IGNITING MINISTRIES

The Igniting Ministries is a ministry developed by the Methodist Church to do several things.  (More information can be found here: (http://www.ignitingministry.org/) Hopefully you have been able to view the T.V. and radio ads done by the Methodist Church.  Each church is encouraged to follow up in their community with newspaper and other printed materials to let their own area know of their church and the programs in their church.

We are always encouraged to ask those we know or meet, to come to our church to worship, join in the Sunday School, Youth Group, or for any event we have.

Another important part of this ministry is to have greeters, each Sunday morning, welcome the visitors and our church family. Having everyone feel welcomed with a smile and a handshake and know we are a friendly church family is most important.  It is as important to do the same with our church family as well as helping with the nametags and any other way to be of assistance.

If you would like to be a greeter or help in any with way with the Igniting Ministries, just let Pastors Art or Carolee, or Ray Anderson know.  We welcome everyone to give it a try!

Following is from the Igniting Ministry website. "Each year, United Methodist Communications contracts with The Barna Research Group to conduct independent research about the effectivenss of the denomination's "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." advertising. Please follow this link to read the entire pdf document http://www.ignitingministry.org/images/uploads/downloads/IM_research2005_final.pdf

'Living Our Promise' is a great article regarding living the Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors philosophy. Read more here http://ignitingministry.org/welcoming/living.aspx

CHRISTIAN ASSISTANCE NETWORK (C.A.N.)

Christian Assistance Network (CAN) is a vital force in our community.  Our representative on the Board of Directors, Debbie Hopking, recently announced that  for the last three months the volume of meals distributed has increased by 1,000 each month!

There is a great need for food, money to buy items that are not donated and especially for volunteers to staff the office and the Service Center where food, diapers and clothing are distributed four days a week.

If you can help in any of these areas, please contact Debbie at 743-1431.

Each day at the CAN office begins with prayer – following is a prayer written and shared by a volunteer – we do give thanks for the opportunity to serve.

C.A.N. PRAYER 

We ask God’s blessing on all here who are united in this work and we ask His blessing on those whom we serve.  Grant us patience, compassion, understanding, wisdom and charity as our gifts to this work and grant us humility as our reward.  We give thanks to God for the goodness of others and for the opportunity to serve in your name. Amen