March 2004 - Tower - Page 8

Mission Notes

June Loving, Captain

e-mail from United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, South East Jurisdiction

UMVIM asks: Got Kids?

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) asks: "Got kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews?" For the second year in a row at the annual UMVIM Rally in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, a children's program will run concurrent with the Rally. Young United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (YUMVIM) is for ages five years through the fifth grade and will directed by Rob & Angie Gulledge from Mobile, Alabama.

Kids will gain hands-on experience in mission through various opportunities, including: assembling UMCOR disaster relief kits, perform community service, perform a drama for the adults and other activities. YUMVIM and Rally attendees will also participate in an inter-generational worship time.

"We are excited about offering a children's program again this year," says Nick Elliott, UMVIM Executive Director. "This was a wonderful addition last year and we look forward to seeing lots of children catch fire for mission."

YUMVIM will begin June 30 and end on July 3, 2004. Registration is $20 for the first participant and $15 each additional participant per family. These fees include all supplies and a t-shirt. Parents can register their children online at www.umvim.org or by calling 404-377-7424. Housing accommodations and meals are available by calling Lake Junaluska at 800-222-7930.

UMVIM empowers everyday Christians to serve on the front lines of human need through thousands of service opportunities worldwide. UMVIM is guided by 1 John 3:18, "Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." The latest news from the mission field and updates on priority projects can be found at: www.umvim.org.

As this is being written, we are preparing to leave on our district mission trip to New Windsor, Maryland where our kits are sent for distribution. I am anxious to see the operation of this large facility and help prepare some of the kits. There are five going from FUMC: Erleen and James Wheeling, Kathy Yates, Carolyn Snyder and June Loving. Next month we will give a brief report of our trip to keep you informed of mission activity as we experience it.

Our offering for "One Great Hour of Sharing" (UMCOR), collected in March was $914. For the Lenten Offering in April, which is our major mission collection for the year, contributions have been coming in and as of April 20 we have received $5,170.30. There should be more before the end of the month. I am so thankful to be part of this generous church family. You are Great! Many Thanks!

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Last update: May 1, 2004