Go Local: What happens when you engage your neighbors?

Carmel's Local Outreach ministry partners and collaborates with organizations and churches throughout the city in order to care for the hidden and forgotten in our community.

We are FOR Empowerment - We desire to see the marginalized move from a cycle of dependence to a place of holistic shalom. Examples of ministry include Charlotte Rescue Mission and East Charlotte Partnerships and investment.

We are FOR Mercy (Care) - We desire to love and serve the vulnerable in order to address unmet needs, Examples include advocating and caring for preborn, low income older adults and those with special needs.

We are FOR Collaborations - We collaborate with organizations in the community that work to enhance the care and support of the vulnerable and marginalized in our community. Examples include Beds for Kids and Joni & Friends.

CHECK OUT THE LIST BELOW FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Dawn Morton.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39

0Ministry On-Ramp Opportunities Per Year
0Small Groups Connected to an Outreach Partner
0Donations to Support Local Outreach Last Year

Local Outreach Opportunities

Merry oaks and lansdowne elementary- 2023/2024 school year

Heart Math Tutoring kicks off its annual volunteer recruitment campaign to find tutors to support 1300 elementary students during the 2023/2024 school year. Please consider signing up to tutor (You can specifically sign up to tutor through one of our partner schools).

Want to know how to care for the Hidden and Forgotten in Charlotte?

Be sure to read Enews each week

That is where we will share the latest collection opportunity or volunteer need. In addition, glance at the list of ministry opportunities below. Some of these are great for individuals and families, and some are well suited for you to do with your small group.

Email the Carmel Neighbors Outreach Team

Email us at . Yes, we know that you will want to email the ministry directly. That makes sense. BUT, experience has shown that you're likely to get a quicker and more coordinated response if you start by emailing us. We can get you to the right person quickly, and even connect you with others from Carmel who are also serving!

What Opportunities are Available?

Encouraging Adults

Charlotte Rescue Mission - Rebound: Connect with residents monthly though serving a meal and connecting around the table. Lots of encouragement can happen around a table! Opportunities for virtual and in person GED tutors, interview coaching, etc.

Charlotte Rescue Mission - Dove's Nest: Connect with residents monthly through meals or Wednesday night bible study. Also they have a need for volunteers to greet at their front desk, organize in their donation boutique, and tutoring (GED, Computer literacy, resume building, etc.).

Changed Choices: Encourage a woman in prison or in the community post release through card writing, pen pals or mentorship.

Project 658: Support refugee and immigrant families through English classes, childcare, tutoring, and other family activities to encourage and equip.

Empowering Children

CMS Partner School: Merry Oaks & Lansdowne: Form relationships through tutoring at risk students (training provided), write cards of encouragement to tired teachers, meet unique needs such as snacks, clothes, and incentives for the schools throughout the year (Just ask neighbors ministry for the current need!)

Present Age Ministry: Join the fight to end human trafficking by becoming a trained advocacy or school prevention volunteer with Present Age Ministries. They are a trusted, Christ centered organization in the community that works closely with the legal and social service system to care for, and prevent human trafficking.

Caring for Vulnerable

Carrington Place: Encourage residents through a monthly group devotion/Worship time on the first Sunday of each month or once a month assist with Bingo games.

Congregations for Kids: In the greater Charlotte area, CFK equips and empowers the community to be champions for children, families and social workers in the foster care system. CFK has four simple pathways to help you become a champion for kids in foster care: Foster. Mentor. Serve. Give.

QCPRC: Charlotte's QC PRC is still getting up and running in their new location, but opportunities are coming to mentor, encourage and meet needs of at-risk families in Charlotte. Stay tuned for more details!

We have more opportunities so always feel free to just ask us about the needs, opportunities or where you can plug in! Email for next steps.

Helping Hands Ministry

In the fall of 2022, an unexpected diagnosis turned one Carmel family’s world upside down. Their 18 year old daughter is now facing intense treatment that leaves her weak and unable to climb the stairs to get into and out of their home.

In stepped the Helping Hands ministry, a group of Carmel members who serve those with unique needs requiring some form of construction or physical assistance. And that is what Helping Hands did again by building a ramp for this Carmel family's home. She no longer has to be carried in and out of their home for her medical appointments.

That construction project made a huge difference for this family and others, as the Helping Hands ministry is able to tangibly show the love of Jesus to friends, neighbors and those in need. Helping Hands projects can range from painting, yard work and clean up to ramp building or plumbing and electrical projects. These opportunities to serve - available to all skill levels - offer not only tangible ways to DO something, but also open doors for gospel conversations, provide a sense of community as you serve together and the opportunity to learn new skills in the process.

If you’d like to join the Helping Hands team, email Kevin Warren, Carmel’s Local Outreach Minister to get started.

Neighbors Resources

"YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. THIS IS THE GREAT AND FIRST COMMANDMENT. AND A SECOND IS LIKE IT: YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." - JESUS

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR:

To be a disciple of Jesus requires a personal commitment to both the Great Commandments and Great Commission, which call all Christians to love their neighbors and make disciples.

SERVE YOUR NEIGHBOR:

Just as Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, Carmel is called to serve our neighbors.

HOW CAN I LOVE & SERVE MY NEIGHBORS?

There are a variety of practical ways for you to love and serve your neighbors. Below is a list that includes websites, resources, articles and books that can help equip you in your efforts to connect with your neighbors.

Outreach Training: At various times throughout the year, our team offers specialized training on serving in your community. We believe it is important to be prepared as we go, and to ensure we do not harm as we help. To set up a presentation or training for your Small Group, email .

Meet Your Neighbors: Explore ongoing mission opportunities with our Neighbor ministry partners in Charlotte. Ask questions and get connected to serve! To request the "Meet Your Neighbor" training for your small group, email .

"Loving Where You Live" Sermon Series

Watch the Sermon Series

Articles & Tools

Websites