Monthly Mission for May:
$1000 for Iowa United Methodist Camps
Remember going to camp as a child? The smell of wood smoke, activities with new friends and eating s’mores. Our goal this month is to continue the experience by supporting Iowa Methodist Camps with $1000.
Times have changed and so have some of the camping experiences at our Iowa Methodist Camps. Both Wesley Woods and Camp Okoboji offer Adventure Camp that have various themes like Knights, Mythbusters and Go-Karts. Some of the camping sessions specialize like Splash Zone, a camp dedicated to swimming, canoeing, kayaking and other water activities. Horse Camp and Campfire Cooking Camp are two other offerings. There are also abbreviated overnight camps for 6 -9 year olds, as well as exceptional person’s camp. And you don’t have to be a kid to attend camp. There are family camp sessions and a Grandparent and Me Camp. (Ask Pastor Karen about that one!)
Several years ago, the Iowa Apportionment System decided that the camping in Iowa needed to identify new sources of support. This is why our goal is to raise $1000 during the month of May.
You may give to mission projects by dropping your contribution into the Sunday offering plate, or coming in to the church office during business hours. Be sure to specify that it’s for Iowa United Methodist Camps.
The Northeast Iowa Food Bank Needs You!
Twice a month we send crews to the Food Bank. See the weekly Good News for dates and times each month. If you are interested, please sign up on the clipboards at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Space. If you can’t make it every month, that’s okay! Rides are available from the church to the food bank and if we are working in the refrigeration area you will be contacted in advance.
MISSION GIVING
Every month we feature a different worthy cause to support with our attention and our dollars. Sometimes it is a local charitable project, sometimes national and sometimes global. We support our local food bank, Love INC of the Cedar Valley, Church World Service, House of Hope, Banyam Seminary in Nigeria, and other projects which bring relief, health, education, and the blessing of God’s word to those who need it most.
Most of our mission giving is un-budgeted - that is, it is over and above what it takes to operate the church. Still, for more than 25 years running, First UMC has been recognized as a “Third-Mile” giving congregation.
We recommend that you check our latest newsletter for the Mission of the Month and other current projects.
You may give to mission projects by dropping your contribution into the Sunday offering plate, or coming in to the church office during business hours. You may also give to mission projects through the Venmo and Shazam Bolt$ mobile apps, by sending your gift to contributions@aboutfirst.com.