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. 

An Update from Not Here Ministries (October 2018)

Did you know that Not Here Ministry counts on 20+ folks every week?

• It takes drivers to pick up donated food at all the contributing locations.
• It takes individuals to sort and separate all the food, clothing and personal items.
• It takes a crew of dedicated chefs and sous chefs to plan and prepare delicious menus.
• It takes passionate people to serve our guests at Hope Chapel every Thursday.
• It takes clean up and maintenance persons.

Did you know food is donated from several local restaurants?

• Outback Steakhouse
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• Bonefish Grill
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (Northlake)
• Chick-fil-A (Denver location)
• Little Caesars (Cornelius location)

A Special thank you to all of these fine establishments and if you are there to patronize them, please make sure to make mention of how much their donations are appreciated.

Did you know Not Here Ministry serves over 200 people every week?

Each Thursday 100-150 people are served a hot meal at a sit done lunch. Through the blessing of all the food donations, Not Here is able to supplement additional ministries stretching the mission even further feeding many families, as well as individuals.

Did you know many of the folks who are served take on the role of serving?

A beautiful part of this ministry is the pride many of our guests take in helping Not Here set-up, serve and tear-down. True relationship is being established and a Christian comradery is evident.

Did you know there is nourishing for the soul as well?

Charles Dirico (previously affiliated with HUMC) is pastor to Thrift United Methodist. He offers a service inside the Hope Chapel every week. It is a beautiful interactive worship complete with talented musicians and communion.

Several parishioners from Thrift support the service and also serve beside Not Here at the meal.

Did you know the Not Here ministry thrives as a result of HUMC support?

This ministry is very thankful for the many ways this church has helped by providing financial assistance, food, clothing, hygiene items. The blessing of all the valuable volunteers and the prayers of the people sustain Not Here.

THANK YOU!!!!

Finally, to learn more about Not Here or how to be involved, please feel free to contact Kirk Sipe @ 704-996-0574 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.