Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network  WIHN is an agency dedicated to correcting homelessness in Wake County. As a host congregation, Soapstone opens our doors for one week, four times a year, so that families may receive dinner and a place to sleep. We also provide breakfast and food for lunches and transportation to and from the WIHN Day Center.
Families who enter the Network are provided with professional case management and assistance on a daily basis at the Day Center, helping them access the resources available and providing the support that they need. Approximately 70% of WIHN families succeed in moving into independent living. Backpack Project This annual summer project collects backpacks and school supplies through Vacation Bible School, Sunday School Classes, and Worship. The supplies are provided to children in need identified through Wake County Social Workers.
Food Drives  On Communion Sundays, food is collected to support local agencies in Wake County who provide food to families in need. Our collections are donated to the Food Shuttle, Dubois CDC and North Raleigh Ministries. Empty egg cartons are also collected and delivered for use at the Food Shuttle.
Blood Drive
Two times a year Rex Bloodmobile comes to the church and collects blood for the Rex Blood Bank. Approximately 51 pints are collected at each drive from members, friends and the community. Alternative MarketOn the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Soapstone sponsors a sale of items from 10,000 Villages, a fair trade organization. Through this organization, artisans in third world counties are able to make a living and provide for their families. Items come from Africa, India, Mexico and several other countries and offer a wonderful variety and uniqueness to Christmas shopping. The sale is offered as a service to 10,000 Villages. Race of Grace
The Race of Grace is a weekend long event held each year at the end of April. On Sat. a 25 and 50 mile bike ride leaves Louisburg College and winds its way through scenic and serene Franklin County. Our cornerstone event on Sunday is a family friendly 5K walk/run through downtown Raleigh. In the past five years, the Race has raised over $245,000 for local agencies caring for those in need of food, shelter, and adequate healthcare. Soapstone UMC led the way in helping the race get started and has been a sponsor every year! Ramp Building Several times a year, volunteers build ramps for senior citizens in Wake County who are confined to a wheelchair and have no ramp at home allowing them to continue outings and daily activities. This is coordinated through Resources for Seniors. Short-term Missions For Adults, Families & YouthSoapstone sponsors short-term mission team trips to national and international locations. There are usually teams for adults, families and youth. Each team participates in a program with an established missionary group -- offering many opportunities for spiritual growth. Short-term mission teams are an excellent way to gain a deeper faith and love for Jesus Christ and to share (or learn to share) your faith with other people on a personal level. Book SaleDuring the year, our church members donate books they have finished reading or old books that are just collecting dust on the shelves. Then in the fall, we hold a sale of all the books we've collected. These books are sold a bargain prices, and lots of people in the community attend to purchase their fall reading materials. Proceeds from this sale are used to supplement our mission's activities such as mission trips or our Giving Tree Christmas project. Crop walkEvery fall, Soapstone participates in the local Crop walk: a community based walk to raise funds for local agencies fighting hunger, as well as international relief and development. Resettling Displaced Families
Soapstone has helped to resettle refugees, hurricane evacuees, and other displaced families by providing donations of household items, moving help and support. Persons with willing hearts, willing hands, or pickup trucks are always needed for short-term projects. Contact Debbie Allen in the church office for information or to volunteer. Christmas Giving Tree Each year during November and December, Soapstone helps local families in need by donating gifts of new clothing, toys and household items through our Giving Tree. The gifts are given to the families at a Christmas party hosted by Soapstone complete with refreshments, games and a pageant depicting the Christmas story.
Special SundaysThroughout the year, six special Sunday School classes are held to focus on our mission in the worlds as well as other topics such as homelessness, foster parenting, and special needs of our returning soldiers. |