The Purpose of Mission Ingathering is to show the love of Christ to the world’s people by ministering to their needs.
| Hunger Grant Info | Packing Instructions | Drop-off Instructions |
| FAQ's | Resources & Links | District Reps |
The 43rd Annual Mission Ingathering will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Our purpose is to show the love of Christ to the world’s people by ministering to their needs. Our times have changed. The methods and means may change. The work of being in mission continues.
Click here to download the 2023 Ingathering Brochure with facts, instructions, and contact information.
Click here to download the 2023 January Ingathering Letter from the Mission Ingathering Chair.
Coming in July!
Each year on the first Saturday in November, United Methodists gather for the Thanksgiving Ingathering at five sites across Iowa to offer cash and other items for missions in Iowa and across the world.
A portion of the funds collected is returned to Iowa Hunger Relief agencies throughout Iowa.
If your church is involved with a hunger project, or wish to begin a program, you may apply for a portion of those available funds by clicking the link below and submitting an application.
2023 Hunger Grant Application Coming Soon
Please note that grant money is to be used only for hunger relief (not rent, utilities, or other assistance).
The deadline to submit applications for Hunger Relief Grants is March 15, 2023.
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR KITS – all of them, even if you’re positive they’re right. Be sure each kit has ONLY the requested items, and ALL items requested, in the sizes requested. It’s a great idea to check the videos for assembly instructions at https://www.midwestmission.org/kits-projects-patterns Yes, the kits all need to be identical. Don’t improvise.
BLESSINGS – MM wants to send blessings with the kits. A prayer card template is included with this mailing, and also on the website, iaumc.org/Ingathering. Ask individuals in your congregation to sign and place one in each and every kit. Ask your pastor to bless all the kits during worship after they are assembled.
KIT-SPECIFIC REMINDERS – no handprints, footprints, paw prints or camouflage on fabrics, new fabric only.
• Student Kits – 1-handle bag, (pattern on MM web page) or use a clean regular plastic grocery bag, tied shut. No Ziplocs. Pencil sharpeners – pick those that are one or two on a card, rather than the tiny 5/$1 versions. Student scissors can have either a slight point or be rounded. No washable crayons. Metric and inches on flat ruler. 12 sharpened colored pencils. 6 regular unsharpened lead pencils – no advertising. Be careful of prints on pencils (prefer solid color). Unpackage the scissors and sharpeners.
• Personal Dignity Kits – note size of shampoo and deodorant (there are changes). Yes, there are NO band aids, combs, nail files, clippers or toothpaste; these items will be purchased by Midwest Missions in bulk with the $2 you send in addition to $2 shipping.
• Layette Kits – diaper pattern is on website. You may also purchase cloth diapers. Sweaters and gowns should be 0-6m size, no larger, with no ties or buttons. 4 diaper pins inside and 2 more used to fasten kit. Please send $2 for diaper cream, in addition to $2 shipping. This is different from layettes in the past. Specifics are on the brochure/website.
• Feminine Hygiene Kits – This newer kit is greatly appreciated overseas. Pads are NOT the disposable kind we use in US. Pattern is on MM website; instructions are very specific. Ask your rep if you have questions. Items go in 1-handle bag.
NOTE: MM kits are tweaked in December annually, based on client input and availability of sizes at Dollar Stores. We are asking for MM kits only, not UMCOR. Use the list on iaumc.org/ingathering. This list was correct as of12/31/22. Disregard all old lists from prior years. Throw old books or fliers away, please.
YOU NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN BOXES TO PACK KITS INTO
How big? Can 1 person lift and carry the filled box? That’s the right size. Paper boxes, or apple boxes are great. Paper towel boxes, not so good (too thin and too big). Tape the bottom securely; fill each box with the same kind of kit, packing in as tightly as possible. Close the top. Tape closed. On the outside, tape a paper or write in marker this info:
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Sample -> |
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 8AM – 11AM
You may drop off at the site of your choice. Sites are not by districts; go where it’s convenient. ALL boxes will go directly into the trucks; no repacking. Be sure every box is taped closed, top and bottom, when you leave home.
At the check-in point, you’ll be asked for your remittance form and loose items list, and one check made to Mission Ingathering. This check is for total of shipping ($2/kit), PLUS any kit supplemental (diaper cream, toothpaste, etc.), AND all cash gifts to agencies listed and/or Midwest Mission or hunger grants (Box A) The remittance form must include a phone # AND email of the person who can answer questions about your boxes that Saturday, not the church info. The check-in team will verify info, calculate values of those loose items, calculate/recheck totals, and initial your copy of the remittance form before you leave. You will be directed how and where to unload your boxes. There likely will be help. Once you’ve turned in your paperwork and check, it’s verified, and your vehicle is unloaded, you are finished. Your site coordinator can tell you about any additional activities planned (worship, coffee, rolls, etc.).
CEDAR FALLS SITEFirst United Methodist Church Coordinator: Treasurer: |
CHEROKEE SITESt Paul's United Methodist Church Coordinator:
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GREENFIELD SITEGreenfield United Methodist Church Coordinator:
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MOUNT PLEASANT SITEFirst United Methodist Church Coordinator:
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FORT DODGE SITETrinity United Methodist Church Co-Coordinator:
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What if I have a mixed assortment of kits that will fill one box?
ill boxes with like kits first. If you need to combine kits in a box to keep it packed tight, list on the outside the number and kind of EACH kit that’s inside.
What if I have extra kit items, (27 pencils, 10 rulers, etc.) and don’t want to carry them over?
Make a loose items box. Print out an inventory – what and how many – and do NOT enclose list in the box. Tape your box closed and label with church name, town and write loose items. At check-in, someone from the site team will calculate the value of all the items based on a list we have, and add that value to your in-kind total. Keep this box separate at check-in so it can be processed. Don’t tally box F or the total on remittance form until this is done onsite.
I see other items that Midwest Mission accepts listed on their website (treadle sewing machines, etc.) Can I bring them?
ONLY if you’ve let your site coordinator know in advance. Call or email. There may not be room in the trailer.
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RIVERVIEW PARK |
GOLDEN VALLEY |
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CAMP CLEAR LAKE |
ALDERSGATE |
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Alaire Willits |
Jim Tussey |
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PICTURED ROCKS |
INGATHERING COORDINATOR |
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MEMBERS AT LARGE |