MISSIONS

MISSION NOTES

It began with a vision.

            Ninety years ago, Mrs. Grace Weiser Davis and Rev. Morris Swartz were deeply troubled by a desperate need in their community.  There were scores of orphaned and homeless children with nowhere to live. With help from other concerned individuals, these local citizens secured a charter to open a home in Mechanicsburg for orphaned children.  Soon the dream turned into reality and the United Methodist Home for Children was born.

            During the next nine decades, the Children’s Home grew and expanded, adding buildings, programs, and services to an agency that would eventually serve thousands of central Pennsylvania children.  Today, nearly three hundred local boys and girls receive emergency shelter and residential care on our campus every year.

            The vision continues.  Members of the former Fifth Street United Methodist Church, Harrisburg, wanted the mission of their beloved church to live on long after the doors officially closed in June 2006.  Following a 136 year old tradition of serving others, members envisioned their final act would allow them to continue to help those  in need far into the future.  Partnering with the Children’s Home, they donated over $250,000 for the purpose of opening another children’s cottage.  In July of 2007, the vision turned into a reality when Fifth Street Cottage officially opened on the campus.  The new cottage is home to the youngest boys in the residential care program.

Shalom House Selected as Missions Project for December

            Your Missions Committee has designated Shalom House as the agency we will support for our yearly Christmas Project.  Shalom House is a temporary emergency shelter in the Allison Hill area of Harrisburg that provides a safe, clean place for homeless women or women and their children.  This shelter was highlighted in the November newsletter.  Here is a list of items we are requesting for Shalom House as donations:

            One ply toilet tissue (please note the specific need for one-ply tissue – We have learned that the two-ply

            clogs up the sewer pipes at Shalom House)

            Paper Towels – gift cards to Giant Foods  and/or  Wal-Mart – new or gently used sheets and towels

            A box will be placed by the Mission Christmas Tree at the front of the sanctuary for your gifts to Shalom House, along with a basket of ornaments.  When you make a donation, please take an ornament and put it on the tree.  Your Missions Committee thanks you for your donations to this important valuable ministry in our community.