First United Methodist Church of Lakeland Partners with Dream Center to Help Provide New Shower Facilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lakeland, FL — July 18, 2025
First United Methodist Church of Lakeland Partners with Dream Center to Help Provide New Shower Facilities
First United Methodist Church of Lakeland is proud to announce a new partnership with the Dream Center of Lakeland to construct public shower facilities for members of our community experiencing housing insecurity.
“As a church rooted in the love of Christ, we believe every person—regardless of their circumstances—deserves dignity,” said Rev. Dr. Charley Reeb, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. “That’s why we are honored to support this effort with a $17,000 gift to help create safe, accessible showers for our unhoused neighbors.
This project is about more than plumbing and concrete—it’s about restoring humanity, offering hope, and affirming that no one is forgotten. We are called to serve, to love, and to walk alongside our community in tangible, meaningful ways. This is the gospel in action.”
As United Methodists, being missional is not just another program—it is part of our Wesleyan identity. From John Wesley’s tireless advocacy for the vulnerable to the modern church’s mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (Book of Discipline, ¶120), our mission is clear.
“We are called as Jesus followers to reach out in love to those who need it most,” said Forrest White, Director of Missions Ministries. “That’s why the Dream Center’s commitment to build a shower facility on its campus deeply resonates with us.
The Dream Center is committed to encouraging those who use the facility to engage with First UMC ministry partners—such as Talbot House, Lighthouse Ministries, and The Salvation Army—as they seek life transformation. We know this: Jesus loves the women and men who will sleep on our streets tonight just as much as those who live in earthly mansions. When we fail to let that kind of love flow through us to them, we’re missing the very essence of the Gospels.”
The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles remind us: “We affirm the right of all persons to live in dignity and safety, free of the dehumanizing effects of poverty.” This project represents that commitment—Christian love in action (1 John 3:18).
Construction of the new facilities will begin next week, with a targeted completion date in late September 2025.
www.firstumc.org
(863) 686-3163
72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801
