Ministries
Spiritual Formation through Ministries
Spiritual formation is intentionally interwoven into our life of worship, study, prayer and programming. Discipleship always undergirds our work and play together.
Through shared worship, study, community engagement, missional outreach and conference training events, we will continue to equip disciples for ministry to God and God’s world. Our Church community includes those who are a part of our outreach programs for children, families, seniors, young adults and our neighbors!
We foster a Christ-centered, compassionate, reconciling, supportive, faith environment where leaders are committed to God and have an understanding that living our faith involves stepping out in trust, love, and faith.
Below, learn more about our church groups supporting spiritual formation.
United Churches of Galena
Apple Tree Project
Even though Galena is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, a large number of families are still struggling to provide basic school necessities. But together we can continue to meet the ongoing needs of our community’s children.
Because of the pandemic, last year we asked for monetary contributions only. Through the Apple Tree Project, an amazing number of caring people helped make it possible for Galena's disadvantaged students to begin the school year with all necessary items. And because of the success of last year's approach, we are again asking for anyone who wishes to support the project to make monetary contributions.
Learn how to contribute to this great cause by clicking the button below.
HOPE Youth Group
The Mission of Galena United Methodist HOPE Youth Group is to encourage youth in cultivating authentic relationships with God, each other, and the larger community.
HOPE Youth Group supports many local and national ministries including local clothing drives, Galena's Sunshine Box of free, non-perishable items, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Mission, and numerous YouthWorks mission trips.
To learn how you can help support their latest effort, the Sunshine Box, please click here to read "Donate to the Sunshine Box."
Change for the Better
Galena UMC helps people grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care. We exists to be a good neighbor to people in need and to challenge injustice.
Every three months, Galena UMC partners with a new mission or organization selected by the Mission Outreach Team. We pledge financial support to local, regional and international missions and organizations.
Local Organizations:
- United Churches of Galena Food Pantry
- Riverview Compassionate Care Center
- The Workshop
- The Workshop Community Meal Program
- National Child Safety Council
Regional Organizations:
- Rosecrance Behavioral Health Services
- Rockford Work Camp
- Prisoner Release
- Riverbend Food Depository
- Chicago Facing Forward for Homelessness #50000007
- Reconciling Ministries
- UMCOR Relief for Hurricane Bahamas and Cyclone Ida
- UMCOR Relief for 2019 California fires
International Organizations:
- Solar Oven
- UMCOR COVID-19 Relief Assistance #3022612
- Heifer Project International
- Missionary Support- Zimbabwe
- Australian Fires in 2019
- United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
- Mujila Falls Agriculture Research in Zambia
United Women in Faith
United Women in Faith (UMW) is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
UMW is trusted with pledges and donations from individual members and local member organizations, as well as mission partners and anonymous donors who have a heart for mission. We support programs in the United States and around the world that benefit women, children and youth, thereby impacting entire communities. For the latest information and upcoming events, visit uwfaith.org
Click the button below for a full list of organizations Galena UMW supports.
Mission Team
Our goal is to grow in faith and action, as followers of Jesus, witnessing in our community and in our life an expression of a Christianity lived with radical hospitality, a love for all neighbors and a heart for social justice. Connection is at the core of our work. Global Ministries connects The United Methodist Church, its people and congregations to partner with others engaged in God’s global work, which takes place in a variety of settings, countries and cultures.
GUMC mission engagement spans across local, regional, national and world commitments. Where there is a need, United Methodists are there or supporting others through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). umcmission.org/umcor.
Click the button below for a full list of organizations GUMC Mission team supports.
UMC Resources
Click the links below for more information on United Methodist Church and United Methodist resources.
Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church:
Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church Women:
umcnic.org/congregational-life/united-methodist-women
United Methodist Church International: umc.org
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR):
Board of Church and Society: umcjustice.org
World Council of Churches: oikoumene.org
National Council of Churches: nccusa.org
Illinois Council of Churches: ilconfchurches.org
World Methodist Conference:
Reconciling Conferences Network: rmnetwork.org
United Methodist Church Communications:
resourceumc.org/en/agencies/communications
Upperroom Magazine: academy.upperroom.org