Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Allen.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Murray Hill United Methodist Church was originally founded in 1926 as Murray Hill Methodist Church, rooted in a strong commitment to faith, fellowship, and service within the community. In 1968, the congregation embraced its identity as part of the newly formed United Methodist Church, continuing its mission within a broader denominational family while remaining grounded in its local traditions.
In the 1990s, our church’s story was further enriched when we joyfully welcomed members from Wesley UMC. This season of coming together wove diverse stories into one shared community, deepening relationships and strengthening our collective faith journey. Through these years of growth and change, Murray Hill UMC has continued to be shaped by the people who call it home.
Since then, our congregation has grown, evolved, and been transformed in ways we may never have imagined. Yet through every season, we remain confident and assured that God has been faithfully at work among us. Trusting in God’s plan, we continue to move forward with hope, gratitude, and a commitment to serve Christ and our community together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is ever completely smooth. Like any organization rooted in the community, our church has faced its share of challenges. We have experienced financial struggles, much like many individuals and families do. We have navigated seasons of significant change, including the pandemic, when caution and care reshaped how we gathered and worshiped together.
We have also experienced leadership transitions, which can naturally bring uncertainty—because change, while often necessary, can feel unsettling. Along the way, we have adjusted service times and worship settings to better meet the evolving needs of our congregation and community. Through each challenge, we have sought to respond thoughtfully, faithfully, and with hope for what lies ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are a Christ-centered, community-focused organization, guided by our vision: “Good Neighbors, Becoming Better Neighbors.” Murray Hill UMC has a long and meaningful history of supporting feeding ministries throughout the decades. For many years, we served our community through the Kester Kitchen, providing free hot meals to anyone in need.
Because many who came through our doors were experiencing homelessness, we sought to offer more than just a meal. We provided a welcoming place to eat, shelter from the elements, opportunities to shower, and the chance to hear an encouraging message from the Bible. At one point, we were even blessed to offer haircuts as part of this ministry. Our goal was simple and heartfelt: to feed both bodies and souls.
While we are no longer able to offer all the services once provided through the Kester Kitchen, our commitment to serving our neighbors remains strong. Today, we support a monthly food pantry held on the second Saturday of every month. We offer dry goods and nonperishable items to anyone in need, no questions asked and no judgment given. In all we do, we strive to serve our neighbors and share the love of Christ.
What does success mean to you?
Success for us can only be defined by leading people to Christ. We serve our community not simply to meet needs, but to demonstrate the love of Jesus through our actions, not just our words.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://murrayhillumc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murrayhillumcjax/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MurrayHillUMC
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/page/murray-hill-united-methodist-church/
