MISSIONS
At Lewis Memorial, we truly believe we are better together! We “Live Generously” in missional relationships that bring hope to those in need in Columbia County, the greater Augusta area, and beyond to the world. Our hope is that together we can be a part of bringing God’s Kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Our Mission Projects
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Our small groups provide dinner to and share in fellowship with the staff and students of the Augusta University Wesley Foundation on Monday evenings throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. The Foundation is a student United Methodist organization striving to create a faith-based community for young adults. Click here if you are interested in participating. And follow them on Facebook here and Instagram here!
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Non-perishable food items are always available without permission for our neighbors and visitors in need through our Blessing Box in the church parking lot. Food donations can be made at marked bins at the church’s Sanctuary and office entrances or click here if you want to join in fighting local hunger. Click here for recommended food items to donate.
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Some of us periodically do another “church” on Sunday mornings, extending Jesus Christ’s love from 10:30am to 12:30pm in downtown Augusta while helping Compass for Hope distribute clothing, toiletries, and food items to individuals experiencing homelessness. All you need is a big smile and a cheerful attitude! Click here if you are interested in participating. Click here to learn more about the Compass for Hope organization and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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We financially support Columbia County Cares throughout the year in its mission to provide food, health, and comfort items free of charge to local under-served families. Opportunities to give include our Benevolence Fund, our Souper Bowl for Caring in February, and our Thanksgiving offering.
Click here to learn more about the Columbia County Cares organization.
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IIn December 2024, we supported the Dream Academy by providing Christmas play stage scenery. The Dream Academy is an after-school program for 2nd-5th graders incorporating STEAM, music, exercise and life skills to help students succeed in their classroom and in their community. Click here for more information on CCCC programs.
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Columbia County Foundation for Children services meet the needs of local disadvantaged children and youth. Throughout the year we help on Saturdays by organizing clothing, furniture, and household items donated to its Helping Hands Thrift Store. Click here if you are interested in participating. Click here to learn more about the Columbia County Foundation for Children organization and its thrift store.
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Church Teams travel every two years to Santo Domingo, Ecuador. They serve alongside TMS Global Missionaries, Graham and Sharon Nichols who are also 30-year members of Lewis Memorial. They bring compassion, hope, and love to hundreds of children and families.
The next trip is planned for Summer 2025. Click HERE if you have heard God’s call to ‘GO’, if you want to learn more about this opportunity, or if you would like to support the team financially.
Click HERE to read Graham and Sharon’s latest Mission Newsletter with ways to give should you feel called to do so.
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As a partner with Family Promise of Augusta, we give hope and nourishment to homeless, low-income families trying to achieve sustainable independence by preparing them a nightly dinner and then delivering it to the Family Promise residence for one week each quarter. Contact Mary Boothe if you are interested in supporting this mission. Click here to learn more about Family Promise of Augusta and volunteer opportunities.
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Rev. Kirk Sims and Rev. Nicole Sims, who previously served as a pastor at Lewis Memorial UMC, are now United Methodist missionaries in Düsseldorf, Germany. Their charge conference membership remains with Lewis Memorial, and they are dedicated to innovative, multi-cultural ministry.
Nicole's Ministry: Church Planting & Multicultural Outreach
Nicole is actively working with the Germany Central Conference as a pastor and church planter, seeking to establish a vibrant, multi-cultural church that will serve the diverse migrant population of Düsseldorf.Kirk's Ministry: Missiology & Education
Kirk serves as a missiologist—a specialist in the study of mission and ministry. His focus is on multicultural and migrant ministries, where he works as a consultant and theological educator for the Germany Central Conference.How You Can Pray for the Sims
The Sims have asked for our prayers as they continue their vital work in Germany. Here are specific ways to support them through prayer:Housing: Pray that they find a suitable apartment to serve as a base for their church plant and ministry operations.
Language: Ask for grace as both Kirk and Nicole continue to learn German.
Relationships: Pray for meaningful relationships and connections to form as they gather a core group for their new church plant.
Support Their Mission
To learn more about their work, make a donation, or send a message of encouragement, you can visit Nicole's and Kirk's profiles through the Global Ministries links below. -
We serve throughout the year at Golden Harvest Food Bank facilities to help them meet the needs of our local neighbors who struggle with hunger. Volunteers demonstrate love and compassion by helping pack meals for students, families, and seniors at the Faith Factory or serving a prepared lunch to over 200 persons of all ages at the Master’s Table. Click here if you are interested in being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ!
Click here to learn more about the Golden Harvest Food Bank organization.
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Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization, provides immediate nourishment for those facing hunger today in 37 countries and implements sustainable solutions that will lift entire communities for years to come.
And “it starts with a meal.” In 2023 and 2024, Lewis and its sister church Marvin UMC joined to purchase and package over 10,000 balanced, nutritional meal kits.
Click here to learn more about Rise Against Hunger.
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Our youth serve one week in the Summer as the hands and feet of Christ in a North Georgia community by providing home repairs and fellowship to those in need. A typical day begins at 7:00 am with breakfast and devotional time followed by a full day of service, along with prayer and fellowship, and then dinner and a time of worship and prayer. This year’s event is June 5-9, 2024. Click here if your youth are interested in participating or if you want to financially support the team.
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Every Monday from 5:00-6:00 pm, volunteers stand at the corners of Hereford Farm Road and Columbia Road, holding signs of encouragement and displaying large smiles, and pray in the church parking lot for those in need of hope and comfort. This small act makes a BIG difference, providing a moment of Sanctuary at this busy crossroads. If you'd like to volunteer, reach out to Ginny Slayton by clicking HERE
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SafeHomes’ mission is to transform victims of domestic violence into survivors. Throughout the year we help on Saturdays by organizing donated clothing and hygiene items needed at its Emergency Shelter. Click here if you are interested in participating. Click here to learn more about the SafeHomes organization.
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United Methodist Committee on Relief
We support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) as it comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable. We purchased items for hygiene kits and then assembled them in June 2024 for UMCOR’s distribution in the United States and its territories - and we will do it again in June 2025! Additionally, we participate in the United Methodist Church’s annual special offering to cover UMCOR’s operating costs so 100% of donations received in response to emergency appeals go directly to communities in need. Click here to learn more about the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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We support Wellroot Family Services through periodic events in its work to restore children and families from trauma through Jesus in light of the nearly 10,000 children in foster care in Georgia. Opportunities include donating items for an Easter basket in the Spring or purchasing gift cards for Back to School in the Fall. Click here if you are interested in participating. Click here to learn more about the Wellroot organization.
Resourced Augusta is a nonprofit organization with a network of verified community resources in the Central Savannah River Area, including assistance with food, housing, employment, and health needs. Click here to access its resource directory.
Golden Harvest Food Bank exists simply because people in our 24-county community struggle with meeting a basic human need—having enough to eat. It believes that everyone in our community should have enough nutritious food to live a happy, healthy life and strives to increase access to healthy food and foster long-term stability for neighbors in need. Click following links to find local Food Assistance sites and to apply for Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.