Missions

At Concord United Methodist Church, serving others is at the heart of who we are. Our congregation is known throughout the community as a place that cares deeply and works faithfully to meet needs by loving our neighbors. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone has a meaningful role in extending Christ’s love—locally, nationally, and around the world.

We invite you to discover opportunities to serve, grow, and make a lasting impact alongside others. Whether within the walls of our church or out in the community, there is a place for you to live out your calling. God’s love inspires us to reach beyond ourselves, walking with neighbors who need a helping hand and sharing hope in practical, compassionate ways.

Below, you’ll find upcoming opportunities to join us in service.

We’d love for you to be part of what God is doing through Missions at Concord United.

Mission Opportunities - Click Here

Mission Calendar - Click Here

Our church is part of a five-church partnership supporting the Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry, located at Faith Lutheran Church (225 Jamestowne Blvd). The pantry is a collaborative effort between Concord United, Faith Lutheran, Farragut Presbyterian, Grassy Valley Baptist, and 1st Baptist Concord.

Concord United Methodist contributes food, funding, fresh produce from the Concord Community Garden, toiletry items, volunteers, and additional resources as needed.

Each month, we share an updated list of pantry needs. Donations may be left on the silver racks under the covered drive or in the hallways. Volunteers are always welcome, and on-the-job training is provided for anyone serving guests in the pantry.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please visit the drive-through pantry at Faith Lutheran Church and bring a photo ID. The pantry is open on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:00–5:30 PM. Everyone is welcome.

For more information email Jane Currin.

Due to the genorsity of the Concord United congregation we are able to provide support and goods to other area food ministries, including the Wesley House Community Center’s Red Bird Community Store and Pantry, and Lennon Seney UMC’s Five Loaves Pantry.

The produce grown in the gardens west of the church parking lot is donated to local food pantries and feeding ministries, annually the garden produces between 15,000 and 17,500 pounds of fresh produce. Participants may also “adopt” a section of the garden, contributing 10% of their harvest and keeping the remainder. People may also serve in the garden without adopting and receive some vegetables for helping. Many hands are needed to tend to God’s garden so that we can share with our local pantries.

“Garden Parties” are held on Monday’s and Saturdays from 9 am to noon. Will you join our efforts by serving in the garden? For questions, please email Mike Smith.

April 11–17, 2026

Join us as we travel to the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana, to serve our neighbors in need. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is part of Global Ministries and is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the world with open hearts and open minds.

What We Do

During our week at Sager Brown, volunteers help:

Prepare and assemble relief supply kits
Support community projects in Baldwin
Contribute to UMCOR’s disaster response efforts

Travel & Lodging

Stay in on-site dormitories with cafeteria meals
Overnight hotel stops in Mississippi going and coming home.
Optional visits to local historical sites or nearby attractions

Participants often describe the experience as a meaningful blend of service, fellowship, food, and fun.

Cost for 2026

$350 per person, including:

Transportation
Housing
Most meals (a few meals during travel are not included)

Questions or Need Help?

Email: Missions@concordunited.org

Contact: Marilyn or Jane: 865-288-7427

Looking for a meaningful way to serve that is both unique and deeply impactful? Join our 2026 mission team traveling to the Highlands of Guatemala! We welcome participants who will be in 9th grade and older to partner with the Highland Support Project. Our team will help build clean‑burning cooking stoves, plant trees, and may also assist with a local clean water initiative.

From June 27 – July 5, our group will stay in a comfortable community center designed specifically to host mission teams. Amenities include beds, showers, and delicious meals prepared by local women—including a trained chef—who share the beauty of Guatemalan hospitality.

Families in the community have often waited years for a stove to be built. To receive one, women must be active members of a Women’s Circle, which provides fellowship, support, job training, and education specially on how the new stove will benefit their homes and health. Your work will make a life‑changing difference.

The trip cost is $1350 plus airfare, and we will be fundraising to help reduce participant expenses. Please prayerfully consider joining the team. For more information, contact Jane Currin.

Our gleaning program was established after identifying that many businesses regularly discarded surplus food. Volunteers now collect this excess food and deliver it to local food pantries and partner agencies for preparation or distribution. We also have a crew that prepares the Bagels each Wednesday for distrubtion. Current gleaning locations include: Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Edible Arrangements, area farmers’ markets, and seasonal farm fields. For more information, contact Chuck Parmele (parmelecc@aol.com)

or Mike Smith (michael09071948@gmail.com)