Nestled in the heart of the Oakland Park neighborhood in Columbus, Asbury United Methodist Church may be small in number, but its Christ-like impact on the community is nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2019, Asbury has embraced a bold and Spirit-led vision: to become “the heart of the community” by serving as a Community Resource Center. Even amid the setbacks and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregation remained steadfast in its mission.
Serving the Community is Not Optional It’s Essential
In the fall of 2025, Asbury UMC received an Ethnic Local Church grant from the General Board of Church and Society in the amount of $2,500 to support its Healthy Heart Project. This funding was designed to help the congregation more effectively serve a densely populated, diverse, and transient community facing significant language, education, and transportation barriers. The grant strengthens ongoing efforts to inform neighbors about monthly medical, dental, and nutrition assistance while expanding the congregation’s capacity for meaningful outreach. In a season of change and opportunity, Asbury UMC demonstrates what many small-membership churches are rediscovering: that collaboration is not optional; it is essential.
“Grant funding and community partnerships are essential for strengthening the church’s impact beyond Sunday morning worship,” said Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed, Director of Diversity and Justice Ministries in South Georgia. “Real ministry happens when we meet people where they are. The power of collaboration and community is transformative, and Asbury UMC is committed to setting that example. Great things happen when the laity work side by side with their pastor. The congregation decided they wanted to be the heart of the community—and they are living that decision every day.”
Medical Care Made Accessible to Community
Asbury began hosting monthly Mobile Medical and Dental Clinics in partnership with Valley Healthcare. These onsite clinics bring access to care directly into the neighborhood, eliminating one of the greatest barriers families face: transportation. During the summer months, The Food Mill joined the effort through its Mobile Farmers Market, bringing fresh produce from local farms into an area formally labeled a “food desert.” In addition, residents receiving SNAP benefits were able to purchase produce at half price. The Healthy Heart Project grant further offset costs by providing vouchers so every family could receive $10 of fresh produce at no cost.
The combined result has been powerful: improved access to healthcare, increased nutrition opportunities, and renewed trust between church and community. More importantly, neighbors have begun to see the church not only as a worship space, but as a place of welcome, compassion, and hope.
“We want to be known as the heart of the community,” said Rev. Michael Powell, pastor of Asbury UMC. “Our goal is simply to live out the gospel and to serve and to love as Christ did. That is our motivation, and that is our prayer.”
The fruits of these consistent efforts have become increasingly visible in recent months. Neighbors now recognize Asbury not only by its steeple, but by its open doors. Families return month after month to receive care. Relationships are forming. Trust is growing. Laughter and conversation fill the church lawn on clinic days. Children leave with fresh fruit in their hands and smiles on their faces. Seniors share gratitude for medical and dental support they otherwise could not access.
Through the Healthy Heart Project, Asbury UMC continues to serve as hope and resiliency to a community still experiencing the lingering effects of the pandemic. The congregation has embraced a simple yet profound truth: when the church moves beyond its walls, the gospel comes alive.
Your Generosity Helps Others
By supporting your local congregation’s outreach ministries, you impact lives of your surrounding communities and those around the world. No matter what part of the world we live in, your generosity can reach across oceans and help churches like Asbury United Methodist Church help those that are less fortunate.
excerpt from a story by Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed, Director of Diversity and Justice Ministries, South Georgia Conference
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. The overarching purpose of The United Methodist Church is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A vital congregation is one that is effectively engaged in this mission. Together, we become a powerful force for healing, growth, and transformation—living out the Gospel in every corner of the globe.
