Help neighbors choose groceries
A good fit if you enjoy hospitality, organizing food, or helping create a dignified shopping experience. Current roles and shifts depend on Pantry needs.
Start with the Food Pantry →Volunteer in San Antonio
Put faith into action. Serve with your neighbors.
Service at Northern Hills is more than a one-day project. It is a relationship: showing up, learning names, sharing gifts, and helping create the conditions where every neighbor can flourish.
Service to others
Start with what you care about.
You do not need a perfect schedule or a special title. Some people serve weekly, others help with a seasonal project, and some begin with one conversation. We will help you find a role that fits your availability, gifts, and comfort level.
What service makes possible
Volunteers sustain the work every week.
In 2025, volunteers contributed more than 250 hours each week across Ministry Center programs. Seventy percent served as certified United Methodist Lay Servants, bringing both practical skill and a tradition of compassionate care.
250+Volunteer hours each week
70%Certified UMC Lay Servants
19,205Family food-support visits
Ways to volunteer
Where would you like to make a difference?
Practice English with a neighbor
A good fit for patient listeners and encouraging conversation partners. Mentors help learners build confidence through steady, real-world English practice.
Start as an ESL mentor →Help younger people belong
Support Sunday School, youth ministry, special events, or student-parent childcare. Roles involving minors require a background check and Safe Gatherings training.
Explore children and student ministries →Make room for someone new
Greeters, ushers, musicians, production volunteers, and hospitality teams help people know where to go and feel that there is a seat for them.
Choose a worship gathering →Walk alongside a neighbor
Prayer, visitation, grief support, recovery, counseling support, and community health roles require compassion. Training, supervision, and privacy requirements vary.
Understand family support →Join the next hands-on opportunity
A good starting point for one-time or seasonal availability. Published service projects change throughout the year.
View this week and the full calendar →A good first step
Tell us where you want to begin.
Call the church office or use the contact form. Tell us what interests you, how often you may be available, and whether you prefer serving with people, behind the scenes, or on a practical project.
Volunteer questions
What to know before you serve.
How can I volunteer with Northern Hills UMC?
Start by contacting the church office or choosing an area above. Share what interests you and when you are usually available, and the team will connect you with a current opportunity.
Do I have to be a church member to volunteer?
Many service opportunities welcome people who are not members. Some roles involving children, confidential care, leadership, or church systems have additional membership, training, or screening requirements.
Can families serve together?
Some projects are suitable for families, while others have age or safety requirements. Ask about the specific opportunity so the team can recommend a good fit for every person in your household.
What is required to volunteer with children or students?
Staff and volunteers who work with children and students must complete required background screening and Safe Gatherings training before serving in those roles.
Are there one-time and ongoing service opportunities?
Yes. Opportunities vary from seasonal projects to recurring teams. The current calendar shows published events, and the church office can help match you with an ongoing ministry.