Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Powerless Far Rockaway Mission Continues to Serve

The United Methodist Center in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, continues to keeps its doors open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily despite the continued lack of electricity, according to Rev. Bill Shillady, executive director of the United Methodist City Society. They are able to serve coffee and rolls, and sometimes soup thanks to a generator. They are also distributing whatever donated items come in from individuals and groups.

The mission director, Mearl Grant, lost his car in Hurricane Sandy, but is committed to keeping the center open during daylight hours. He said that people are more worried about staying warm and eating then cleaning their homes right now. Grant said that what the people in the community need most is non-perishable food items, coats, wool hats, gloves, blankets, toiletry kits, and candles.

The Far Rockaway Mission has served the community for nearly 20 years and had been providing hot meals five days a week, a food pantry and clothing giveaways, in addition to worship services. It is located at 1032 Beach 19th Street in Far Rockaway, N.Y.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Disaster Relief
Community representative Janvier Murhula (left) thanks The United Methodist Church during the distribution of food supplies in Bukavu, Congo. The United Methodist Committee on Relief provided a solidarity grant that supported 100 households in the city. At right is the Rev. Esther Furaha Kachiko, Bukavu District superintendent. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodists provide vital aid in Congo

The United Methodist Church, with grants from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is providing food and social support in war-torn eastern Congo.
Faith Stories
Ophelia Hu Kinney. Photo courtesy of the author.

Affirmation at last: Remembering the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey

The physician and justice advocate mobilized the pain of exclusion to blaze a trail for LGBTQ United Methodists.
Disaster Relief
Ukrainian children perform during a festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. United Methodists in Romania and other neighboring countries continue to provide support for Ukrainian refugees more than three years after Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine. Photo by Aaron Roberts, ALR Photography.

Helping Ukrainian refugees make new homes

Art and music programs for children, language courses and waterproof Bibles are some of the assistance being provided to Ukrainians by nearby nations, many times facilitated by United Methodist churches and individuals.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved