Community Engagement
Four Oaks United Methodist Church is proud to be a socially conscious and active member of the Four Oaks community. Listed below are some of the activities through which the church works to meet this goal. If you have any questions or would like more information about these efforts, please call the church office at 919-963-2095.
Acorn Festival Booth
The annual Acorn Festival is held in Four Oaks to celebrate our town. Our church has a booth to greet members of our congregation and share information about our church with other people in the community and invite them to worship with us. This year’s Acorn Festival will be Saturday September 14, 2024.
Albert’s Fund
The Albert’s Fund at Four Oaks UMC is a mission of financial support for people in need within our congregation as well as our community. It is supported by financial contributions from our members and distributed at the pastor’s discretion. If you or someone you know is facing financial hardship, you may contact our pastor. All financial support through Albert’s Fund is confidential.
Book and Bake Sale
Four Oaks United Methodist Church (FOUMC) hosts an annual Book Sale. It is so much more than a book sale though. It is perhaps best known for its Applejacks that are freshly made and sold once a year by our Omni Sunday School Class at this event. It is also home to the sale of a wide variety of canned jams and other delicious food items, expertly canned by several of our own congregation. Another twist on the book sale is the décor and home items that are often unused by members and businesses such as greeting cards, holiday decorations, household knick-knacks and wall hangings. The proceeds earned from the book sale support FOUMC Missions. The past several years, the primary mission project of FOUMC has been providing funding for local youth to attend a Carolina Cross Connections (CCC) work week.
Christmas Community Drive Through
On the third Saturday of each December, hundreds of individuals and families in our community drive through our fellowship hall carport, receiving age-specific gifts for each family member, stockings, a bag of groceries, and fresh fruit. Our goal for this event is to joyfully and freely share these resources to brighten folks’ Christmas as a reflection of the way God has joyfully and freely shared His grace and love to us through Jesus.
Country Store / Yard Sale
On the first Friday and Saturday of November, our United Methodist Women convert our fellowship hall into a genuine “Country Store” with items for sale including homemade baked and canned goods, handmade art and crafts, home décor, seasonal items, and more. We also place yard-sale items outside of the fellowship hall such as clothing, new or gently used items, furniture, appliances, and odds and ends. As part of this annual event, we have started offering an online auction where anyone can bid on exciting and fun items from the comfort of their home. Past items have included a homemade quilt, beach house rental, jewelry and art. All proceeds from this event go toward the church’s Missions Fund.
Free Little Pantry (“Blessing Box”)
FOUMC is proud to sponsor and maintain a Blessing Box of food items in conjunction with Alliance Community Pantry for those in need in our local area (located in front of the fellowship hall facing Church St. beside the Little Free Library). The pantry is stocked at least weekly with nourishing items for anyone to come by 24/7 and retrieve what they need. The congregation donates canned items, fresh breads, and toiletries and the Missions Team ensures those items make their way to the pantry as needed. The pantry is stocked with mostly tab top cans that can be easily opened and eaten by those in need, often without the need for cooking. It also supplies item that need to be cooked and some other basic ingredients that go into making a meal at home.
Little Free Library
Our “Little Free Library” is installed in front of our fellowship hall, facing Church St. This little library contains books for all ages but is especially focused on children’s literature. Visitors may take a book and leave a book as they wish. There is also a guestbook in the library for folks to leave a kind note or simply write their name.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a summer staple for children and youth in our community. Through this annual event, we create opportunities for young people to:
-hear stories in scripture brought to life through creative storytelling -worship God through music and art
-create take-home crafts that carry spiritual meaning long after VBS is over
-have fun with games and science projects
-fellowship together by building relationships
Vacation Bible School also serves a practical need of providing a meal each night for participants. Every adult leader and youth helper that assists with Vacation Bible School has been trained and vetted through the Safe Sanctuaries program.
Youth Mission Trip
Each summer, our youth (6th-12th graders) and adult volunteers spend a week with Carolina Cross Connection (CCC) serving communities in need. CCC has camp locations in the mountains of North Carolina and in Manteo. Service projects include constructing steps, wheelchair ramps, and decks, yardwork, painting, and visiting with homebound folks and children in community centers. In addition to service projects, CCC trips also include nightly worship, games and team-building activities, and opportunities for groups to experience the mountains and Outer Banks of North Carolina.