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
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Your Mission Offering at Work... 1
2018 Puerto Rico Mission Trip Team, plus other VIM (Volunteers In Mission) trained team members.
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Puerto Rico Team preparing a roof for concrete pour.
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Nicaragua Feeding Program
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PET (Personal Energy Transportation)
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Kenya (Marty and Hollee Graber)
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Methodist Church in Herradura, Cuba
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United Methodist Camps, Lake Michigan Camp
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JFON (Michigan Justice for Our Neighbors)
Pack your bags‌ Whether the destination is near or far, mission trips change lives. While the focus is certainly upon giving of our time, talents, and treasures to assist those in need, mission trips always give back to those who answer the call to go. Unfortunately, the largest obstacle for many who want to engage in short-term missions isn’t an unwillingness to travel or to give of time and talents. It is the financial cost.
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Risk-Taking Outreach and Mission 2018 Easter offering will support: • PET (Personal Energy Transportation) • Global Bread for the World • One Great Hour of Sharing • Volunteer in Mission Awareness • United Methodist Camps • Peace with Justice • Racial Ethnic Church • Native American Church • Michigan Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) • Cuba (Church Team) • Koinonia Ministry (Dale Williams) • Kenya (Marty & Hollee Graber) • Nicaragua (Healing Hands Medical Team) • Mission Trip Scholarship Fund 4 5
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI
First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED