Not Here Ministries
Not Here Ministries is a ministry of HUMC with the sole purpose of helping the least of these. Starting in June of 2015, we began preparing food on a weekly basis to carry down to the inner streets of Charlotte, NC. Our goal was to distribute food to the homeless and those in need. When we started, we simply set up on the sidewalk, passed out food to whoever was hungry, and spoke of the love of Christ. Just as God’s Grace is free for all, so is our food. After constantly being told how much people like what we were doing, but couldn’t do it where we were, we decided to call ourselves, Not Here Ministries. Since then, we have been given permission to serve at a local homeless church called The Hope Chapel, where you will find us serving every Thursday from 11:30-1pm. Our ministry has grown tremendously in its first year of operation. We started off serving around 40 people each week with food and drink. Now we serve approximately 150 people each week with food, drink, clothes, toiletries, and the “Bread of Life”. All are welcome to join us in being the hands and feet of Jesus. For more information about this ministry read our Did You Know section.
An Update from Not Here Ministries (August 2019)
Not Here Ministry continues to go strong through these hot and humid summer months. Thanks to our faithful volunteers continuing to dedicate each week to picking up food donations, meal preparation, sorting clothing, serving delicious food and just being a presence to neighbors in need of nourishment and fellowship.
Each Thursday the orange trailer is pulled in front of the Hope Chapel courtyard and an average of 170 guests are greeted, feed and given HOPE showing the love of Christ by the band of angels who make this a designated part of their week.
Some of our ongoing needs are men and women’s clothing and shoes. Socks and under garments are always a needed item, as well as toiletries and insect repellant. There is a labeled “NOT HERE” area in the foyer of the church to accept donations.
There are numerous ways to physically participate in this rewarding ministry. Thursday is not our only day designated to Not Here. It actually takes a number of days and ways to make our Thursdays happen. If you have any interest in finding out more, please contact Kirk & Krista Sipe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Our guests have come to rely on the Orange Trailer to appear every Thursday, come rain, shine or HOT weather. Not Here is not just a blessing to others. It is a rewarding blessing to serve in His Name!
Not Here Ministry is not a lined item on the church budget. Yet, thanks to the generosity of time and money from several individuals, the mission continues to thrive.