About Us Community Assistance Ministry
A GRACE Ministries Site
“This is a real hands on ministry in which our whole family can participate.”“If our guests can walk 3 miles in the worst blizzard of the century, I can be here to serve them.”
“I know I am truly being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
“My medicine costs a lot, the Giant card helps.”
“This is the only time during the month when I do not feel invisible.”
The line of people standing outside the church grows longer each month. It is a line filled with people of all ages, children that are hungry and people with basic needs that go unmet each day. These people live just down the street from our church in an affluent area of north Arlington and yet their days are filled with anxieties and concerns that are hard for members of our congregation to grasp. These people are our neighbors and now they are our friends. But, it didn’t begin that way.
The Mount Olivet site of GRACE Ministries had its beginnings as a way to maximize the churches “efficiency” in serving those in need. Instead of helping people randomly…it seemed more “efficient” to provide assistance to those in need one day a month. Little did we know that God had a different plan! Our few hours once a month of providing assistance to a handful of folks has turned into a ministry of 100 church members serving over 200 households each month. Our Fellowship Hall is packed with people that have become our friends as we share a monthly meal together, lend a hand and a listen to the struggles they face each day.
On the third Saturday of each month at 4:30 pm, over 100 laity and staff from Mount Olivet welcome and assist people in our immediate community with basic needs including food and transportation and a home cooked dinner. Mostly, however, we distribute hospitality and caring, each person getting some kind of help, all in the name of Jesus. Each month, more than 200 households are represented by the people who come for assistance. The need is great, and so we “give until it’s gone.”
Support for this ministry comes through our Communion Offering on the first Sunday of each month. If you'd like to make an online contribution, click here.
Are you Interested in joining our ministry? Click here.
We need various clothing and travel-sized personal hygiene items each month.
Contact Information:
Church: Mount Olivet UMC
Address: 1500 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 22207
Church Phone: 703-527-3934
Site Directors: Monte Campbell Jim Coates
Staff Rep: Marilyn Traynham, 703.527.3934
Distribution Information: 3rd Saturday of every month. Guests arrive between 2:30 and 3:30 pm; distribution begins at 4:30 pm. Items distributed include but not limited to: USDA and other bagged groceries, $10 Giant card, hot sit down dinner for all, over 200 families served monthly.
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