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UMCM's E-News August 2007
In This Issue
Union St. Vacation Bible School
Upcoming Workshops
Backpack Event
Attention Students
Employment
Quote of the Month
Einstein
Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.
-Albert Einstein

 Union St. UMC Hosts First Bilingual VBS

VBS Union Street 07In March of this year, Union Street UMC began a new Hispanic ministry in response to the needs of a changing neighborhood.  Reaching the children is important for any new ministry, and Vacation Bible School is one of the best ways to launch a children's ministry. Over 30 children, aged 4-11, attended Union Street's first bilingual VBS. Twenty-five of those children were Hispanic and none of those who attended were currently members of our church. Many of the children and their families are already participating in UMCM programs including ESOL classes and after school tutoring. VBS was another a great way to share the love of Jesus with our community.

 

The VBS theme was "Construction" and how to build our character like that of Jesus: learning to be humble, obedient, faithful, caring and forgiving.  The kids spent a great week doing lots of arts and crafts, learning songs, bible study, and playing soccer during recreation time. On the last day, we rented a large water slide which the children loved.  We had a final program on the last evening, in which the parents were invited to join us for an ice cream social and then listen to the children sing the songs they had learned during the week (3 in English and one in Spanish). Afterwards everyone went outside where the kids played on the waterslide.

 

It takes many people to put on a successful VBS, and we had a large group of volunteers, both Hispanic and Anglo, that made this possible.Many volunteers came from the church while others included outside youth and even three grandmothers of the children who attended. Pasadena Community Church donated all their materials and decorations from their own Vacation Bible School they had just completed, which was a great help to us.  Thanks to all the support we received in putting on this event, the children in our community know how much they are loved by Jesus and by our church.
 
Article by: Pastor Nancy Mayeux
Workshops Coming this Fall
 
online ESOL class banner This September, we are hosting a two-day ESOL workshop September 15 & 22 on becoming an English Tutor, free of charge for those volunteering at one of our many ESOL sites.
 
Money StackUMCM is also hosting a workshop August 16 & 21 on writing and applying for grants named "How to Get the Money to Stop Here". This workshop is meant assist those seeking funding for outreach projects.
 
For more information on these and other workshops provided by UMCM,
click here.

 Backpack Event Highlights

Sixteen churches were represented in a community event assembling school supplies and backpacks for children who may not be able to afford them. Youth and adults came together working side by side to help children in the Gulf Central district. Backpacks and supplies were donated by the Florida Annual Conference. 

 

Several suggestions were made to serve the community where both big and small churches can come together.
 
Don't forget! We want every church to tell us their work projects so we can post them on our website, www.UMCM.info.

 Students, Volunteer Hours Count!

Graduate HatEvery year, thousands of high school students vie for spots at America's top colleges and universities. Every year, Admissions Advisors give the same hot tips; take the tests, make the grades, join activities and get those volunteer hours. High schools are flooded with volunteer clubs and honors societies and they all need activities and events to participate in. These same students will be applying for scholarships that favor students active in their communities.
 
Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship Program as well as many others will accept hours gained through UMCM and other non-secular groups. United Methodist Cooperative Ministries hosts many volunteer events designed to aide and inspire the less fortunate in the community. Volunteer Coordinator; Barry Greer is accepting volunteers for ministries throughout the Pinellas and Pasco counties.
 
For more information on how you and your Youth Groups can take part in these volunteer opportunities, please visit our website www.UMCM.info  or call (727) 442-6881.

 New Employment Opportunities 

Clipart Jobs
 
Administrative Assistant/Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Child Care Aide
Teacher
 
Check our website now for opportunities to become a part of the UMCM team. We are looking to fill positions immediately and are accepting applications now.
 
For more information, visit our Employment page.
Note to churches-We would deeply appreciate it if you would include items from our UMCM E-News in your church bulletin and newsletter so your congregation may also be informed about items of interest. If UMCM is not on your church newsletter mail list or we are not a link on your church church web site, PLEASE include us. Thank You!

Grace and Peace,
Donna Ratzlaff
Executive Director