Our Ministries

Our ministries are the heartbeat of life at our church, offering many ways to grow in faith, build relationships, and serve others. We invite you to explore how you can connect, grow in faith, and get involved. 

Mission

Serving our neighbors locally, across our country, and around the world through hands-on service and care.

Community Mission Partners

Organizations we actively serve alongside as we work together to meet real needs in our community and beyond.

Worship & Music

Leading and supporting our shared life of worship through music, prayer, Scripture, and creative expression.

Congregational Care

Walking with one another through life’s joys and challenges by offering care, presence, prayer, and practical support.

Church Hospitality & Care

Behind-the-scenes teams that help our church function well and create a welcoming, safe, and organized environment.

Discipleship

Opportunities to grow in faith, explore Scripture, and learn what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Youth Ministry

Creating space for students to build authentic relationships, ask honest questions, and grow in faith together.

Children's Ministry

Nurturing faith in children through age-appropriate teaching, relationships, and experiences that reflect God’s love.

MISSION

Accessibility Ramp Team

The Accessibility Ramp Team helps make homes safer by building exterior ramps for older adults and people with disabilities, and by assisting with essential home repairs for individuals and families in need. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to serve in practical, hands-on ways that make a real difference.

Adopt-a-School Ministry

Through our Adopt-a-School Ministry, volunteers serve at Wilson Whitfield Elementary School by offering support in classrooms, on the playground, and in the cafeteria throughout the school year (September–May). This is a meaningful way to build relationships, encourage students and staff, and share care and kindness beyond our church walls.

Adult Clothing Ministry

The Adult Clothing Ministry collects gently used clothing and shoes to support adults facing hardship in our community. Volunteers help by sorting donations and making regular deliveries to local nonprofits and shelters, offering dignity and care through a simple but meaningful act of service.

Angel Tree

Angel Tree is a seasonal ministry in which our congregation shops for and provides gifts, along with holiday cheer, for children of incarcerated parents during a special party held on the first Saturday of December. Volunteers are welcome to help with preparation, set-up, activities during the party, and clean-up—each role helping create a joyful, welcoming experience for families during the Christmas season.

Children & Teens Free Clothing Closet

The Children & Teens Free Clothing Closet offers gently used clothing, shoes, and undergarments for infants, children, and teenagers at no cost to families in need. Open year-round on the third Wednesday of each month from 4:00–6:00 PM, families are welcome to visit with no reservations or proof of eligibility required.

Community Breakfast

Every Sunday during the colder months, a free, hot community breakfast is offered as a warm and welcoming way to start the day and connect with neighbors of all ages. Whether stopping in for conversation, sharing a meal, or enjoying fresh treats baked with care, this weekly gathering offers hospitality, friendship, and a place to belong.

Faithful Friends Consignment Sale

The Faithful Friends Consignment Sale is held each fall and spring, offering gently used children’s clothing, toys, and accessories at affordable prices in a welcoming community setting. Community members are invited to consign, donate, or volunteer, with a portion of the proceeds supporting local organizations that serve individuals and families in need.

Garden Ministry

The Garden Ministry brings volunteers together to plant, nurture, and harvest vegetables and herbs grown in the backyard of our 100 Woodside home. All produce is shared freely with neighbors in the community, offering a simple, hands-on way to care for others and get involved.

Kitchen Ministry (West Lawn Wednesday)

The Kitchen Ministry primarily serves West Lawn Wednesday, a weekly community dinner held in the Community Center from September through May, and also supports other feeding ministries in partnership with local organizations. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to help with cooking, baking, serving, set-up, and clean-up, offering hospitality and care through shared meals.

Mission Trips

Mission Trips provide opportunities to serve alongside communities through hands-on work, relationship-building, and shared faith, both within the United States and around the world. These trips welcome people of different ages and skill levels to step outside their comfort zones, grow together, and put faith into action through meaningful service.

Prison Ministry

The Prison Ministry offers encouragement, hope, and spiritual support to incarcerated men and women in Berks County through regular worship services and meaningful presence. Volunteers help share the message of Jesus during services held on the third and fifth Thursday mornings of each month, offering connection and care in a place where it is deeply needed.

Tree of Blessing

Tree of Blessing is a Christmas-season ministry in which our congregation shops for and provides gifts for entire families—children and adults—who are underserved in our local community. Through this gift-giving opportunity, families are blessed during the holidays in tangible ways that share care, generosity, and hope.

COMMUNITY MISSION PARTNERS

Berks Relay For Life

West Lawn UMC provides meeting space for Berks Relay for Life, supporting the planning and coordination of this community effort. This partnership allows organizers to gather as they work to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.

Help Build Hope

Through our partnership with Help Build Hope, volunteers help frame the walls of new homes right here at WLUMC, using plans and support from an experienced team before the structures are transported to a partner organization to be completed for a family in need. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this hands-on construction effort that builds homes, supports affordable housing, and strengthens community through meaningful service. 

Hope Rescue Mission & Lighthouse

Volunteers from our church prepare, deliver, and serve meals on the fourth Sunday of each month for Hope Rescue Mission and Lighthouse, offering hospitality and care through shared meals. These organizations provide shelter, meals, and supportive services for men, women, and children in our community who are experiencing homelessness.

Literacy Council of Reading-Berks

West Lawn UMC opens its doors year-round to host classes offered by the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, providing space for learning multiple times throughout the week. Through programs focused on citizenship, English language learning, and GED preparation, this partnership supports adults in building skills, confidence, and opportunity within our community.

Little Acts of Love

Through Little Acts of Love, youth volunteers and adult leaders from our church serve together by providing free home repairs and community clean-up for elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners. This hands-on partnership offers students a meaningful way to serve others while making a tangible difference in the lives of neighbors in need.

Miller-Keystone Blood Drive

In partnership with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, our church hosts two blood drives each year in the Community Center to help meet critical blood needs in our region. Volunteers assist with promotion, donor hospitality, and event support, making it easy for the community to give a lifesaving gift.

New Journey Community Outreach

Volunteers from our church partner with New Journey Community Outreach by preparing and serving a lunch meal on the first Thursday of each month, offering hospitality and care through shared food. NJCO supports individuals and families in need through a soup kitchen, food pantry, and clothing center, and volunteers are welcome to help with meal preparation and serving.

Opportunity House

Volunteers from our church prepare meals on Sundays and deliver them to Opportunity House twice each month, helping provide nourishment and care to those in need. Opportunity House supports children, adults, and families facing challenges to independence and well-being, and volunteers are welcome to serve as often as their schedule allows.

Spring Township Lions Club

West Lawn UMC provides meeting space for the Spring Township Lions Club, a local service organization dedicated to supporting community needs. This partnership allows the club to gather regularly while continuing its mission of service within our wider community.

Western Berks Shepherding Ministry

Volunteers from our church serve as compassionate drivers through Western Berks Shepherding Ministry, helping provide transportation for older adults and individuals with disabilities for essential needs such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, and necessary errands. This interfaith partnership offers free, curb-to-curb rides that support independence, safety, and connection within our local community.

Wilson Area Food Pantry

In partnership with Helping Harvest, our Community Center becomes a food distribution site on the third Friday of each month, providing groceries to neighbors facing food insecurity. Volunteers are welcome to help with set-up and food distribution, offering practical support and hospitality to families in our community.

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Audio/Visual Tech Team

The Audio/Visual Tech Team supports worship at all three Sunday services by helping with sound, livestreaming, cameras, and visual media. No prior experience is needed—training is provided, and volunteers can serve as often as their schedule allows.

Choir

The Choir leads music for traditional worship services from September through June, offering a meaningful way to serve through song and fellowship. Rehearsals are held midweek, music-reading skills are helpful but not required, and singers are welcome to participate for the full season or during special times such as Christmas and Easter.

Communion Team

The Communion Team serves by preparing the elements and assisting with the celebration of Communion during worship services. Communion is offered on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve.

Greeter

Greeters welcome members and visitors on Sunday mornings by offering a friendly presence both outside and inside the Sanctuary. Serving on a rotating basis, this hospitality team helps ensure that everyone feels seen, welcomed, and at home.

Handbell Choirs

The Handbell Choirs welcome anyone interested in making music together, whether you’re new to handbells or have prior experience. Weekly rehearsals prepare the group to ring about once a month in traditional worship, offering a joyful and collaborative way to serve through music.

Instrumentalist

Instrumentalists are invited to share their musical gifts through ensembles or solo performances during worship services. A variety of instruments and musical styles are welcome, with accompaniment available when needed.

Scripture Reader

Scripture Readers serve in worship by reading Scripture aloud during the 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM services, helping prepare the congregation to hear God’s Word. This ministry invites individuals who enjoy reading aloud to take part in leading worship in a meaningful and accessible way.

Usher

Ushers serve during worship by receiving the offering and helping create an orderly, welcoming environment for the congregation. This rotating team offers a meaningful way to support worship and serve on Sunday mornings.

Vocalist

Vocalists are invited to share their musical gifts through solo or ensemble singing during worship services. Singers are scheduled in advance with accompaniment available, allowing time to prepare and rehearse in a supportive environment.

Welcome Center Team

The Welcome Center Team serves as a friendly point of connection in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings, offering information and assistance to both members and visitors. Volunteers help share resources, answer questions, and extend a warm, welcoming presence to all who come through our doors.

Worship Team

The Worship Team leads the congregation in song during the contemporary worship service, featuring instruments such as guitars, drums, and piano. Weekly rehearsals provide time to prepare musically while also building relationships and growing in faith together.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Caring for the Caregiver

Caring for the Caregiver offers support, encouragement, and connection for those who are caring for loved ones through illness, aging, or life transitions. This ministry creates space for caregivers to find rest, renewal, and meaningful relationships with others who understand the journey.

Funeral Hospitality Team

The Funeral Hospitality Team offers care and compassion to families during times of loss by providing hospitality and support at funeral and memorial services. Volunteers help prepare and serve refreshments and meals, offering a meaningful presence when comfort and kindness matter most.

GriefShare

GriefShare is a 13-week support group that helps individuals find understanding, encouragement, and hope after the loss of a loved one. Led by trained facilitators from our church who have experienced grief themselves, the program offers a compassionate space for healing and connection, with opportunities to serve as a facilitator for those who feel called.

Hospital Visitation Team

The Hospital Visitation Team offers presence, prayer, and compassionate support to members of our church community through in-person visits and phone calls during hospital stays. Volunteers receive training and serve with care and sensitivity, providing comfort and connection during times of illness and recovery.

Meal Delivery Team

The Meal Delivery Team delivers West Lawn Wednesday meals each week to individuals who are homebound or recovering from illness or medical procedures during the school year. Volunteers serve as drivers on a weekly or rotating basis, helping extend care and connection beyond the walls of the church.

Meals for New Parents

Meals for New Parents supports families welcoming a new baby by providing home-delivered dinners as they settle in after returning from the hospital. Volunteers help prepare and deliver meals, offering practical care and encouragement during a meaningful season of transition.

Meals for Recovery & Care

Meals for Recovery & Care supports individuals and families by providing home-delivered meals during times of illness, recovery, or unexpected need. Volunteers help prepare and deliver meals, offering practical care and kindness when a simple dinner can make a meaningful difference.

Prayer Team

The Prayer Team is dedicated to praying for and with others, offering support, encouragement, and care through intentional prayer. Team members serve in a variety of ways, including offering prayer in the Prayer Room during West Lawn Wednesday and participating in prayer-focused gatherings throughout the year.

Retirement Solutions for Seniors

West Lawn UMC provides space for Retirement Solutions for Seniors, a monthly program focused on topics related to retirement planning and aging well. These sessions offer information and conversation around financial, health, and lifestyle considerations relevant to older adults in our community.

Support Groups

Our church provides space for peer-led support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, that offer encouragement, accountability, and community for individuals seeking recovery and healing. These confidential groups meet regularly and are open to anyone looking for a safe, supportive environment to take steps toward healthier living.

Spring Township Seniors

West Lawn UMC provides space for Spring Township Seniors, an active and welcoming group open to anyone age 55 and older who enjoys social connection and shared activities. The group meets monthly and offers guest speakers, themed lunches, trips, and opportunities to build friendships, with new members always welcome.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry provides one-to-one, confidential care through trained members of our congregation who walk alongside individuals during challenging seasons of life. Stephen Ministers serve with compassion and faith, offering consistent support and presence to those in need.

Visitation Team

The Visitation Team offers a caring presence to members of our church community who are unable to attend worship due to health or mobility limitations. Volunteers provide connection and encouragement through visits to homes, nursing facilities, and retirement communities.

West Lawn Senior Citizens Club

The West Lawn Senior Citizens Club is a social group that meets twice a month in the Community Center, offering a mix of business meetings, entertainment, and relaxed social gatherings. Throughout the year, the group also enjoys bus trips, a summer picnic, and a Christmas dinner, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and fun.

CHURH HOSPITALITY & CARE

Bread Ministry

The Bread Ministry delivers fresh bread to the homes of first-time guests as a simple gesture of welcome and care. This ministry offers a meaningful way to extend hospitality and invite newcomers to continue connecting with the life of our church.

Christmas Decorating Team

The Christmas Decorating Team brings the church campus to life for the Christmas season through decorating and seasonal displays. Volunteers also help carefully take down and store decorations after the holidays, offering a joyful and hands-on way to serve together.

Clerical Volunteer

Clerical Volunteers support the church office by assisting with bulk mailings and other administrative tasks such as preparing and organizing materials for delivery. Opportunities to serve are flexible and can be scheduled monthly, quarterly, or as needed based on availability.

Driver Team

The Driver Team provides safe, reliable transportation in support of church ministries by operating church vehicles such as the passenger van, pickup truck, and minibus. 

Night Watchman Team

The Night Watchman Team helps care for the church campus by conducting nightly walk-throughs to ensure doors are secured, windows are closed, and lights are turned off. This quiet, behind-the-scenes role focuses on safety and stewardship of our facilities.

Safety Team

The Safety Team helps provide a safe and secure environment on campus during Sunday worship services and Sunday evening children and youth programs. Team members assist with building presence, street crossings, and emergency awareness, and are trained to assess situations and determine when professional assistance may be needed.

Sunday Morning Hospitality Team

Sunday Morning Hospitality creates a warm, welcoming space for connection and fellowship through coffee, snacks, and conversation before and between worship services. A rotating team serves both indoors and outdoors, helping foster community during the Sunday morning hours.

Sunday School Attendance Team

The Sunday School Attendance Team supports our Sunday school ministries by visiting each class during the 9:30 AM hour to record attendance and collect the offering. This simple, behind-the-scenes role helps keep our programs running smoothly and makes a meaningful difference each Sunday.

DISCIPLESHIP

Bible Study Groups

Bible Study Groups offer opportunities to explore Scripture, ask questions, and grow in faith through conversation and shared learning. Groups meet in a variety of formats and settings, welcoming adults at different stages of faith and life to learn together in community.

Friends of God (FOG)

FOG is a reunion group for those who have participated in the Walk to Emmaus, offering space to reconnect, share faith, and support one another in daily Christian living. Through regular gatherings, participants strengthen relationships and continue the spiritual growth begun during their Emmaus experience.

Men's Ministry

Men’s Ministry creates opportunities for men to connect, build relationships, and grow in faith together through gatherings held throughout the year. The ministry also includes an annual retreat at Pocono Plateau, offering time for reflection, fellowship, and renewal.

Pickleball

Pickleball is a fun, recreational activity offered year-round in our Community Center, providing opportunities for exercise, connection, and friendly competition. Games are held twice each week and are open to players of varying skill levels who enjoy staying active in a welcoming environment.

Softball

The Softball Ministry offers a relaxed, inclusive environment where people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels can enjoy playing together in the Christian Recreational Softball League. This ministry emphasizes fellowship, relationship-building, and fun, creating opportunities for connection and shared experiences through recreation.

Women's Book Club

The Women’s Book Club meets monthly to read and discuss a wide variety of books and topics in a relaxed, welcoming setting. This group offers space for thoughtful conversation, shared perspectives, and connection through reading together.

Women's Ministry

Women’s Ministry offers opportunities for women to gather for connection, encouragement, and faith-centered conversation in a supportive community. Through a variety of gatherings and experiences throughout the year, the ministry fosters meaningful relationships and spiritual growth.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Confirmation Class

Confirmation is a school-year discipleship program for eighth-grade students that includes Sunday morning classes, time with pastors, and a couple of retreats as students explore what it means to follow Jesus and become active members of the church. Adult mentors walk alongside confirmands through regular conversations and shared learning, offering meaningful support and guidance throughout the journey.

Youth Sunday School

Youth Sunday School for sixth and seventh graders explores key stories and themes from the Old and New Testaments through a two-year learning cycle. Through games, Scripture, and conversation, students connect faith with everyday life, with volunteers serving on a rotating or ongoing basis to support and guide their growth.

Youth Group

Youth Group brings students in grades 6–12 together for regular Sunday evening gatherings focused on connection, fun, and meaningful conversation around faith and everyday life. In addition to weekly meetings, the ministry includes special events, retreats, trips, and mission projects that help students grow in faith and build strong relationships.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Kids Club

Kids Club is designed for children in grades 2 and 3, offering a fun and engaging space to explore real-life topics, build friendships, and grow in faith together. Meeting twice a month, each gathering includes games, conversation, prayer, and a take-home activity to carry the experience into the week ahead.

Nursery

The Nursery provides a safe, caring, and nurturing space for babies and toddlers age two and under during Sunday morning worship. Care is provided by trained volunteers and paid staff who serve regularly, offering families peace of mind while they worship.

Preschool

Our Preschool provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment where young children are encouraged to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Through caring teachers, engaging activities, and a supportive community, children are given a strong foundation for learning and development.

Safe Haven Lighthouse

Safe Haven Lighthouse is an afterschool program held on Wednesdays during the school year, offering a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. Through snacks, games, homework help, crafts, and Bible lessons, the program supports children academically, socially, and spiritually.

Stay & Play

Stay & Play is a midweek program for children ages two through elementary school, held on Tuesday evenings during the school year. Children enjoy stories, activities, free play, and snacks in a safe, relaxed environment designed to build connection and joy.

Sunday School

Children’s Sunday School offers age-appropriate classes for toddlers through tweens during the 9:30 AM hour on Sunday mornings. With the help of dedicated volunteers, children grow in their understanding of God’s Word through meaningful lessons and shared learning.

Tween Group

The Tween Group is designed for students in grades 4 and 5, offering a welcoming space to build friendships and grow together during the school year. Through games, food, conversation, and shared experiences, tweens are encouraged to explore who they are and how faith connects to their everyday lives.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is a four-day summer experience where children from across the community gather for a fun, faith-filled week of learning, activities, and connection. Supported by a large team of volunteers, VBS offers an engaging environment filled with creativity, laughter, and opportunities for spiritual growth.