relationship with the community of Guarjila in El Salvador, sending delegations back and forth to discuss faith, build relationships, and learn about immigration and other issues. We also support Guarjila students with educational scholarships.

 Environmental Task Force                                                       

This group works towards building awareness about creation-care, taking action to steward well the whole earth, and to advocate for policies and practices that promote the flourishing of creation.  Recently, we focused WUMC’s attention on the environmental impact of plastics.  We will continue that emphasis this year by continuing to build awareness and promote better practices in the church itself, participating in beach clean up events, having a Lenten congregation-wide plastic fast, and planning an Earth Day worship celebration.   

 El Dios Viviente UMC                                                                     

We are continuing to grow in relationship with the congregation at El Dios Viviente UMC in West Seattle.  We’ve shared summer picnics and visited each other’s worship services. WUMC volunteers give piano lessons to some of the children from El Dios Viviente, and we collect food donations to assist families in need in their community. This relationship is a true gift of continued learning and growth as part of the diverse community of God’s children.