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April 2011
A Few UMF Grantees
Sharing Their Ministry Ideas with You
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Greetings!

Since 1999 the United methodist Founation has provided small grants to churhes and related agencies to encourage new and emerging minstries.Here are three of 26 grantees funded in 2011.

 

 

United Methodist Foundation Grants Program
 
The Foundation annually offers grants for creative ministry.  More than $600,000 has been given since the program started.  Find out more... 
 
 

 

garden harvest

The Harvest at Common Ground

 

 

 

 

cupcakes

3rd Tuesday Desserts!

 

  
  
  
  

garden plantingCommon Ground

In 2010, Gary Memorial and Winfield UMCs partnered to establish a Community Garden Ministry.  Winfield had the land and both churches furnished seeds and many community volunteers worked in this garden patch.

 

First year Results:  750 pounds of organic produce harvested and donated to the local food pantry.  Children expereience the cycle of life: planting, cultivating, harvesting and finally eating the vegetables!

 

For this year's garden, the United Methodist Foundation provided a grant to build a natural irrigation system for the garden.  Ground has been turned and the beds expanded. Stayed tuned for news of the harvest which will again benefit their community.

 

          Does your church have land that might make a veggie garden patch? 

                                               Gather the gardeners!

To learn more, contact Fred Wayland 
3rd tues logo3rd Tuesday Suppers 

No reservations. No tickets.  Just show up.

It is no secret. Third Tuesday Suppers at the United Methodist Church of Geneva is THE place to be each month!

 

Tables have tablecloths, fresh seasonal flowers and candles.  Two buffet lines are set. And the food is delicious, of course.

 

The ministry launched in October 2009 as a response to the global recession, unstable local and national economies and mass uncertainty about the future.  Geneva United Methodist Church decided to offer a few hours of respite, a sanctuary from the frenzy of the world.  That first Third Tuesday they served 119 meals. 

 

Results: They now serve more than 500 meals monthly.  People across ages and life situations look forward to coming.

 

Welcoming their neighbors to break bread, Geneva UMC offers a no-strings attached, free meal to all who come.  The Foundation made a small grant to affirm this world-class way to offer Christian hospitality.  Single parents, traditional families, older adults living alone, single young adults, those between jobs, those employed or retired - all are welcomed.  And they can anticipate next month's menu by checking it out online.

 

Most UMCs know how to make and serve delicious food. 

 Might your church start a Second Wednesday or Fourth Monday Supper?

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To learn more, contact Beth Kucera  

 

In Ministry with the Troops 

Faith UMC in Lisle may be a relatively small congregation, but they have global-similitary supportzed
hearts.  So they developed a Military Ministry Partnership with the 416th TEC Combat Engineering Reserve Unit, located in nearby Darien.  Working with the local army chaplain, church members pray  daily by name for each soldier deployed to Afghanistan - for their safety, for their families, affirming their courage in dangerous, unsettled territory.

 

And they don't stop there.  They provide devotional materials for soldiers and their families, personal notes of encouragement and periodic homemade goodies.  They practice a ministry of presence at deployment and welcoming home.  They participate in holiday parties for the families of their troops. Most recently they began an online Bible study. 

 

Results: The first group deployed returned without physical injury.  The support has expanded to the family members who must wait.

 

Another group of fifty 416th TEC soldiers were recently deployed.  Prayer, support and encouragement continue. The Foundation grant furnished devotional materials for the troops and their families.

 

Does your church have pray-ers, writers, bakers

that might start a Military Support Ministry?

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To learn more, contact Jim Rendel
  

 

  

 

 
Did you know...
You can make a tax deductible gift designated to any of our grantees through the Foundation's website.  To get more information or donate now, click here!