Mission Notes
February 1, 2012 by Pastor Dave Scifres
MISSIONS OUTREACH NEWS
“We are sent to serve God in our World”
Mark 12:31 (NIV)
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
“Times are tough” –
We hear that each and every day as we read the paper, watch television, and listen to the radio. Many of us see it at the Salvation Army with the increase in numbers eating the free lunches as well as the ever-increasing drain on local food pantries.
We feel it with every food item placed in the 34 backpacks being sent home each and every Thursday so that a few of the many children in need have something to eat on weekends.
Our calling as God’s people is to serve. Our mission as His church is to provide the means for all to serve. Missions Outreach is actively working on programming to do just that. Faith Promise will support those programs financially but we also need the support of each and every member and friend of Main Street UMC through active involvement. Your Missions Outreach Committee will provide a monthly list of how you can actively serve God in our community.
February 14 (aka Valentine’s Day) – what a wonderful time to revisit the words of Mark 12:31!
February Mission Focus – “something for everyone”
- Food Pantry – any and all non-perishable items needed
Focus this month - paper products and personal hygiene items
- Birthright baby bottle fundraiser – baby bottles will be handed out after worship and available in the office for pick-up. We are asked to fill the bottles with “pocket” change and return to church by March 1st. This money will be used to provide formula for the youngest in our community.
- Reward Cards and “Buy one get one free” deals – consider donating these items
- Backpack Ministry – 2nd Thursday of each month (7:30 am for about 20 minutes) a small group is needed to meet at a local church to pack food into 34 backpacks. Please call the Church office for more information or to sign up.
- Troop Support – the needs of our military troops continue. Care packages will be sent out the end of February. An updated list of suggested items will be available in the back of the sanctuary and at our donation center outside the sanctuary. Magazines are not needed at this time. Cards and letters are always appreciated. Especially enjoyed are cards, letters, and drawings by the little ones – the continued freedom for this generation is exactly why so many of these soldiers, airmen, and sailors have volunteered to serve.
Missions Outreach is an open committee. Anyone interested in visiting our meetings or with suggestions for mission needs/ministry work in our community is encouraged to contact a committee member.
Looking forward to seeing you all at our FAITH PROMISE celebration, February 19!
Serving to the Glory of God,
Missions Outreach Committee
