The First United Methodist Church Foundation is accepting applications for 2015 grants to be used as educational benefits, scholarships, out-reach to the community and the world. Applications should be a concise request that includes the following: Requesting Organization or Person, Contact Name, Contact e-mail, Contact physical/mailing address, Type of grant requested (scholarship, capital improvement, out-reach, education) and Description of how the funds will be used in 2015 that is no more than 250 words. Submissions must be received by February 27, 2015 at the address below. Awards will be posted in March 2015. Those receiving grant awards will be required to submit a report how the funds were used, with documentation, by December 1, 2015.   Send your request to:

FUMC Foundation - Grants

725 W 9th Ave

For a number of years some of our churches have been involved as a partner in collecting used ink jet cartridges that are recycled to raise funds to assist the PET Mobility Project. PET is an acronym for Personal Energy Transportation. A corps of over 800 volunteers - mostly seniors - raise the funds, build and ship these sturdy, hand-cranked carts to the disabled throughout the world. PET is faith-based, volunteer-driven and non-sectarian.

Walt Hays, who has served as the volunteer coordinator for PET in Alaska for the past ten years, reports "PET is very grateful for this project that is environmentally sound and assists the disabled. Since January of 2009 13,408 cartridges (by actual count) have been recycled. This has generated over $4,400 in funds; this means that 17 persons now have a PET cart that gives them mobility, dignity and a chance for a better life."

This past October, Walt and his wife, JoAnn Shore, attended the annual meeting of PET International, the umbrella organization that coordinates the work of the 22 PET Shops (affiliates). In celebration of PET's 20th anniversary, the guest of honor was Suen Oke of Nigeria, age 27, from Nigeria. Suen was stricken by polio at age ten. Assisted by a US doctor who knew the family, she was taken to Chicago for surgery for scoliosis. She received a PET cart nine years ago and it changed her life. She was able to finish high school and take certificate courses for computer skills. She now lives on her own, has a government job and commutes to work on her PET daily. Suen has become a strong advocate for the needs of the disabled."

Walt comments, "It was such a joy to meet Suen, one of 50,000 persons whose lives have been transformed by a PET cart. We have now distributed PETs in 100 countries. To learn more about PET and see videos and read stories about the recipients, go to www.petinternational.org.

The Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church held its annual January meeting on the 13th and 14th in Dallas, Texas. They shared devotions, heard reports and took actions on a number of items in their quest to lead the church in "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

THE GLOBAL NATURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH was celebrated. A report was also presented on the new "Global Book of Discipline" which is being developed by the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, as requested by the 2012 General Conference, for presentation to the 2016 General Conference.

A report from a team of seven bishops and sixteen young people, who have just visited India and the Council of Bishops of the Methodist Church of India (MCI), stimulated very fruitful conversations about the future of "relationship-building" with the MCI and the many "autonomous, affiliated" churches of The United Methodist Church around the world.

DEVELOPING MORE VITAL CONGREGATIONS and the next steps the COB can take in helping to lead annual conferences as they resource local churches in this "adaptive challenge" were central on the agenda along with the progress that is being made in the Four Areas of Focus: 1) Creating New Places for New People; 2) Developing Principled Christian Leaders; 3) Engaging in Ministry with the Poor; 4) and Improving Health Globally. The outstanding response to "Imagine No Malaria" was celebrated as we near reaching the 75 million dollar goal that was set.

A JUST RESOLUTION was reported in the complaint that was, with the encouragement of the COB, filed concerning Bishop Melvin Talbert. There was great appreciation for all who worked diligently to reach the resolution and release it publicly. Bishop Talbert and members of the complaint process acknowledged harm felt by others and a willingness to live within the Book of Discipline. Several suggestions were also made for the work of the COB Task Force on Human Sexuality, Race and Gender.

THE CHURCH'S LIFE AND MISSION TOGETHER IN THE 2017-2020 QUADRENNIUM was also the subject of several items on the agenda including a proposed gathering of bishops and extended cabinet members from around the world early in the next quadrennium for spiritual centering and strategic sharing as we prepare to serve as God leads us into the future.