Mission and Outreach
We had a very successful School of Christian Mission July 20-23 and Drive-In Day July 24 at Albion College. The studies were challenging and important, and the study leaders were competent, enthusiastic, and helpful. You will have a chance for a taste of the studies in some of the UMW events this fall. Donna and I attended the weekday school, and Sally Ammerman, Tom Brown, and Connie Tuthill were at Drive-In Day. Next year’s school will again be the third week in July at Albion College. The spiritual growth study will be “Coming Out on the Side of Grace: Reconciliation.” The geographic study will be “Haiti,” and the social issue study will be a repeat of this year’s “Joy to the World: Mission in an Age of Global Christianity.” The team that plans the school hopes to do a better job of getting the word out that the school is for everyone, not just United Methodist Women. There is a special rate for commuters who do not stay in the dorm on campus. I hope more of you will take advantage of this opportunity next year.
Mission Information and Opportunities from the Albion District Newsletter
SUPPORT TO HAITI UPDATE
Total support given by the West Michigan Conference to UMCOR/Haiti Emergency Relief from January through the end of May: $613,767.07. The Detroit Conference has given $540,859.65. And this doesn’t even include the Haiti Bike Ride yet. Can you imagine the difference our gifts of love are making!
RIDE FOR HAITI
Update from Rev. Rob Nystrom, Battle Creek: Birchwood: The ride was an adventure and a success. We rode 430 miles in six days. $11,532.64 has been raised to date [July 6]. Donations can be made online or through Rev. David Morton (VIM Coordinator), Chapel Hill UMC, 157 Chapel Hill Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015. All checks should be made payable to the "West Michigan Conference Treasurer". If donations are sent directly to the West Michigan Conference Treasurer, then please note "RFH" on the memo line.
GUATEMALA TEAM ORIENTATION
Battle Creek Chapel Hill VIMers (Volunteers in Mission) will be traveling to Guatemala Oct 2-10, 2010, to work with Wayne Wiley and Janet Chichester (members of Chapel Hill) at Salud y Paz. Wayne and Janet have just begun a two year term as Individual Volunteers in Mission. We will work on completing a medical clinic and do some Vacation Church School activities. We are hoping to take a team of 10-12 persons. The cost will be $1500 including all expenses. An informational meeting will be held on at 7pm, July 20th at Chapel Hill UMC, 157 Chapel Hill Dr., Battle Creek, Mi 49017. For information prior to the meeting call Rev. Dave Morton, Pastor of Mission and Outreach at 269-964-7098 or 269-967-1827.
2011 CAMEROON MISSION TRIP
Late January to early February, 2011. Sponsored by Marshall UMC. The primary focus of this trip will be supporting the UMC's Mobile Eye Clinic. They are also developing a program to interact with local youth in Cameroon. One important way you can help is by collecting used eye glasses for distribution by the Mobile Eye Clinic. To learn more, contact David Begg, Mission Chairperson at (269) 781-9627.
NOMADS
Are you a retiree? Do you enjoy traveling in an RV? Do you want to share your faith in Christ as you use your skills in service to others? If so, have you ever heard of NOMADS? Check out the website to find out more about this ministry of our UMC whose mission statement is “Rebuidling lives, homes, and facilities with God's love and our hands.”
John Williams for the Missions/Outreach Work Area