Outreach

Through our belief in this mission statement and by following its principles, Maynard's disciples have created a culture of service and invitation. It calls us to be bold and courageous, like Apostle Paul, in stretching our love to encompass all people. We are to be representative of Christ's hands, Christ's voice, and Christ's presence as we serve others in our own communities and beyond. Our service is tailored to each situation encountered and may include support in the following areas: spiritual, financial, emotional, psychological, and basic needs of food/clothing/shelter. A major focus is to stop spiritual oppression of the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered) community. We spread a message that "God loves you" rather than a message of condemnation to the GLBT community. We follow up with an invitation to worship God with us in a safe environment.

Ultimately, we are to be ready to share the Good News everywhere we go and to invite people to accept Christ and to invite people to worship God in our church.

What special programs do we serve?

• Neighborhood Services, Inc.

Neighborhood Services, Inc (NSI) is the OSU campus area food/clothing pantry serving over 1000 neighborhood residents each month with food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance and supported by Maynard and other churches in our neighborhood.

>>> NSI Pantry Calendar

• New Life United Methodist Church Breakfast Ministry

Every Sunday, New Life UMC opens their doors to help feed and clothe the homeless and less fortunate. Maynard is "on call" and sends volunteers as needed to assist with food preparation, greeting, filling coffee and juice cups in the dining room, and help with distribution of clothing items.

What special populations do we invite?

• GLBT Community

Maynard embraces the GLBT community with "open hearts, open minds, open doors." We support our GLBT brothers and sisters by participating in the "Gay Pride" events.

We march in the annual parade, sponsor a float, and staff an informational "outreach" booth inviting those who visit the booth to worship with us in a safe, respectful, and unified environment.

>>> Reconciling Celebration
>>> Reconciling Congregation
>>> Pride Parade

• Ohio State University Students

Maynard participates in the OSU Student Involvement Fair during which we staff a booth, speak with.students about Christ, and about Maynard.

We invite students to worship with us at Maynard and we practice "radical hospitality" when they arrive. We offer to make Maynard their "church home away from home." Students are invited to share their gifts by participating as they are able in a whole variety of way such as our vocal choir, bell choir, through volunteer opportunities at the Food Pantry, as leaders or mentors for the church youth group, as volunteers for the after-school basketball program.

To what special groups do we open our doors?

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Turningpoint Pentecostal Assembly
• Summer Youth Program with NSI