Monthly Mission for February:
Ray of Life
Picture living in your basement with the electrical grid off for months. This is a reality in Ukraine and other countries. If you could, would you be willing to shine a ray of light in their directions? YOU CAN! Our February Mission of the Month is Ray of Life.
Our goal this month is to raise enough money for 100 Ray of Life kits. These kits are about the size of a cereal box and will be assembled at our church on Saturday, March 29th at our Mission Madness Event.
A kit costs $125.00. Each light kit contains a bright LED light and a solar panel. The battery, when fully charged, provides eight to 10 hours of light and can charge a cell phone.
Stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings and learn more about this innovative project. While you’re there, make a donation towards Ray of Life kits and receive a Valentine you can gift to someone that “lights up your life!”
The Northeast Iowa Food Bank Needs You!
Twice a month we send crews to the Food Bank. See the weekly Good News for dates and times each month. If you are interested, please sign up on the clipboards at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Space. If you can’t make it every month, that’s okay! Rides are available from the church to the food bank and if we are working in the refrigeration area you will be contacted in advance.
MISSION GIVING
Every month we feature a different worthy cause to support with our attention and our dollars. Sometimes it is a local charitable project, sometimes national and sometimes global. We support our local food bank, Love INC of the Cedar Valley, Church World Service, House of Hope, Banyam Seminary in Nigeria, and other projects which bring relief, health, education, and the blessing of God’s word to those who need it most.
Most of our mission giving is un-budgeted - that is, it is over and above what it takes to operate the church. Still, for more than 25 years running, First UMC has been recognized as a “Third-Mile” giving congregation.
We recommend that you check our latest newsletter for the Mission of the Month and other current projects.
You may give to mission projects by dropping your contribution into the Sunday offering plate, or coming in to the church office during business hours. You may also give to mission projects through the Venmo and Shazam Bolt$ mobile apps, by sending your gift to contributions@aboutfirst.com.