The traveling Southeast UMM road show has been to five UMM groups to date.  Each time I was warmly received, and each time pastors were present, encouraging men and supporting their ministries.  Local group activities typically include monthly meals with good fellowship and prayer; various church maintenance projects; sponsorship of Scouting and other youth programs; providing food and meals to the poor in their community; and visitation programs to nursing homes, jails, and hospitals.  Most of the visited groups are chartered, and therefore are participating in the many connectional UMM ministries by way of their charter fees.  These local UMM groups may represent the "choir," still it is exciting to see what wonderful things Christian men are doing together.  Of course, these five groups represent less than 5% of District UMC's.  If you would like to start a local UMM ministry and need some ideas about how to begin, please let me know in order to assist you in finding various resources that can help to make the start-up connectional, successful, and lasting.  Also, know that I am available to speak to UMM groups in the district.  All that is required is an invitation, an audience, and an electrical outlet.  You can preview an old version of the PowerPoint presentation.  God bless all of you in your service to Him.

Nick Robinson
President, SEMO District UMM