outreach
Clarendon United Methodist Church believes that our mission of Embracing All, Sharing Christ, and Serving Others is tied to our outreach—especially the way our ministries of compassion, justice, and advocacy fulfill our theme of Living Love in our wider community and in the world.
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. —Matthew 25:40
CUMC hosts many events throughout the year to support our community. Please see below for information on our outreach efforts.
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the outreach opportunities mentioned here, Clarendon UMC has need of your assistance in myriad ways! Please see how you can serve within our church and fill our our Wish To Serve form below to find out how you can help out around the church.
ARLINGTON BUNNY HOP
Our annual 5k Walk Run, is a fun, family-friendly fitness-focused event sponsored by Clarendon UMC that raises vital funds for Arlington non-profits. The race takes place in the Ashton Heights and Lyon Park neighborhoods, followed by a block party on the Clarendon UMC grounds. Over the past nine years, the Arlington Bunny Hop has raised more than $205,000 to support local charities and strengthen our community.
> Learn more at www.arlingtonbunnyhop.org
CHRISTMAS TREE and WREATH SALES
Clarendon UMC provides a beautiful selection of Christmas trees and wreaths for sale each year with proceeds benefiting a local non profit. The Sale begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
In 2025 Tree sales donated $16,000 to PathForward—an organization that provides housing, medical, and employment support services to people experiencing homelessness in Arlington, Virginia.
> Learn more on our Christmas Tree Sales page
Our Outreach Partners
Arlington food assistance center
Clarendon UMC serves as a weekly distribution site for AFAC. We have ongoing food collection to supplement AFAC resources, and we also provide volunteers monthly to the main site on
Additionally, CUMC provides fresh produce to clients at AFAC through our Plot Against Hunger—our garden on the grounds of the church. With an expanded raised bed, we are able to harvest tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and squash of various kinds. We are able to walk it into our own church and distribute on Saturday mornings to those who need some extra food. We can always use extra help during the summer months when our garden is flourishing! If you would like to join in this outreach effort by weekly watering, harvesting, or trimming plants, please contact the church office.
Path Forward
Path Forward provides housing, medical, and employment support services to people experiencing homelessness in Arlington, Virginia.
Clarendon UMC members volunteer monthly to serve meals at the PathForward Homeless Service Center. We have also held meal packing events and toiletry item collections.
Bridges to Independence
Bridges to Independence leads individuals and families
out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. They operate Arlington County’s family shelter Sullivan House which is right near our church. Clarendon UMC supports Bridges to Independence through proceeds raised with the Arlington Bunny Hop, as well as annual school supply drives, Mother’s day gift baskets, and snack packs for their after school programs.
Doorways
Doorways transforms the lives of adults, youth, and children who are facing homelessness or suffering abuse in our community. They help our most vulnerable neighbors survive crisis, rebuild their lives and achieve brighter futures.
Honduras Independence Bilingual School (HIBS)
HIBS is a Christ-centered, bilingual school that offers academic excellence, spiritual growth, and life-changing hope for students in La Ceiba, Honduras. Many students attend on scholarship, and every dollar raised helps provide supplies, meals, and access to a better future.
Clarendon supports the Honduras Independence Bilingual School in many ways including mission trips and fundraisers. Recent efforts included a book drive organized by our youth and a shoe collection.
Serve within the church
Additionally, there are many ways all year long to get involved in the work of the church! Some tasks are small, others are larger and require a specific skill set. Some are to be done only once, others are ongoing. Where might God be calling you to serve? Take a look to see where you might use your gifts of time and talent!
WORSHIP LEADING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to serve in the 10:00 a.m. worship service. We need people to give the Children's Message, read Scripture, prepare and serve Communion, acolyte (grades 3-12), and more. If you are interested, please contact our Director of Worship Arts or fill out the Wish to Serve form below.