Providence United Methodist Church

Local Missions

	Do all the good you can By all the means you can In all the ways you can In all the places you can To all the people you can As long as ever you can. John Wesley
	The Local Missions Committee is responsible for identifying agencies that serve those persons in our community who lack food, shelter, clothing, or employment. Through education and counseling, the organizations prepare clients for independent living, while meeting their immediate needs. The Local Missions Committee prayerfully determines how best to show prudent stewardship in its use of funds entrusted to us. Finally, the committee provides leadership by informing the congregation, on an ongoing basis, of opportunities for participation through sharing their gifts and time with others. Our goal is to involve Every Member In Mission at Providence United Methodist Church, thereby demonstrating a congregational commitment to the call for both Faith and Action as set forth by the founder of Methodism.
	The Local Missions Handbook is available at the front desk of the church office and at the Local Missions bulletin board. For additional information, please contact Shirley Kersey or Craig Lynch
	Local Missions MOMs 2008 January Toyland (new or used toys for infants thru teen-agers to be given to Alexander Youth Network, Florence Crittenton Services, and Thompson Child & Family Focus) February Charlotte Rescue Mission/Uptown Shelter (household supplies and men’s clothing – time to clean closets) March Cotswold Elementary School (school supplies to replenish what has been used since September) April Furniture Fair (new or used furniture for Family Promise, WISH, Youth Homes Foster Care Aging Out Population) MAY Bethlehem Center (annual collection of supplies for children who attend summer camp) June Giving Gardens (gardens to be planted at church and at homes -- produce taken to Mc Creesh Place) July Hope Haven (household items and clothing) August Communities in Schools (annual support of School Tools drive; encourage members to renew links with Harris Teeter for Alexander CC, Cotswold) September Emergency Winter Shelter (cleaning supplies, clothing for men, food as specified) October Shelter For Battered Women (annual Baskets for Beginnings project in national battered women month) November Urban Ministry Shelter (annual support for new backpacks, hats, gloves, & white athletic socks for gifts for children and adults attending annual holiday dinner in December) December Shepherd's Gift (annual support of this alternative giving project, with Crisis Assistance as suggested beneficiary for those not having another preference) Throughout the year, we provide breezeway bins to collect nonperishable food for Loaves & Fishes, as well as clothing and household items for Crisis Assistance. A portion of 5 th Sunday offerings is given to Second Harvest Food Bank or Loaves & Fishes. In our Local Missions laundry basket, we collect toiletries and other small items. If you have questions about donations, at any time during the year, please contact me at shirleykersey@carolina.rr.com