MONTHLY MISSIONS
Lenten/Spring Offering – 2024
The Lenten season is a sacred time in the life of our church—a time to meditate, pray and grow in Christ as we remember His great sacrifice for us. Through mission, we have a powerful opportunity to reflect God’s great love to our neighbors in the community. Our hearts go out to those who need food, shelter and support. This special offering will go to Minnesota Food Share, Emma Norton Services and Meals on Wheels during the months of March and April.
Minnesota Food Share has been in existence for over 40 years. It is the largest food and fund drive in the state, as people of faith work together with businesses and other organizations to stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide. Minnesota Food Share envisions a future where all Minnesotans have access to healthy food and no one struggles with food insecurity. Inflation has made providing meals for individuals and families more challenging. 100% of donations received are distributed to the food shelves.
Emma Norton Services combats poverty in our communities by partnering with women, children and families who are homeless and facing the challenges of mental illness, chemical dependency or both. They provide safe and sober housing, basic needs, and support services in an environment that fosters stability and encourages growth. Programs offered are transitional, supportive housing, peer and individual support programs, youth programs and services, life skills training and individualized mental health services. Emma Norton Services needs additional funding, as they are in the last stages of completing a new building that will be an ideal place for their ministry to flourish.
Meals on Wheels our church has served this organization for over 45 years. Volunteers deliver meals to Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Columbia Hts. and Hilltop. People who receive the meals are often elderly or have a handicap. Drivers not only deliver hot, fresh food, but also provide a way to check on a client. They come with a smile and may be the only outside contact that person has. Our area Meals on Wheels serves many people in Anoka County. In 2023, 125,000 meals were served to 692 clients. There are 44 routes a day and 220 routes a week. We are so grateful for the many years Janet Fossum served as our coordinator, and many of our church family members continue to deliver meals. More volunteers are always needed. Call Laura Fanucci, 763-300-2626 if you would like to give it a try!
Thank you in advance for your strong support of these Special Missions as together we plant seeds of God’s love.
Your Mission Commission
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FAMILY TABLE
RAINBOW SCHOOL
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
United Methodist Women at FUMC consists of a Board, three Circles and Members at Large.
Naomi Friendship Circle meets the second Friday of the month at the Church at 1:00 PM. They do things like make sandwiches for Dignity Center, cards for Shut-ins and other small projects.
Ruth Circle meets at the church the third Tuesday of the month at 1:00 PM. They follow a study book.
Tabitha Circle does Service projects like Feed My Starving Children, making blankets for the homeless, collecting Cake Mixes and Frosting Mixes for Food Shelves and other worthwhile projects.
We also have a Fall Gathering and Salad Luncheon in the Spring which are our major fundraisers for our mission projects. (TBD)
CONTACT: Dawn Bushnell
Phone: 763-755-0845
Email: dawnieI@aol.com
MEALS ON WHEELS
Drivers are always needed. We drive one week per month during the lunch hour.
To volunteer, contact: Impact Services, Meals on Wheels at 763-236-8718, ask for Laura Fanucci.