HPUMC Centennial Stories

Stories from our previous 100 years as we look to the future!

The Seven Core Values of HPUMC: Outreach

As we begin to look toward our next hundred years in ministry, HPUMC Outreach is constantly trying to develop strategies to break the cycles of asset and spiritual poverty both here in Dallas, and around the world. We take very seriously the call of Jesus in Matthew 25.

34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, [a] you did it to me.’

Our mission as a church to help people become deeply devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that deeply devoted followers of Jesus Christ serve the “least of these” as directed in Matthew 25.

How do we do this?

Highland Park United Methodist Church reaches out, beyond the walls of the church, into our community and around the world, with the goal of providing HELP and HOPE to those in need. We provide tools such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care, which help people improve their lives. In combination with the love and care of our Savior Jesus Christ, hope is born in the hearts of those who are struggling, and all involved are transformed.

As our church prepares to enter our second century, we do so with a rich heritage of serving our neighbors in need both here in Dallas and around the world.  These are just a few examples of our ministries:

  • In 1929, HPUMC supported Rev. Hubert Sone as a missionary to China.  That effort continued until 1951.
  • Georgia Bates, a nurse, was our missionary in West Dallas from 1939-1973.  Her work was a precursor to the Visiting Nurses Association and Meals on Wheels.  After her retirement, Jan McClendon and Henry Gilchrist continued her work and today over 150 of our members drive for Meals on Wheels!
  • In 1971, Rev. Bill Dickinson founded Dickinson Place to provide homes for low income seniors.
  • In 1975, Rev. Ken Dickson and Dr. Otto Wilbanks founded the Haiti Eye Clinic.  This clinic remains our longest standing Global Ministry.  One of the buildings was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.  The work of Dr. Wilbanks’ daughters, Susan Brooks and Caroline Hazlett made the rebuilding possible and today our teams have returned to bring sight to the blind in Haiti.
  • In 1983, Dr. Barbara Baxter of our congregation founded the Agape Clinic in east Dallas.  This year the clinic will serve 10,000 patients who otherwise could not afford medical care.
  • In 1995, Carpenters for Christ was founded and today is the largest faith based Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the world.  By February of 2016, we will have completed 300 homes for families.  
  • In 2006, HPUMC formed a partnership with Lidia and Ray Zirkel to begin construction on the Methodist Children’s Home of Costa Rica.  Today two homes are completed and three more are on the way!
  • In 2014, 550 people went on mission trips with our church.  Our church served in places like San Antonio, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

As we move to the future, we will continue our commitment to help our neighbors in need in the name of Jesus Christ. We hope that in our actions to help alleviate poverty that our neighbors will see the hope of Jesus Christ!


Category: Outreach
Decade: 1920's, 1930's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's, 2010's

How will you participate in helping our neighbors?

There are so many options, from sorting clothes for one of partner ministries, to mentoring a student to going on a mission trip.  Please visit http://www.hpumc.org/serve/ and let us know you want to join us in bringing help and hope to our neighbors in need.


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Centennial celebration honors rich legacy of past generations

All-Church Worship - Feb. 22, 2014

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