OHUMC is a sponsor of the Christian Community Outreach Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist people who live in the 37138 zip code area when crisis situations affect their ability to provide food and essential utilities for themselves and the members of their households.

Most of the denominations present in the 37138 zip code area are involved in the success of the Outreach Center-- the Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, Presbyterian, and Nazarene, but the United Methodists feel a particular bond to this ministry. Ernestine (Mrs. Pal) Hawkins served as the Chairperson of the Outreach Center’s Board of Directors for twenty-two years, having just left that post in July, 2008. Kathy (Mrs. Johnny) Carneal, has been the Outreach Center’s Executive Director since 1992, and many of those whose volunteer labor has helped to keep the Outreach Center going have been members of OHUMC as well.

Last year, through its involvement in the Outreach Center, OHUMC helped to distribute 786 food boxes and provided help with 233 utility bills, and assisted quite a few families to be better dressed than they otherwise would have been.

The Outreach Center also operates a thrift store that is open to the general public. Items for sale are donated, and the money received from their sale helps to fund the assistance programs.

The Outreach Center operates with the understanding that help is being given to good people in bad situations, and tries to avoid any implication that the situation has developed because the people are bad.

Located at 209 Bridgeway Avenue [map], in the Rayon City section of Old Hickory, the Outreach Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays. Telephone—615-847-4996