Serve Others
A commitment to help others in need in our community, our nation, and around the world is a pillar of Downers Grove First United Methodist Church’s mission and vision. We are a faith community that provides opportunities to people of all ages, interests, and abilities to help make a difference in the lives of others. Everyone is invited to be a part of the efforts that perform God’s work.
Support Our Mission, Justice, and Community Efforts
Give generously to help our church continue to put our faith into action through projects, activities, and ministries that nurture hope in our community and world. One hundred percent of your Thanksgiving and Easter offerings go to the Mission, Justice, and Community (MJC) Work Area to support the many outreach passions of our congregation. You may give online here.
South DuPage Crop Hunger Walk
Sunday, October 19, 2025
- More than 800 million people in the world go hungry every day.
- More than one billion people lack access to safe drinking water and more than two billion lack sanitation.
- In the last 50 years, almost 400 million people worldwide have died from hunger and poor sanitation – that’s three times the number of people killed in all wars fought in the 20th century.
The South DuPage CROP Hunger Walk is a 5 km (3.1 mile) walk held annually in October, with participants asking friends and family to sponsor them. The South DuPage community have raised nearly $600,000 over the past 25 years through holding this annual CROP Hunger Walk, which helps to support the grassroots, hunger-fighting development efforts of Church World Service (CWS) partner agencies in more than 80 countries.
CROP Hunger Walks help to provide tools of hope that empower people to meet their own needs. From seeds and tools, to wells and water systems, to nutrition-enhancing Moringa trees, to technical training and micro-enterprise loans, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities – something CWS has learned through 58 years of working in partnership around the world.
Downers Grove Garden Walk
Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Downers Grove Garden Walk is an annual fundraiser held each July to benefit the Bridge Board of the First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove. We invite you to join us in 2026 for another wonderful Garden Walk!
Homeowners of five beautiful gardens graciously share their private gardens for the benefit of our work in helping homeless families achieve independence. Tickets for the Garden Walk are sold for $20 one month prior to the Garden Walk. If you would like to support the Bridge Board any time throughout the year, make a donation on our Give page.
The Bridge Board is a program partner with Bridge Communities, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose focus is to transform the lives of homeless families by guiding them to a better future. Proceeds support Bridge Board families who are mentored and sponsored by volunteers from our church.
Community Kitchen Dinners
Our church hosts Thursday evening dinners to help neighbors facing food insecurity in our community. Join us to volunteer to set up, serve, and clean up on Thursdays from 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Your help is appreciated at any time whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly – whatever your schedule permits. See the sign-up form to join us!
This effort is in conjunction with six other churches that offer five nights of meals in Downers Grove throughout each week.
For questions or more information, contact Marty Wronkiewicz at mwronk@ameritech.net or Kim Bosch at kim.bosch@comcast.net. Thank you for your generosity.
Adopt-a-Stream Annual Volunteer Clean-up Day
Join the Environmental Stewardship Work Area for a fun nature adventure that will make a difference! We clean-up sites recommended through The Conservation Foundation’s Adopt-a-Stream program. The group picks up trash in a site in need of help located close to the church.
All that is needed is waterproof boots or shoes you won’t mind getting muddy. Tools, gloves, and bags will be provided. This is a great activity for kids aged 7 and up to participate in with a parent or guardian.
We appreciate the support of this important Downers Grove First United Methodist Church environmental activity designed to help keep our local waterways clean and healthy! Stay tuned for an upcoming clean-up date.
