Our Missions

This Month’s Mission Emphasis

The Fennimore United Methodist Mission/Social Concerns has designated the Mission offering, for the month of January, to go to THE WORLD HUNGER/POVERTY PROGRAM of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).  Our offerings will not only supply food for hungry people, but also helps poor countries move forward with development.   Seeds, tools and training are provided to enable people to grow their own food.

FACTS ABOUT HUNGER/POVERTY

• Twenty percent of people in the developing world are chronically undernourished.
• More than one-third of the people in the world lack the vitamins and minerals they need to learn, work, and achieve their full potential.
• In the United States, an estimated 30 million people cannot afford to buy enough food to maintain good health.
• Worldwide, more than 1.3 billion people live on less than the equivalent of $1.00 U.S. per day.
• The world produces enough food for everyone to have 2,500 calories a day–150 more than the basic minimum if it were distributed equally.
• The industrial countries contain only 20 percent of the world’s population but consume 80 percent of its resources.
• Every year in the developing world, 13 million children under the age of five die of malnutrition and related preventable diseases.
• African American workers earn less than 80 percent of what white workers earn.
• There are four hungry children for every woman living in poverty.
• In Bangladesh, 85 percent of older workers consume less than 2,000 calories per day.

“If you are rich and see your brother and sister in need, yet close your heart against them, how can you claim that love for God lives in your heart?”  I John 3:17-18

For the entire month the Cans found in the offering plates on Sunday are being used to collect funds for the Monthly Mission offering.

Donations of more sizable amounts can be placed in an envelope marked JANUARY MISSION, and sent to the Church Office, or put in the offering plates on Sunday.  All checks should be made out to Fennimore United Methodist Church, with Mission Offering designation marked on the line provided on the check.

COME FOR SUPPER

We continue to help host the Community Supper her at the Fennimore UMC.  The idea for this event originated with a couple people from our congregation but it is NOT just our congregation/church that provides for it. It is supported STRICTLY by donations from the community and participating community churches. Yearly we send out a letter asking for donations from community organizations & businesses, but God continues to provide for us and throughout the last year we received enough donations to continue to support the meals, each month receiving over $100 and many food donations.
It is a FREE meal for ALL FENNIMORE community members. It is NOT just for those struggling financially, it is for everyone. Everyone has needs; the needs just vary. We can not stress this enough! Its been wonderful to see a wide range of people join us for supper and sit and visit for long periods of time.

When we started in January 2010 we served 122 people, in November 2010 we served 285. As you can see, its an idea that has been embraced by many and we hope to see it continue to grow. Not only for those attending, but also by those willing to work/serve at them.

Our core group and volunteer base is fantastic and its been great to see the different organizations, clubs, & groups volunteer to work at the meals. If you or a group you know maybe interested in helping out at a meal, please contact Pauline Ames, she’s our volunteer coordinator.  We continue to host the meals at our church for many reasons. Our church mission statement indicates we serve our community & those around us; Its easily handicap accessible; its known as an “ecumenical” church and our willingness to hold it; and above all – people remember ONE location, rather than switching them often between the churches. Cost to our congregation is minimal compared to the benefits of many.

The future of COME FOR SUPPER is exciting. Each month we will continue to share the responsibilities of the meal with participating community churches and residences. In February St. Peters Lutheran Church group will prepare the meal, although others will again help serve and work the meal. In March and April Fennimore United Methodist Church is responsible for preparing & setting up/serving the meal. (HINT; we’ll be asking for volunteers & donations)

Again, no single month is run by only one church or group, it takes many to make this work – that’s why its so amazing to see the concept so alive in our community. If you have never attended a meal, please plan to so you can experience this wonderful opportunity. If you haven’t served at one, please consider doing that as well, its very fulfilling to serve others, and there is many ways to serve, some jobs don’t take a lot of physical energy, just a smile & some love.
We hope this helps people understand what COME FOR SUPPER is about. If you have future questions or concerns about the meal, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the core members; we‘d be happy to answer your questions. Hope to see you at COME FOR SUPPER!

“10:33”

We have another new addition to our church.  It is a volunteer group called “10:33″.  You maybe asking why 10:33, look into your bible – Luke 10:33, that will explain everything! Adults from the small group “Live Like You Were Dying” decided we needed to serve others. So, we’re a group of individuals that want to help & serve others, just as God commands in Luke 10:27. When you need something done you can contact us. We can do major or minor things – just contact us. For example, you need windows washed, light bulbs changed, trim painted, whatever. We’re starting with only our church family and depending on how things go, we’re open to expanding to others.

We’re doing service to others, we’re not for hire and we don’t carry insurance or anything like that. If supplies are needed you are responsible for the cost of supplies and getting them. If you need help getting supplies, that’s something we could offer to help with as well. If you’d like some help with something, please contact Randy & Rose Mouw.  They will contact the entire group and make arrangements.