Small congregations work to 'change the world'

5/29/2012

Belvue UMC members assemble kits to be donated to UMCOR. (photo by Rev. Angela DeFisher)
By Rev. Angela DeFisher, special contributor
The Belvue, St. Mary’s and Emmett United Methodist congregations each participated in Change the World, a weekend connecting United Methodists around the world in service May 19-20.

In Belvue, church members met at their regular worship time and participated in a brief service before working shoulder to shoulder with community residents to clean up yards and ready the community park for summer. The members who were unable to do physical labor constructed four health kits, four sewing kits and four birthing kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which was a good accomplishment for a congregation that usually has 10 to 15 people attending worship.

St. Mary’s UMC members work in the community park. (photo by Jeanine Lake)
Members of St. Mary’s UMC assemble kits to donate to UMCOR. (photo by Jeanine Lake)
The St. Mary’s congregation gathered at their regular worship time for a brief service that included a commission for the entire congregation to see everything they do in their everyday lives as an opportunity to serve the Lord, including that day’s activities. They then spent the morning either applying sealant to exercise stations and playground equipment in the local park or helping assemble 57 birthing kits that will be sent to UMCOR. Following the morning’s activities, the workers gathered back in the church’s fellowship hall to share a meal prepared by members of the Missions Committee.

Emmett UMC’s members had trouble finding community projects that needed done, but they came up with a unique way to serve the community. Someone had noticed several tattered, faded and torn American flags flying, so the members decided to host a flag-retirement service. They invited members of the nearby Rossville American Legion to assist with the service. After gathering for worship in the morning, the church members and American Legion members came together in the afternoon for the flag ceremony. Between 25 and 30 flags were honorably retired (burned) as church and community members watched.

It was so exhilarating to see the church being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. We don’t need to build a hospital in Africa or feed orphans in India to make a difference; we can make a difference in small, everyday acts in our own communities.

Emmett UMC members and members of the Rossville American Legion prepare to retire tattered flags. (photo by Rev. Angela DeFisher)
These small congregations are looking forward to participating in the event again next year and have pledged to find ways throughout the year to help change the world, too.

Rev. Angela DeFisher is pastor at Belvue, St. Mary’s and Emmett UMCs.