We have many ways to connect and serve at White Plains UMC. If you’re interested in one of the opportunities below, reach out to the contact person as listed or email the Pastor of Invitation and Engagement at Rob@wpumc.com with general questions.
There are so many opportunities to connect in fellowship at White Plains. Click here for our list of Sunday school classes or check out the list of groups below.
Scouts BSA Troop 210B and Troop 210G
The Scouts BSA program achieves the objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Troop 210B (Boys) and Troop 210G (Girls), supported by United Methodist Men, believes in getting out and having fun. The troops camp each month. Camping provides a great environment to learn Scoutcraft, develop leadership skills, and learn about the world around us. Scouts BSA is available to boys and girls who are ages 11 – 18, or have completed 5th grade and are at least 10 years old, or who have earned the Arrow of Light Award in Cub Scouts and are at least 10 years old. Prospective Scouts and their parents may contact Chris Brewer, Scoutmaster, T210B or Kay Burgess, T210G for information on joining the troop or find additional information at www.troop210.com.
Day/Time: Mondays, Set-up 6:45 PM, Meeting 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Christian Life Center – Christian Life Center, downstairs classrooms
Contact: Chris Brewer, cmbrewer177@hotmail.
Coffee Crew
The “Coffee Crew” is an informal gathering of women that encourages each other by sharing joys, disappointments, where to find the best deals, best repairmen or appropriate doctors, or whom we should avoid. We share expert advice pertaining to gardening, cooking, and solving local and world problems. The core group started with Closer Walk Sunday School Class but men and friends are always welcome. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we extend ourselves to help others. We meet at Panera Bread beside the Cary Walmart from 9:00 until some other responsibility pulls us away.
Day/Time: Wednesday, 9:00 AM
Location: Panera Bread, 2002 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary
Contact: Lelia Babson, leliababson@gmail.com
Cub Scout Pack 120
Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program designed to fit the needs of young children. Cubs learn and follow the Scout oath and law, becoming trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent young men. In the process, they have fun, find new friends in a safe environment, and live the motto, “Do your best.” Elementary school children, grades K – 5, are welcome.
Day/Time: Den meetings – 1st and 2nd Mondays of each month, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Pack meetings – 3rd Monday of each month, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Committee meetings – 4th Monday of each month, 7:30 – 8:30 PM, usually offsite (invitation sent out)
Location: Christian Life Center – In the downstairs classrooms
Contact: Jim Lathan, Jim.lathan65@gmail.com
Deborah Circle
Deborah Circle is a group of White Plains UMC women who meet four times a year and enjoy working to help with local, national, and international service programs.
Day/Time: Quarterly, 2nd Wednesday of the month. Time varies.
Location: Members’ homes
Contact: Judi Brettschneider, 919-851-4480, jlbrettschneider@gmail.com
Esther Circle
Esther Circle began in the 1960’s as part of United Methodist Women, and it continues today as a church group of loving supportive women who take care of each other. The group has projects throughout the year, such as Christmas boxes, baskets for Methodist Home for Children, helping with Vacation Bible School, and supporting various charities. The group enjoys a program each month, followed by a meal in a home or restaurant. Women of all ages, who want to continue growing in God’s love and understanding, are welcome.
Day/Time: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 10:00 AM
Location: Various homes or church
Food Pantry Ministries
The WPUMC Food Pantry serves Cary and the surrounding community by providing food to families and individuals in need. Their purpose is to share God’s love, without discrimination, in a visible and tangible way, treating those who come for food as true guests. Currently, while our campus is under renovations, we will be running a modified version of our ministry. Learn more HERE. During normal services, the Food Pantry Ministries provides opportunities to organize food, welcome, assist guests, and offer acceptance, love of God, and prayer. Additional outreaches join the Food Pantry Ministry, including Mother-Baby Diapers and Food, Children’s Book Cart, School Kits, Christmas Shop, Scouting for Food Service Project, Unselfish Beggars Youth Service Project, Discovery Blankets Project, and Youth bagging of beans and rice. All are welcome to volunteer and experience fellowship from beginning to end, including fellowship over dinner at IHOP. Come and see what God is doing among us.
Day/Time: Select Saturdays each month at 10:00 am. For current distribution, dates check HERE
Location: Distributions occur in the White Plains UMC main parking lot
Contact: Pam Willard, bpjwill@aol.com
Girl Scout Troops
Several Girl Scout troops meet at WPUMC. Girl Scouts is a premier organization for girls, promoting leadership, service, and fun. Girl Scouts is open to girls and women, ages 5 to infinity and men are welcome to register, as well. Their mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place by discovering their core values, connecting with the communities, and taking action on something they believe in.
Day/Time: Troops: Various days and times
Area meetings: 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Location: Christian Life Center – Fellowship Hall (C200) and various classrooms
Contact: Debi Willis, (919) 467-5571 or (919) 244-9020 wildebi2@gmail.com
Light of Day Book Club
The book club is a small, informal group of men and women with a broad range of interests. Readings include both Christian and secular works of fiction and nonfiction. Discussions are unmoderated. Books are chosen by individual members in rotation and posted HERE. Adult readers of any age, including visitors, are welcome
Day/Time: 3rd Tuesday of each month, omitting December, 3:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: CLC library.
Contact: Melissa Edwards, bookclubs@wpumc.com
Loving Well
This group of women meets for breakfast, fellowship, and prayer support for each other and the church. Women of all ages are welcome.
Day/Time: 1st Saturday of each month, 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Location: Various members’ homes.
Contact: Sally Warner, sallyw1939@gmail.com
Open Hearts : An Inclusive Ministry
With open hearts, open minds, and open doors, we welcome you! With you, we celebrate with love and thanksgiving the diversity of all the beloved children of God. We recognize that diversity is one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind, enabling us to continually grow and learn from one another. All are equal partners in church ministry and are persons of sacred worth. We are committed to the full inclusion and participation in the United Methodist Church of all people, without penalty, regardless of their race, ethnicity, citizenship status, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, age, physical or mental ability, marital status, family structure, country of origin, faith background, appearance, or life experience. Visit the Open Hearts page for more details on this ministry.
Day/Time: No set schedule at this time
Location: Varies
Contact: Michele Neil, petsallover@yahoo.com Ashleigh Cannon, cannonam@att.net
Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you would like to serve by creating prayer shawls, blankets, and/or prayer cloths for those with a need to feel the comfort of our Lord, consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Requirements include the ability to knit, crochet, or use an embroidery machine, or the desire to learn, and a heart for service. Commitment to the ministry is one year and is renewable. Meeting times vary and attendance is not required.
Day/Time: Varies
Location: Church or group members’ homes
Contact: Lee Heathcoat, 919-467-9394, lee@wpumc.com
ROMEOS
This group of “Retired Old Men Eating Out”, consists of men who gather for lunch and fellowship at various restaurants in the area. Most, but not all, are retired. Men of any age are welcome.
Day/Time: 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:30 AM
Location: Various restaurants
Contact: Larry Jones, 919-469-3241, larryedwardjones@aol.com
Semillas de Amor/ Seeds of Love & Cosecha de Amor /Harvest of Love
Semillas de Amor is an after-school program of the Hispanic Ministry of White Plains UMC. Their mission is to provide a Christ-like environment where the love of God integrates the community. Students in elementary through high school receive one-to-one tutoring and homework assistance to help them be successful in school. Parents participate in English as a Second Language class and/or Bible study while the children are with their tutors. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Tutors generally range in age from 15 years old to senior citizens.
Day/Time: Tuesday and Thursday, September – May, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Location: WPUMC
Contact: Michele Vansteen, seedsoflove@wpumc.com, or Dave DeMaster CDA@wpumc.com
Senior Adult Day Trips
Seniors enjoy group outings by bus 3-4 times a year. Most participants are 50+, but trips are open to any adults. You do not have to be a church member to join in on the fun. There are typically spring, summer, and fall outings. Past outings have included trips to museums, historic sites, the Billy Graham traveling exhibit and lunch, and an Imax movie and lunch in downtown Raleigh.
Day/Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Contact: Rob Phillips, 919-467-9394, Rob@wpumc.com
Sisters in Support
Sisters in Support is a faith-based support group for women who have experienced breast cancer or who are currently in treatment for breast cancer. Guest speakers are sometimes featured. Other activities include time to have a devotion, check-in with each other, make cards and write notes of support for those who can’t be at meetings, and enjoy fellowship and snacks.
Day/Time: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Christian Life Center – Room C203
Contact: Lee Heathcoat, 919-467-9394, lee@wpumc.com
Sunday Evening Community Basketball
Pick-up basketball games on Sunday evenings include players of various ages. Players are mostly young adults in the community who may or may not be church members. Ages range from teens to those that think young. Most players are males, but females are welcome. Games are organized such that all who attend get a chance to play, and the length of games and court rules may vary in order to accommodate more players. Good sportsmanship is important. Snacks are provided on some evenings.
Day/Time: Sunday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, unless the facility is needed for other church events
Location: Christian Life Center – Basketball Court (C 200)
Contact: Steve Washburn, 919-612-0542, steve_washburn@ncsu.edu
United Methodist Men
The purpose of UMM is to be “a creative, supportive fellowship of men who seek to know Jesus Christ, to grow spiritually and to seek daily His will.” In the process, they want to become “servant leaders” for Him in their daily walk. All adult male members of the United Methodist Church are UMM members. No sign-up or paying of dues is required. The UMM sponsors a fellowship breakfast on the second Saturday of each month. All men, women, and children are invited to these breakfasts for fellowship, food, and an interesting program.
Day/Time: 2nd Saturday of each month, September through June omitting December, 8:30 AM
Location: Chapel
Contact: Mark Edwards, emark3554@gmail.com
Walk to Emmaus Men’s and Women’s Reunion Groups
Several accountability groups meet regularly at WPUMC or in area homes. Groups are generally formed after a Walk to Emmaus. For additional information on a Walk to Emmaus or joining a group, contact David or Pam Sen.
Day/Time: Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. Groups meet about 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Location: Church or group members’ homes
Contact: David Sen, davesen@bellsouth.net Pam Sen, pamsen@bellsouth.net