Easter Mission Offering Team challenges the congregation to give generously in ways that transform lives here in Grand Rapids and around the world. Our goal for the 2018 Easter Mission Offering is $13,500 and 100% of our gifts go directly to the mission ministries listed inside.
Dear Friends in Christ, As we journey through Lent, we have the opportunity to deepen our spirituality through new disciplines. For some this means giving something up, for others it means adding a practice that builds faith. As we study the story of the prodigal son this Lenten season, I celebrate the father’s extravagant generosity as a discipline to adopt! His wide open arms welcoming his wayward son remind me of our church’s commitment to open doors, open hearts, and open minds when caring for our community near and far. Lent reminds us that we are mortal and far from perfect and then Hallelujah! Easter brings the promise of resurrection and new life given freely. Our Mission
Our focus again this year is the Mission Trip Scholarship Fund. First Church engages children, youth, and adults in local and international mission work. Through service we are connected to our brothers and sisters around the world. We learn so much from the generosity and faith of those we encounter - whether in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, or Puerto Rico. Lives are transformed through compassion, love, and a conviction that all God’s children deserve dignity and grace. To make these trips possible for every member of our congregation we offer adults 20% scholarships and youth 30% scholarships. Additional funds are available to all who request them. Your gifts will help FUMC Mission teams bring the kingdom of God here on earth through medical work, worship experiences, and disaster relief. Please use the mission offering envelope to send your contribution to the church office or place it in the Sunday morning offering plate. you may also contribute by visiting www.grfumc.org/ missionoffering. In Service of the Risen Christ, Iain Charnley, Mission Chair First United Methodist Church Mission Team