The Parish House is the physical place of ministry of the Upshur Cooperative Parish and Crosslines. It coordinates worship and outreach of the 62 UM churches of the parish and encourages the parish churches to work together in a spirit of cooperation in assisting with special needs and/or events.

The Clothes Closet, where used clothing is sold at rock-bottom prices, is one of the major projects of the Parish House and serves an important need in the community. The Parish House also sponsors the Food for Thought community meal every Friday where the various churches in the area, including FUMC, provide the food. Home repair, Vacation Bible School, GED, Parish worship events, and the After School Program for school-age children are among the many ministries offered by the Parish House.

Crosslines is the ecumenical community ministry of emergency assistance for those in Upshur County in need. The Parish House is committed to this ministry, including providing all overhead expenses. Crosslines ministries include providing emergency food, clothing, utilities, rent, prescriptions, medical needs, transportation vouchers, personal and cleaning items, and layettes. The Food Share program, which provides a well-balanced food package each month for about half the price that would be paid at a regular grocery store, is also a Crosslines project.

Support of the Parish House and Crosslines are two of the major ministries of FUMC. Members of the congregation spend many hours volunteering at the Parish House , Clothing Store, Food Share program, Layette program, and other projects and events sponsored by these two organizations. Monetary support is provided by the church as a whole, by individual donors, and through special offerings, such as the Salad-and-More lunches.

Contact: Carol Duffield, 472-0743