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STOUGHTON FOOD PANTRY The need continues to be great in our own community. Canned goods, especially soups and vegetables, are always needed. First UMC of Stoughton sponsors the Ilse Marks Stoughton Food Pantry which is located beside the church in the former "Youth Hall." Donations can be sent or brought to the church for the pantry. Whatever you can do to help our neighbors will go a long way in helping those with limited incomes and who are having difficulty putting food on their tables. "for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in." (Matthew 25:35)
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Shut-In Ministry Being confined to home can be very lonely especially for seniors who don't have family to check up on them. Don't forget those in your neighborhood or town who may be in such a position and would appreciate a phone call, visit or a "thinking of you" card. Remembering someone who can't get out and about on their own can bring a measure of joy to an otherwise lonely life. It only takes a couple of minutes to "check in" and you'll be blest as well as the person you are reaching out to. "...I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me....Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:36, 40)
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PERSONAL CARE MINISTRY The Missions Commission in conjunction with the Evangelism Commission is continuing to collect items for the Personal Care Ministry which are brought to local homeless shelters or to where needed in the community. Items always needed are: toothpaste and toothbrushes; shampoo and soap; wash clothes; combs and brushes; small packages of Kleenex; mouthwash, deoderant, perfumes, and other personal care items. A basket is located in the rear of the sanctuary for donations. Thank you to all who to continue to support this worthwhile project on an ongoing basis.
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Another way to help in mission outreach is through the United Methodist "Special Sundays" during the year. Through the six churchwide Special Sundays offerings are taken giving United Methodists opportunities to nurture others - in the church and the community at home and around the world. Our gifts do make a world of difference. The six Special Sundays are: - Human Relations Day - January
- One Great Hour of Sharing - March
- Native American Ministries Sunday - April
- Peace With Justice Sunday - May
- World Communion Sunday - October
- United Methodist Student Day - November
"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Michah 6:8b
MITTEN TREE The Missions Commission has a special seasonal ministry called the "Mitten Tree". Donations of winter hats, scarves, mittens and gloves, either store bought or hand-made are collected and placed on the tree. They can be any size since they will be given to children as well as adults. These items are then given to the Cooper Community Center in Boston where they are distributed to those in need who will be a little warmer during the cold Northeast winters. Donations are accepted until the third Sunday of December when they are gathered up and then delivered in time for Christmas. Though the Mitten Tree Ministry is done each year in December, women from the church work year-round making hats, scarves and mittens which they bring to the church in December to donate to this worthy cause so in a real sense, this is a year-round ministry and labor of love for those who enjoy knitting and crocheting.
SERVE New England SERVE New England is a monthly food co-op program which helps New England residents save up to 50% on high quality fresh foods. SERVE buys in bulk meats, fruits and veggies and other staple items and passes the savings on to those who participate in the program. It is open to all New England residents who want to save money on their food purchases with the only requirement being that participants volunteer two hours a month in their community. Volunteering can be done with your church, school, hospital, senior centers, neighborhood or other community organization. The opportunities are endless. The program is about helping others out in your community. There are two packages from which to choose plus "specials" each month. The Family Meal Package is $25 plus 2 hours of volunteer service and there is a Meat-Only Package for $16. For more information on how the program works, how to sign up and where to pick up your food package each month visit SERVE on the web at www.servenewengland.org or call them at 1-888-742-7363. First United Methodist Church of Stoughton is a designated "pick up site" each "D-day" but there are many other "host" sites throughout New England from which to choose to register and pick up your monthly package. The main SERVE warehouse is located in Avon, MA.
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