Explore the different ways we are serving our community.
Ministries
Community Outreach
Dr. Norma Lampley, Chairperson
The Community Outreach Ministry organizes both programs and initiatives that promote community wellness – providing services to those who might not otherwise have access to those services.
For more information about the Community Outreach Ministry:
Email: outreach@downsoakland.org
Community Development
Xushie Brue, Chairperson
The Community Development Ministry works to improve the social, cultural, and economic conditions of our community. We have found much success and support through the combined efforts of people in local communities, the government and other external agencies.
The Downs Community Development Corporation (DCDC), serves seniors, youth, children and the underserved communities with the Fishes and Loaves Meals Program, Summer Academic Cultural Enrichment program, as well as administers the Roy C. Nichols Senior Housing Project.
For more information about the Community Development Ministry:
Email: development@downsoakland.org
Feeding Program
Fishes and Loaves Ministry provides free meals to men, women, children, families and anyone in need of food. Carry out meals are available to the sick and shut in every Wednesday. Lunch is served weekly on site in Fuller Hall. Emergency and supplemental food is available. Food bags are available weekly and every third Friday.
We are sorry for the inconvenience during the COVID-19 alerts. Your safety and health is our concern and we wish the best for you and your loved ones.
The Kitchen will be closed until Wednesday, May 6, 2020. If you are in need of food, call 510-635-3663 and ask for the Emergency.
For more information about the Fishes and Loaves Ministry:
Email: feeding@downsoakland.org
Health
Kathi Lampkin RN, BSN, PHN, MSN-FNP
Dr. Kevin Williams DDS, Co-Chairpersons
The Health Ministry educates the congregation and the community about current health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and stress management. Workshops and seminars are held to address these concerns.
For more information about the Health Ministry:
Email: health@downsoakland.org
Scholarship
Dr. Gale Bell, Chairperson
The Scholarship Ministry is committed to supporting our youth in pursuit of higher education. The Ministry hosts community events to raise and distribute funds for scholarships. These scholarships benefit members who attend vocational, two-year, four-year, and graduate institutions of higher learning.
For more information about the Scholarship Ministry:
Email: scholarship@downsoakland.org
Social Justice
Justice is only just when justice is for ALL. Learn more about opportunities to partner with the Downs Memorial UMC Social Justice Team.
Communications
Tarence Sang, Chairperson
The Communications Ministry is in charge of the internal/external communications including website, social media, and telepresence.
For more information about the Communications Ministry:
Email: tarence@downsoakland.org
Older Adult
Rev. Dorothy Baker / Adele Ahanotu, Co-Chairpersons
The Older Adult Ministry facilitates support systems that enhance the quality of life for older adults. This ministry is funded through a generous grant from the Beulah Older Adult Grant. Income from the Beulah Older Adult Grant is used to support programs that serve the needs of senior adults.
As directed by the Beulah Fund, the Downs Oakland’s Older Adult Ministry has designed, organized and/or sponsored the following:
For more information about the Older Adult Ministry:
Email: adult@downsoakland.org
Music
Music & Arts are a vital part of the worship experience. Our choirs, musicians, and liturgical dancers connect, engage, and strengthen the congregation through the unifying power of music.
For more information about the Music Ministry:
Email: music@downsoakland.org
United Methodist Men
Kline Wilson, Chairperson
The Mission of the Downs Memorial United Methodist Men’s Ministry is to help men grow in Christ, so that others may know Christ. We seek to enrich the lives of members through Bible study, fellowship and brotherhood. Together, we undertake many activities to celebrate our men in ministry, support our older adults and youth, and “Stand in the Gap” to meet needs within the church.
For more information about the United Methodist Men Ministry:
Email: men@downsoakland.org
United Methodist Women
Renee Goodrich & Mattie Stevenson, Co-Chairpersons
The United Methodist Women’s Ministry at Downs Memorial UMC is an organized unit of The United Methodist Women’s Organization.
The following are the four mission foci related to the mission initiatives and priorities of the United Methodist Women.
To be a community of women within and outside of the congregation.
To know God through bible study and experiences.
To develop a creative and supportive fellowship within and outside of church.
To expand concepts of missions by engaging in service, advocacy and education for change. Priorities are: Criminalization of Communities of Color-School to Prison Pipeline, Economic Inequality, Climate Justice, Maternal and Child Health
Membership dues go to support, Local, District, Conference and National Mission Initiatives, and Programs such as our Annual UMW Sunday in September funds raised go to local outreach programs such as Berkeley Hope Scholars, Fred Finch, Jerry Kids (Alameda County), Beyond Emancipation (LSP-Alameda County), and Progressive Transitions-Oakland.
For more information about the United Methodist Women:
Email: women@downsoakland.org
Web Links: nvunitedmethodistwomen.org
National UMW: www.unitedmethodistwomen.org
Nurture
Rose Mary Towns, Chairperson
The Nurture, Outreach, and Witness Ministries address the concerns and conditions of people in the congregation and community so that they may grow in their spiritual lives and become better equipped for life as Christian disciples. These groups will work together to plan and implement ministries that help the church fulfill its mission.
For more information about Downs Nurture, Outreach, and Witness Ministries:
Email: info@downsoakland.org
