Our Mission is to connect people with Jesus Christ, His Church, and His purpose for our lives.
At Burks we believe the best way to serve God is to serve others. We strive to be an Acts 1:8 church by reaching out to help others in the Hixson/Soddy-Daisy communities (Jerusalem), Chattanooga area (Judea), United States (Samaria), and other countries (ends of the Earth). "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth." Acts 1:8
Here you will find the current mission areas actively engaging with Burks friends and members. We encourage everyone to find places to share your gifts and time.
You may contact the person listed by each mission by email for more information or to join in the work of that ministry. There is a Mission Table in the church Narthex, across from the coffee bar, where you can leave donations and gather additional information. You may also call the Missions Team Leader, Jim Knight at 423-842-5388 or kd4ehn@epbfi.com with any Missions related questions.
Bethel Bible Village
A Christian organization providing safe, nurturing, and Christ centered homes for children of families in crisis. Opportunities are for both individuals and small groups.
Contact: Becky Boland
bolandrc@comcast.net
(724)448-7136
Burks Community Cupboard
Provides food to people in our community with short-term food needs. The cupboard is located in the grassy area in front of Burks main entrance. Community donations are placed in the cupboard. Volunteers help restock and organize the Cupboard.
Contact: Debbie Bruggink
(423)322-5328
Family Promise
Helping homeless families achieve and sustain independance. Clients who graduate from the program into permanent housing need donations of household items. Volunteers are needed to assist with this life-changing ministry
Contact: Jim Knight
(423)842-5338
kd4ehn@epbfi.com
Firewood Ministry
The Men@Burks and Burks Youth provide firewood to help folks stay warm for the winter. Men cut, split and haul hardwood. Youth market and help deliver the wood. Donations benifit the Burks Youth program. Delivery is made freely available to meet critical needs, or those receiving firewood may pick it up.
Contact: Joe Nichols
(423)883-4401
joefnichols@epbfi.com
Habitat for Humanity
A Christian housing organization that builds simple, decent, and affordable homes for low-income families in the Chattanooga area. Volunteers assist with construction projects or help with supporting the Habitat ReStore. Donations for the ReStore need to be delivered to one of their retail locations.
Contact: Jim Rochelle
(423)842-0517
jkrckr@comcast.net
Knit Wits
Our mission is to provide comfort to others through the work of our hands. We make hats, scarves, shawls, afghans and more for community organizations and our congregation. If you knit or crochet, come join this mission group each month on the second Monday at 10am or fourth Thursday evening at 6:30pm.
Contact: Elaine Edwards
(423)304-9541
elainern@comcast.net
or
Carolyn Rochelle
jkrckr@comcast.net
Ronald McDonald House Charities
This charity provides a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children, and programs that improve the health, education, and well-being of children. Volunteers serve meals, assist at the welcome desk, work in the Family Room, and participate in other activities.
Contact: Sarah Bonneau
(423)645-9029
swbonneau@gmail.com
Sack Packers
Volunteers prepare sack packs containing basic food items that children depend on to get through the weekend. They are delivered to a local school and distributed to children in need each Friday.
Contact: Saundra Sharpe
(423)332-1100
saundra@sharpedesigns.com
Homebound Ministry
Visitation to Burks homebound and nursing home residents each month. We provide holiday cards, the Upper Room and flowers on birthdays.
Contact: Debbie Davis
(423)400-5837
ddavis425@epbfi.com
Soddy Daisy Food Bank
An all-volunteer organization focused on gathering and sharing food with families and individuals in need. Volunteers pick up, sort, and distribute food as required.
Contact: Dave Bruggink
(423)322-5329
djbruggink@epbfi.com
UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief
Burks supports UMCOR through donations materials and time spent at two locations. The UM Disaster Relief Warehouse in Decatur, AL and the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana. We take bi-monthly day trips to the Decatur Warehouse to help with UMCOR kits, and Christmas Shoeboxes. Annually we go to Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin for a week of service.
Contact: Neil Carriker
(423)505-3039
ncarriker1@comcast.net
or
Jan Ivey
(423)322-9927
jsivey52@gmail.com
Welcome Home Chattanooga
This service provides shelter and care in a home setting for those who have a terminal illness and lack viable options for end of life care. WHC partners with area hospices who provide the professional medical care. They also teach others about the holy ground of caring for those who are dying. In addition to volunteer opportunities, ongoing needs include cleaning supplies. To donate items bring them to the Missions Table in the Narthex at the church, across from the coffee bar.
Contact: Pat Marshall
(423)421-7319
flowergrammytn@gmail.com
