Service is a priority with the folks of Good Shepherd UMC. We have a heart for missions and provide multiple opportunities to help others in need. Whether you are looking for local hands-on involvement or offering financial assistance to overwhelming disasters throughout the world, our list of connections can fulfill a desire to benefit others authentically.

EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY

The Good Shepherd EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY is located down the hall from the church office. Anyone who is living with food insecurity may receive boxes loaded with food prepared to feed a family for three days. Supplies include canned, dried, fresh and frozen foods. Hours of operation are Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Next time you go grocery shopping buy a little extra, then bring items to the shopping cart near the West door to Cooper Hall. Always needed are Mac & cheese, canned fruit, canned meals, and peanut butter.

If you are unable to get to our Food Pantry, we deliver within 20 minutes.  Also, if you are unable to get to our Food Pantry on Thursdays, please call the church office, to see if other arrangements can be made.

Contact: Becky VanHouse

OUR COVENANT PARTNERSHIP

 

Althea Belton is our new covenant missionary for Good Shepherd.  Althea is a missionary of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, serving as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Gulfside Assembly in Waveland, Mississippi.
Originally from South Carolina, Althea came to Gulfside Assembly three years ago. She and her husband, a retired US Marine Corp veteran, are parents to two daughters, four grandchildren, and the legal guardians of two nephews.
Gulfside Assembly began as a retreat center for African Americans in the 1920’s. In 2005, the campus opened a new complex of buildings. Then Hurricane Katrina destroyed all of the buildings—old and new. Today, Gulfside Assembly operates out of church building that once belonged to the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. Instead of providing camping sites, Gulfside’s ministries now include:
Senior lunch and learn
Youth life skills training program
Mission education travel study seminar
Community garden
Faith-based Coalition
Open Alliance Leadership

One of Althea’s favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”
This verse guides Althea as she models God’s unconditional love for all, regardless on life’s circumstances.

WE CARE BAGS

Sturdy bags prepared by the Insights adult Sunday school class and our Sunday school children can be handed to someone on the street. We are urged to carry them in our cars and give out to those who are standing at a busy intersection with a sign asking for help. Each sack contains small easy to open packages of food and a bottle of water. A $3 donation assures more supplies for future “We Care” bags.

Contact: MaryAnn Tabor

CHILDREN’S NOISY OFFERING

The second Sunday of every month, following the Children’s Message in worship, our kids take up a loud collection for missions. Our children have invested in a water buffalo from the Heifer Project, supported Imagine No Malaria, and purchased health kits for UMCOR. A new mission focus is chosen every quarter to teach children about missions and giving.

Contact: Shirley Greener

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH

Living out the goals of faith, hope and love in action, United Methodist Women support a variety of mission projects in our local community and around the world.

Contact: Pat Nyborg

GOOD SHEPHERD MEN

The Good Shepherd Men support a variety of mission projects in our local community and around the world.

Contact: Church office

 

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MISSION CONNECTIONS

UMCOR – ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

The United Methodist Committee on Relief is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe. UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States by providing humanitarian relief when war, conflict, or natural disaster. Every first Sunday in March, Good Shepherd takes part in One Great Our of Sharing.

IMAGINE NO MALARIA

A child dies every minute from this entirely preventable disease. The United Methodist initiative is to raise $75 million to fight malaria in Africa. Your gift of a check marked Malaria will help meet that goal.

MCCURDY MINISTRIES

A partner in mission with UMC, this ministry has served Anglo, Native American and Hispanics living in New Mexico’s Espanola Valley for 102 years. Saving “Box tops for Education” and Campbell’s labels assisted in purchasing a van and playground equipment for McCurdy. Drop labels in the soup can in the narthex. www.mccurdy.org