MCW Report 2008-2009
United Methodists have believed, from the beginning, that each of us is called to participate in the outreaching ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley described this work in simple, practical  terms: "Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can." In this spirit, the members of the Ministry to the Community and World (MCW), aka "the Outreach Committee" serve as "facilitators" of your outreach ministry.  We thank you for your continued support by way of your contributions, your prayers and your hands-on help.

In August of last year, we reported to you on our plans for the next 6-8 months.  Subsequently, in February, we reported back to you on the results of these activities.  As we look ahead, it is appropriate to ask for your feedback. So, that is the purpose of this correspondence. Simply put, this is a Church-wide program and it is appropriate to hear from you so that we can plan for the future.  Tell us what you like and what you would prefer to see changed, and how.   Please send your responses via e-mail to the Church at wesleymemorial@earthlink.net.

MCW Members:
Alex Chapin, Maury Early, Mona Homyk, James Hughes, Harriet  Lambert, Larry Lambert, Paul Probasco,
Gene Rader, Pat Rader, Donna Sampson, Becky Smith, Lon Smith, and Sandy Staggers.

Repeated below is the report we presented in February, 2009.

Ministry to the Community and World Report

In late summer, the MCW team outlined our plans for outreach ministries during the remainder of 2008 and early 2009 and asked for your support and participation. Your response has been wonderful. In reaching out to the local community, members and friends of Wesley Memorial gave an estimated 2000 volunteer hours. Working together much was accomplished and we would like to summarize the results of our combined efforts.

 

BBQ/ Quilt Raffle

On Saturday, September 27th the third annual BBQ was held in Epworth Hall.  In spite of the weather, this delightful event raised approximately $1200 for PACEM.  The winner of the beautiful quilt, handcrafted and donated by the mother of our own Sandy Staggers was Hetty Wray Dandridge.

Crop Walk

Sunday, October 12 was the date for the annual CROP Walk. Our participation this year was in memory of Don Hemmer, an avid supporter for many years. The CROP walk raised approximately $30,000 with 75% going to foreign missions to feed the hungry and 25% split between the Emergency Food Bank and Meals On Wheels.

 
Chocolate Festival

On Saturday, October 18^th, we participated for the first time in the Chocolate Festival, which was held at Lee Park. The festival is sponsored by First United Methodist Church and always draws a big crowd. Wonderful chocolate delights, prepared by members of the congregation, enabled us to raise $837 for local Outreach Ministries.

Christmas Project
Through the annual Christmas project we provided gifts to children and the elderly of 29 families in Buckingham County. Additionally, we donated nearly $1400 worth of food vouchers to the families.

 

PACEM
PACEM (People and Congregations Involved in Ministry), the program which provides overnight shelter and food for the homeless during the winter months, was hosted by Wesley Memorial, for the fifth time during the period of January 10 - 23rd. During this time of extreme cold weather we hosted an average of 45 homeless men per night. Your efforts were extraordinary and helped to make the lives of these homeless men a little brighter. Our friends from Christ Episcopal did a wonderful job as our partner congregation.

 

Emergency Food Bank
In addition to these special activities, we have continued to collect non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Bank on the first Sunday of each month.  You were quite generous as a trunk load of food was transported to the EFB each time.

 
Ronald McDonald House

We continued to prepare and serve dinner to the residents of the Ronald McDonald House on the second Sunday of each month.

Donations

Along with the fundraisers mentioned above, you were most generous with monetary giving allowing the Church to support these local organizations:

 

IMPACT-$600

Emergency Food Bank-$500              

Building Goodness Foundation - $237
AIM - $200
Ronald McDonald House - $300
Habitat for Humanity - $400

PACEM - $1200
Free Clinic - $500