Newtonville UMC - Volunteers In Mission
Members of Newtonville UMCalong with members of other congregations in the area, have been active in Volunteer in Mission projects in recent years. Members have worked with VIM in project for several years in VanCleave Mississippi, Cedar Rapids Iowa, and Belfast Ireland helping to rebuild and share the message of hope in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (see the video clip below) and the eastern Iowa Floods of 2008. Members have also taken part in other VIM activities, inlcuding a mission to Belfast Ireland where they have worked with the Forthspring Methodist Church and Forthspring Community Center on a project that works to bring Protestants and Catholics together to work toward a common goal.
In 2009 UMC members will be returning to VIM work in both of these areas as well as others around the world. Information on VIM projects and how to get involved can be found at the Troy Conference Website VIM page .
2009 VIM Trip - Scheduled - Return to Cedar Rapids Iowa - Our VIM team is going back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa this year to continue rebuilding homes devastated by last years flooding. The 3 houses we worked on last year are finished and the owners are thrilled to be back in their homes. Our mission statement is “Bringing Hope to the Heartland”. On May 3rd your NUMC team is serving lunch after the Church service to raise money for supplies that will be used on this years home reconstruction projects. Please join us and help support your VIM team.
Belfast 2009 - A VIM team is returning to Belfast in May 2009 to continue work with Springfield Road Methodist Church and Forthspring Community Center. We will be refurbishing a variety of areas used by both the Protestant and Catholic Community. There is a need for volunteers who can do painting, carpentry, gardening/ landscaping and plastering. We will also be meeting with a variety of community members to develop a better understanding of the Northern Ireland history and culture as well as some sightseeing in N.I. The trip is planned for April 23rd to May 2nd. The leaders are Mike and Pat Thomas, 518-885-5889 or mthomas6@nycap.rr.com. Cost is estimated to be between $2,000 and $2,300 including airfare. Passports are required for this VIM trip.
2008 VIM - Flood relief/rebuilding Trip to Cedar Rapids Iowa
Newtonville UMC members and others doing VIM work in VanCleave, Mississippi, Fall 2007.
Clip courtesy of Shannon Rivenburg
