Give Your Time (Volunteer)
Interested in Volunteering?
Are you interested in volunteering at First United Methodist Church? Do you need community service hours for school? Are you interested in giving back to your community? Then we’d love to have you!
We have many volunteer opportunities in our church, including helping with events including our Pasty Bakes, Community Luncheons, Annual Backpack Event, and other activities. To get started, simply fill out the volunteer form or contact Pastor Lee or the church office.
Serving Safely
The safety and well-being of everyone in our church family, especially our children and youth, are important to us. Our church follows applicable Pennsylvania child protection laws and United Methodist Safe Sanctuaries guidelines to help provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Under 18: Youth volunteers generally do not need background clearances for typical church activities, but supervision and role-specific requirements may apply.
Adults 18 or older (not working with children or youth): Background clearances may not be required, depending on the volunteer role and responsibilities. Please check with the church office.
Adults Working with Children or Youth: Adult volunteers must complete all required background clearances, screening, and training before serving.
Required Background Clearances
When required for the individual’s role, the following three clearances must be obtained:
- Pennsylvania Criminal History Report from the Pennsylvania State Police.
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
- Federal Criminal History Report from the FBI, which requires fingerprinting through the Pennsylvania State Police.
Pennsylvania law allows certain individuals who have lived in Pennsylvania for the past 10 consecutive years and meet the applicable eligibility requirements to submit a notarized affidavit in place of the fingerprint-based FBI criminal history check.
Volunteering with Children and Youth
All clergy and paid church staff members, as well as volunteers serving in roles involving children and youth, must meet the applicable background clearance, screening, training, and other requirements before serving, in accordance with Pennsylvania law and the Eastern PA Conference’s Safe Sanctuaries policy.
Requirements depend on the individual’s age, responsibilities, and volunteer role. Volunteers who help care for, supervise, guide, or oversee children and youth, or who regularly interact with them as part of their volunteer role, should contact the church office to confirm the requirements that apply before serving.
First UMC Volunteer Application
