For the last several years the churches of the IAUMC have come together to collect items needed to support the ministries chosen by their home districts and Bishop Trimble. This year, we are sharing all nine ministries now to invite our congregations to participate in the mission that they feel passionate about and invite you to ask questions about each ministry. There are many worthy ministries that we can and support each year. This is an opportunity to focus on some ministries that will be able to use these items right now and be blessed by our efforts.
Items may be dropped off at the Potpourri display booth located in Hy-Vee Hall A. Collections will be welcomed from 8 am to 5 pm Saturday through Monday, June 7-9.
Northeast District would like to draw attention to the Burmese Outreach in Waterloo. This project is a cooperative venture of Dunkerton UMC, Mt. Hope UMC, Waterloo First UMC, UNI Wesley Foundation, the Black Hawk County Health Department, other area churches and community groups. It is spearheaded by Angie Graham, who is a member of the Dunkerton UMC and a public health nurse. Her heart for the refugee community has helped many others in the area get involved in welcoming and supporting these new residents as they adapt to a drastically different culture. The needs for families vary from basic hygiene supplies, socks, blankets to help with the English language. There is an ongoing need for wash cloths, dish cloths and dish towels. Any and all help is appreciated. Janet.condon@iaumc.org
If you would like to hear more about the Burmese Outreach, please feel free to contact Angie Graham at (319) 822-7397 or stop by the Potpourri Booth.
The Southwest District would like to lift up the after school program at Tabor, Randolph and Thurman. Since the tornado of 2012 in Thurman, there has been a flurry of activities. Rebuilding physical structures and ministry programs at the same time, has been a blessing to the community and the kingdom of God. This after school program is an overwhelming success and continues to grow. With a new program, there are many needs. School supplies, Christian puzzle books, juice boxes and food are always in use. Macaroni and cheese seems to be a favorite of the kids and adults. As the program expands in all three communities, the need will expand as well. Let’s see if we can support their need and love for the Lord by providing macaroni and cheese.
When you were in college, did you struggle to find a place to eat on Sunday night?
Did you it difficult to do laundry on campus? The folks at Creston UMC in the South Central District discovered the student’s needs and now connect with them. They break bread together at least once a month and provide laundry supplies for the students. Basic school supplies and hand soap (pump dispenser type) are also needed.
Caring for folks after a disaster is a passion of the Northwest District. They are asking for onesies to send to the people at UMCOR.
Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center is a safe and wonderful place for youth and adults to experience the wonders of creation and connect with God.
The number of hearts changed through the experience of such a place is only known to God, but our churches are blessed by them and grow because of them.
Camping today offers so much more than we ever imagined and lives are changed by their experiences. Wesley Woods is a part of the Central District and is always in need of craft supplies such as glue sticks, kid-safe scissors, crayons and markers.
Ronald McDonald House. Is it a house? Is it a home? Is it a hotel? Is it a place where families live together and share their concerns while their children are hospitalized? Yes, it is all of those things and much, much more. It is a safe haven, a port in the storm for the thousands of families that stay in Ronald McDonald Houses each night all over the world. The Ronald McDonald House requests that we collect the pop tops from aluminum cans. The Ronald McDonald House sells the pop tabs for scrap metal and earn anywhere from $5,000 -$6,000 each year.
THANK YOU!