The mission ministry serves to encourage and promote our congregation’s support for the work of the Lord throughout the world.  The ministry is to help provide for the spiritual and physical needs of others through the support of mission workers who not only preach the gospel, but also work to shelter, nurture and promote social righteousness among God’s family.

Missions Ministry
Ministry Meeting of August 9, 2011

Session members present: Becky Dougherty, Greta Morrow
At-Large members present: Barbara Buell, Ray Hageman
Deacon present: Laura Westby
Ex-Officio members present: Rev. Bob Garrard, Heather Dixon
Guest present: Tom Muhlbach

Section A: Actions taken by Mission Ministry
1. Plans for Living Water mission trip: Tom Muhlbach reported on trip scheduling efforts. Those interested in going on the trip include Tom Muhlbach, Michael Bennett, Kevin Boyce, Marilyn Ham, Joe Kub, and Norm Soden. They have reserved a trip to Honduras from February 2-11. The men will be on the well drilling team and will receive on-the-job training, and Marilyn will be a hygiene instructor and do online training before departure. Total cost of this trip will be $13,500. Each participant will need to get the necessary shots and contribute $350 for the trip, scholarships will be available for those who are not able to contribute the $350.00. The goal for these contributions plus additional fundraising will be to cover at least fifty percent of that cost. We have already received over $1,130 and will continue to raise money. We will ask session for approval to use up to $11,000 from Mission Ministry Special Funds to be sure that enough money will be available to cover costs. We will also put an article about the details of the trip in the September newsletter.

2. Report on Youth Group mission trip: Heather reported that the Youth Group mission trip to the Copperhill, Tennessee, area was an excellent experience for everyone. The youth experienced a different culture and saw firsthand the struggles of those who are very poor as well as the joy on the faces of those with special needs who have meaningful employment. It was a time for spiritual growth, and the group is enthusiastic about doing another mission trip in 2012

3. Plans for Peacemaking Offering, September 11 – October 2: Jen Smyers of Church World Services will be the Peacemaking speaker at both services and during Sunday school hour between services on October 2. She will discuss immigration from a Christian point of view.

Besides the drive for financial contributions to Peacemaking, Mission Ministry will ask church members to contribute to one of several efforts to help children, either those who live here or those in other areas. We will be collecting arts and craft supplies for Little Wound Elementary School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. We encourage folks to focus on seven special items (“fun” yarn, pasta of any shape, pipe cleaners, sequins, felt, soft leather, and leather lacing), but the school’s entire list of suggested supplies is as follows: