Local Missions | South Shore United M

Local Missions @ South Shore

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Scripture teaches us that there must be a connection between what we believe and how we live out those beliefs in the world. We are called to make the love of Christ real to people by giving of ourselves and our resources. We do this by sending people into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, sheltering the homeless, welcoming the stranger and helping God’s children everywhere (Matthew 25:35-40).

Ongoing Local Missions:

We realize that not everyone is able to serve in the same way or has the same amount of time available to serve. South Shore seeks to offer a variety of opportunities to be in mission or service that accommodate a variety of capabilities and/or schedules. The key is to be doing something that is significant for you at this very time and place in your life. Take time to browse through some of our local as well as global opportunities to be in missions and service in the world.

First Sunday Food Pantry to Replenish Restore

Donations given towards South Shore UMC's First Sunday Food Pantry are delivered monthly to our ministry partners at Restore, a ministry of Riverview First United Methodist Church.

Restore provides and connects patrons to a number of vital services. By supporting Restore with donations from our church family, we strengthen our presence and partnership in the community as well as support Restore in the excellent ministry they provide.

South Shore UMC welcomes food donations on the First Sunday of each month in the shopping cart in the Welcome Center.

Suggested items include:

Canned Beans and Dry Beans

Peanut Butter or other Nut Butters

Rolled Oats and Whole Grain, Low-sugar Cold Cereals

Sliced Fruit in 100% juice (in cans or cups)

Canned Vegetables, with no or low-sodium

Unsweetened Apple Sauce Cups

Low-sodium Soups and Stews

Canned Tuna in water and/or Ready-to-Eat Canned Tuna with Crackers

Canned Chicken and/or Ready-to-Eat Canned Chicken with Crackers

Hormel Compleats Meals

Bumblebee 'Quick Catch' Rice or Pasta Bowls

Cooked Canned Ham

Individually packaged Trail Mixes

Shelf Stable Milk and Milk Substitutes

Whole Grain Pasta and Low-sodium Pasta Sauce

Boxed Macaroni and Cheese

Snackpack Pudding Cups

Antibacterial Handwipes

Clean Dry Plastic Grocery Bags

*Donations received in paper bags ease transportation and delivery.*

Backpacks on a Mission

South Shore addresses food insecurity for children in seven of our neighborhood schools by providing a backpack full of healthy snacks and easily prepared food for the weekend for those in need.

We invite South Shore members and friends to donate items towards this effort year round. The suggested list provides a guideline for requested items. We encourage supporters to purchase 'smaller ounce' cans or jars due to be mindful of the weight for small children to carry. Please no glass containers and no perishable items.

If you are interested in helping host a food drive at your workplace, volunteering, or donating money towards the purchase of food and supplies, please contact Connie Bishop.

Find out how to offer a donation or grant to Backpacks on a Mission by clicking here.

New View Ministries

New View Ministries serves our housing and food‑insecure neighbors throughout southern Hillsborough County with dignity, compassion, and consistency. New View hosts community pop‑up events where neighbors receive a warm meal, essential goods, and the gift of fellowship. These gatherings are more than service opportunities—they are moments of connection, hope, and shared humanity.

How You Can Be Part of the Work

New View Ministries offers several ways to serve:

Monthly Packaging Events – Help prepare essential items for distribution.
Serving at Pop‑Ups – Join us on-site to share meals, distribute goods, and build relationships.
Prayer – Cover our volunteers and neighbors in prayer as we continue this Kingdom work.
Donations – Support our neighbors by giving food, hygiene items, or financial gifts.