Dear Church Family,
The Missions Team has spent the past year devoting itself to many causes, and doing many good works. We have raised an astonishing amount of donations from our little church, and our church family that is willing to give so much. The contributions we have made are bringing good news to people all over the world.
We are a humble church, a church of (mostly) teachers and farmers and artists. It does not feel true to keep asking the church family for more and more money, when this is not where the resources of our church are strongest. While we will continue to fundraise, our heart will be shifting in two directions. One, encouraging you to share your presence, talents, service, and witness. And two, focusing on the basic needs of our local area as our missions focal point.
Methodists are warriors. We are respected the world over as champions for the poor and the average person. We are known you being the first ones in the trenches when disaster strikes. Who better to lead the charge to help the needy in our area, than our house of worship and our wonderful church family?
While we will continue to support various missions projects, and offer our support to members of the congregation as they feel moved, we will be shining a spotlight on the needs of the most vulnerable in our area, and how we can help those who can’t help themselves.
There is a real need, right here in our backyards, for basic things like food and shelter. Can you imagine not having enough food in your cupboards, and choosing to skip a meal so your children get enough? Or not having enough money for heat, so you wrap your kids in hats and mittens to sleep comfortably? These are challenges families are facing, and if we can have an impact on the quality of life for someone, we believe this is a worthy challenge.
As John Wesley preached, “Do all the good you can.” This quote boils down the essence of what it is to be in our church, from the lay leaders all the way down to a first-time visitor. We all need to take a step back from our busy lives, and our first-world problems, and gain some perspective on the blessings we have, and how we can share some of them.
Thank you,
The Missions Team
