FIRST UMC ARLINGTON 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Children's Book Carnival

This year's annual Children's Book Carnival, which will take place on May 17, is the 15th time we have held this event for our community. Preparations are underway, and positions will be available until the event. Below are the volunteer opportunities before, during, and after the event. You can sign up for the areas you want using the buttons below. 

Preparation for the Book Carnival (now--May 9)

• ​Label Books—Please fill out the form here or use the button below if you'd like to help label books. There are no specific dates to reserve. Ann Watley will contact you when the books are available for labeling. 

Advertising (May 11--17)

• Assist with the distribution of flyers to apartments and neighborhood stores.

• Place yard signs around the neighborhood.

• Remove signs after the event.

Set up for the Event (May 15, 9 am until finished)

• Volunteers unpack books from their boxes and place them on tables in the Great Hall.

Volunteer at the Book Carnival (May 17, 9:30 am-1 pm)

• Be a greeter/docent during the event; box up and clean up afterward.

• Serve sno cones.

• Prepare and serve hot dogs.

• Supervise bookmark decorating.

 

 

First Fridays

A program designed to provide an evening of respite for parents of special needs children once a month during the school year. Volunteers provide childcare on the first Friday of each month while parents enjoy a night out with friends and family or tend to home needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Be a playmate to a special needs child or sibling

• Provide a meal for the volunteers

• Provide unique entertainment such as storytelling, music, magic tricks, etc.

• Volunteer coordinator: Rev. Kay Lancaster 

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Community Events

Events like Trunk or Treat, Easter Egg Hunt, and Book Carnival always need volunteers and donations so we can welcome our neighbors and church families to celebrate together. Contact our Director of Family Formation, Betsy Spencer, if interested.

 

Worship & Technology Volunteers

A Worship and Technology Volunteer is responsible for supporting the technical aspects of worship services. This includes running

the soundboard to ensure clear audio for in-person and online attendees, managing the livestream to broadcast services on platforms like YouTube or Facebook, and overseeing video and projection elements such as displaying lyrics, scripture, and media. Volunteers may also assist with recording services for later use, troubleshooting technical issues, and coordinating with the worship team to ensure smooth transitions between service elements. Training is provided, and a willingness to learn new technology is essential. Contact the church office if interested. 

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Ushers & Greeters

Ushers and Greeters play a vital role in creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere at church. Greeters welcome everyone at the entrance, offering a smile, handshake, or hug and helping guests feel at home, modeling God’s love for us. Ushers assist by guiding people to their seats, distributing bulletins, and offering necessary assistance throughout the service. They also help with the offering, communion, and ensuring the sanctuary remains orderly. Both positions are key to providing hospitality, offering directions, and answering questions, ensuring that every person feels valued and cared for from the moment they arrive. 

Contact our Music & Worship Director, Sean Hale, if interested.

 

Summer Camps

Our camps wouldn't be the same without our amazing volunteers! We invite you to join us as a camp volunteer this summer - there are many opportunities for you to share your gifts! Contact our Director of Family Formation, Betsy Spencer, if interested.