Freed by God’s grace, called to be the body of Christ, and led by the Holy Spirit, Idlewild extends its hands to all in need and helps build a more just, inclusive, and welcoming community in Memphis and beyond.
As we walk alongside the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner, Idlewild embraces a ministry of outreach that is both consistent and evolving. Through the areas of Compassion and Justice, Children and Families, and Worldwide Missions, Idlewild’s people embody their faith through extravagant generosity.
“Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, 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, 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.’ 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? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.'"
Idlewild is a long-time adopter of Idlewild Elementary – a neighborhood public school. Every week, those involved in this ministry provide tutoring in reading and math. They also serve as readers in kindergarten classes. This partnership enables us to show God’s love to children.
If you are interested in serving, please contact Stephanie Rodda or sign up here.
Through Living Waters for the World, a PC(USA) ministry, Idlewild members have installed multiple water purification systems throughout Ghana. In addition to installing these systems, our volunteers train people in Ghana to sustain these systems and to install more, empowering them to provide clean water access to other communities.
Our Compassion Fund provides financial help for those needing emergency assistance with rent, utility bills, and prescription medication. While this fund is part of Idlewild’s operating budget, it also greatly benefits from generous donations. To donate to the Compassion Fund, please mail or bring a check to the church with “Compassion Fund” in the memo line.
Donations may also be made online via Realm.
(Choose “Compassion Fund Payment” in Realm’s Fund drop-down menu.)
Through its Community Support Grants, Idlewild Presbyterian Church seeks to respond to the call of God to minister to the needs and hurts of people by providing annual funding to community nonprofits that provide compassionate services to the hungry, prisoners, the homeless, the sick and those living on the margins of society or with a unique, unmet need in the metro Memphis area.
Learn more about Idlewild’s Community Support Grants.
Applications will reopen January 2024.
In a partnership of mutual love and support with Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church in Cardenas, Cuba, Idlewild seeks to grow together in Christ across cultural, political, systemic, and experiential barriers. Through this congregational partnership, members of Juan G. Hall and Idlewild experience from each other the power of God’s love, the meaning of being siblings in Christ, and the joy of sharing with – and learning from – one another. This relationship is nourished through visits that develop friendships and increase understanding.
In partnership with Calvary Church, this ministry offers caring support to Mental Health Court participants as well as court officials – the judge, defense lawyers, case managers, and prosecutor. Volunteers meet at Calvary Church and walk to 201 Poplar where they visit with clients before court and listen as their cases are heard in court.
In partnership with the Binghampton community, Idlewild’s McMerton Gardens nourishes others through fresh tomatoes, okra, green beans, and various other vegetables.
Every Saturday morning, volunteer gardeners from Idlewild – alongside Binghampton’s residents, neighbors, and friends – plant, tend, and harvest the gardens’ produce. Additionally, Binghampton’s children share in this care of our earth, and through the process, learn about gardening, fresh food, and money management.
The Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) is a regional faith-and-value-based coalition working for social justice in the Memphis area, particularly in the areas of education, economic equity, and race and class equity in the justice system. As a founding member of MICAH, Idlewild participates in the life of the organization through membership on the board and participation in task forces. Idlewild’s MICAH Core Team meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Please email us if you would like to get involved.
In partnership with Memphis Area Legal Services, Idlewild organizes, promotes, and hosts two free legal clinics each year – one in the spring and one in the fall. These clinics offer assistance to anyone who seeks it.
If you are interested in volunteering for a legal clinic in the future, please reach out to the Reverend Courtnay Veazey. Volunteers with legal background will assist guests with legal advice. All other volunteers will help ensure the clinic runs smoothly.
This relational ministry offers a hot meal and a safe space for connection to anyone who is physically and spiritually hungry. Every Thursday evening Idlewild provides an evening prayer service and a hot meal to all those in need.
Volunteers worship and connect with our guests, serve them meals, play music, pray, and clean up after the dinner is finished. For more detailed information about the overall schedule and volunteer roles/responsibilities, click here.
Additionally, our guests often ask volunteers a variety of questions.
Click here for a list of those frequently asked questions and how to best respond.
No Longer Strangers shows love and support for immigrant neighbors locally, nationally, and abroad through:
– Good Neighbor/Welcome Teams: welcome newcomer families by donating furniture, setting up housing, or assisting in other ways including providing transportation to appointments
– Advocacy and Action: opt into e-mail updates from this ministry and reach out to local, state, and federal legislators on behalf of just immigration
– Travel: travel to the US/Mexico border with Frontera de Cristo in 2024
Additionally, No Longer Strangers sells Cafe Justo, an organic, fair trade coffee, after worship on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, and we would love your help there!
For more information, please e-mail NoLongerStrangers@idlewildchurch.org.
Room in the Inn shelters those experiencing homelessness in a safe environment of hospitality.
On the first and third Thursday evenings during the months of November through March, Idlewild partners with Room in the Inn to graciously host women needing shelter by providing dinner, a warm and safe place to shower and sleep, and breakfast. Various opportunities for people of all ages are available.
