Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 (NRSV)
Missions
MorningStar
High Desert UMC members have led worship services at MorningStar Senior Living (2301 Golf Course Rd SE) every Sunday at 10:30 am since 2019. This vital ministry shares the Good News and demonstrates love to residents. Music is provided by Frank Rotolo, with brief messages delivered by rotating lay speakers. Average attendance is eleven residents. Contact Reuben if you're interested in serving in this ministry.
High Desert Methodist Food Pantry
The HDUMC Food Pantry provides essential groceries to over 200 families—approximately 500 people—each month. With support from monthly congregational donations, Mesa View UMC, and Roadrunner Food Bank, food is distributed on the first Friday, third Tuesday, and third Thursday of each month. In addition to regular distributions, we provide turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams before Christmas. This ministry relies on volunteers and financial support to make a meaningful impact. Learn more by visiting the Food Pantry page.
Pet Food for Pantry Clients
Our Pet Food Ministry, in partnership with CARMA's 4 Paws Pet Food Bank, our Food Pantry, congregational donations, and an NMAC grant, provides pet food to clients on the first Friday of each month. This ministry helps families keep their beloved pets fed and out of shelters, recognizing the positive impact of pet ownership on physical and emotional health.
Women With Purpose
Women With Purpose at HDUMC lives out "Love in Action" by supporting women in need, assembling UMCOR hygiene kits, aiding local homeless and abuse projects, and sending encouragement. We also enjoy fellowship and devotions. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month (except summer) at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. All are welcome!
Feed New Mexico Kids
One in four New Mexico children face food insecurity. HDUMC, through Women with Purpose, supports Feed New Mexico Kids, a nonprofit that delivers 450 weekend food packages to five local schools, helping at least 125 students get through the weekend until they can access free school meals again. Volunteers purchase the food and assemble the bags on the second Monday of each month. This ministry ensures children receive nutritious, ready-to-eat snacks during the days when school meals are not available.
Interfaith Bible Center
Located in Albuquerque’s International Zone, the Interfaith Bible Center (IBC) at 7501 Trumbull Avenue SE serves hot meals to the homeless five days a week, providing up to 100 meals a day. In addition to meals, IBC offers showers and shelter for those in need. HDUMC supports this ministry by purchasing $450 of food each month and has also donated a refrigerator and freezer to help safely store food donated by local restaurants and grocery stores. In a recent week, IBC served over 700 meals, offering vital care and compassion to the community.
Navajo Reservation Relief Fund
HDUMC volunteers travel to Gallup, NM, to support the Nazarene Church's ministry to the community and the Navajo Nation. The group provides material support, including a refrigerator, microwave, and boxes of groceries to elder residents of the Navajo Nation. They also provide various services, such as visiting elders at the Twin Lakes Senior Center, distributing snacks, leading Vacation Bible School, and constructing new sidewalks. Future construction and repair projects are planned.
St. Joseph Mission School
St. Joseph Mission School (San Fidel, NM) is a Catholic Pre-K through 8th grade school serving 40 local Native American (Acoma & Laguna Pueblos) and Hispanic children. Since 1923, the school has provided a faith-based education, balancing academics with Pueblo traditions. Tuition is kept low, but additional funding is needed. HDUMC has supported St. Joseph's with scholarships, school supplies, and hands-on projects. Previous projects include a new waterline, sidewalk construction, fence construction for community garden. and classroom improvements.
Christmas Gift Cards for St. Joseph Students
HDUMC spreads joy by providing $50 gift cards to the 40 students at St. Joseph Mission School. These gifts empower children to choose something special for themselves during the holiday season, bringing excitement and a sense of celebration. This ministry reflects our commitment to supporting the students beyond the classroom, reminding them they are valued and loved.
Operation Christmas Child
Each fall, HDUMC participates in Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child, filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies for children worldwide. This mission brings joy and essential items to children in need, sharing the love of Christ. The congregation supports this effort by filling shoeboxes and donating toward shipping costs. HDUMC provided 158 shoeboxes in 2024.
Haven House
HDUMC supports Haven House, a shelter for individuals affected by domestic abuse, through our Second Mile Giving program. In addition to financial support, we provide Thanksgiving Boxes filled with turkeys and all the fixings, ensuring families can share a warm holiday meal. This ministry offers comfort and hope to those in need during a difficult time.
Basket Ministry
The HDUMC Basket Ministry delivers gift baskets filled with snacks to staff at local hospitals, retirement communities, fire stations, and police departments. This small gesture of appreciation recognizes their hard work and dedication, reminding them they are valued and supported by our community.
Teacher Gift Cards
HDUMC supports educators by providing gift cards to teachers who attend High Desert. These gifts help them purchase much-needed classroom supplies, easing their financial burden and ensuring students have the resources they need to learn and thrive. This ministry is a small way to show appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
School Supplies
Each summer, HDUMC collects school supplies to support teachers at our church, St. Joseph Mission School, and families served by our Food Pantry. This ministry helps ensure students and educators have the tools they need for a successful school year. Donations make a lasting impact on classrooms and communities alike.
Heifer International
Founded in 1944 by a Church of the Brethren aid worker, Heifer International empowers families to overcome hunger and poverty by providing livestock and agricultural training. This "teach a man to fish" approach provides both food and reliable income through animal products like milk, eggs, and honey, which can be traded or sold. HDUMC supports Heifer, with contributions going toward animals such as heifers, goats, sheep, rabbits, or chicks.
Asbury Cafe
Each year during the New Mexico State Fair, HDUMC volunteers serve at Asbury Café, a beloved local tradition. Two teams assist with café operations, with all proceeds supporting organizations that feed the hungry in the Albuquerque area. This ministry combines service and fellowship while making a meaningful impact on food insecurity in our community.
Toy Drive for RR Police
Each Christmas, HDUMC collects toys to support the Rio Rancho Police Department's holiday outreach. These gifts bring joy to children in need, helping to make the season brighter for families in our community. This ministry reflects the spirit of giving and strengthens our partnership with those who serve and protect.
Hoodies for Students
HDUMC provides hoodies for middle and high school students, ensuring they have warm clothing during the colder months. This ministry offers both comfort and encouragement, reminding students they are cared for and supported by their community.
Winter Clothing Collection
Each winter, HDUMC collects gloves, stocking caps, blankets, sleeping bags, coats, sweatshirts, and new socks to support those experiencing homelessness, distributed through the Interfaith Bible Center. These essential items provide warmth and comfort during the cold months, offering a tangible expression of care and compassion to those in need.
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
HDUMC supports UMCOR through periodic giving to aid disaster relief efforts in the United States and around the world. This ministry provides emergency assistance, long-term recovery support, and hope to communities affected by natural and humanitarian crises. Every contribution helps bring relief to those in urgent need.
Abundant Grace Free Store
HDUMC supports the Abundant Grace Free Store at Grace UMC by transporting donated furniture and clothing to help stock the store. More than just a place to find household goods, the Free Store provides a welcoming space where individuals and families can find clothing, furniture, and essential items—all at no cost, with no eligibility requirements. Visitors are invited to browse, enjoy a cup of coffee, and experience a community built on generosity and care.
Costa Rica
HDUMC supports mission work in Costa Rica, including Linn Carlson’s participation in a local outreach project. As part of this effort, we have provided mandatory school uniforms for students at a local public school, ensuring they have the necessary attire to attend classes. This ministry helps remove barriers to education while sharing Christ’s love through service and support.
Walk to Emmaus
Based on Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour spiritual retreat offering inspiring teachings, meaningful worship, and supportive community. Participants deepen their relationship with God, explore core Christian teachings, and discover how their faith can impact the world. The ecumenical retreat welcomes various Christian denominations. HDUMC members participate annually. Contact Linnette Carlson (505-450-4162) or visit http://emmaus.upperroom.org/about for more information.
Kairos Prison Ministry
HDUMC supports Kairos, an international, ecumenical prison ministry that builds Christian communities within correctional institutions. Kairos shares Christ's love and forgiveness with incarcerated individuals, their families, and prison staff, assisting inmates in becoming productive citizens. HDUMC provides financial and spiritual support, bakes Agape cookies, and participates in ministry activities. Contact Linnette Carlson (505-450-4162) or visit
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry at HDUMC provides handmade shawls, lovingly crafted and blessed with prayers, to those in our church facing illness or hardship. These shawls offer warmth, comfort, and a tangible reminder of God’s love and the support of our faith community.
Work Teams
HDUMC Work Teams consist of volunteers who provide assistance and perform routine maintenance for church members, the homebound, and other churches and organizations. Whether tackling repairs, upkeep, or special projects, this ministry serves as a hands-on way to share God’s love through practical support and care.