The Pharr Community
About the people of Pharr UMC
The city of Pharr is in the poorest county in the United States
Hidalgo County, home of the city of Pharr is the poorest county in the United States. Over sixty-percent of the adults in our community do not have a high school education. More than thirty-three percent were born in a foreign country. The average yearly per capita income is roughly $9,600.
We are a people in flux, constantly growing and becoming. Everyday new immigrants flowing across the river are joined by an ever increasing stream of migrants from the northern US creating a powerful current for change. It is our belief that wherever cultures collide God is creating something brand new, making a new people of those who were not a people. This makes the Rio Grande Valley one of the most exciting places in the United States to do ministry.
How We Serve through PCOP
Pharr UMC responds to the needs of the community through a strong grass roots ministry of caring and sharing known as the Pharr Community Outreach Program (PCOP)/Shalom. Since 2002 more than a 1,200 people have participated in English as a Second Language, GED, computer, ‘Parents helping Parents’ and various other life skills programs and classes offered at the Pharr Church.
Working with Others in Our Community
The people of the Pharr UMC are known throughout Methodism and beyond for their strong commitment to doing justice in the local community. Daily outreach to those in need of legal help offers our local immigrants to obtain citizenship.