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Mission and Service
Teaching children the importance of caring for all of God's creation is a part of the foundation of spiritual development at Bay UMC. Throughout the year, children participate in various activities to share the love of God with neighbors near and far. Here are a few examples:
Kick-It!
Friends in Christ,
It's starting to warm up and it's a joy to see our kids out and enjoying the growing hours of sunshine. As I look out my office window and see little ones playing outside, I say a silent prayer for all the kids in my life that are healthy. Not all families are so fortunate. Last year, a child in our midst, Annaliese Evenden was not so healthy, and was diagnosed and treated (Thank God, successfully) for pediatric cancer. Do you remember how our prayer lives changed, and focused on her recovery? And yet we were left wondering, what else can we do?
An opportunity arose for us to participate in a Kick-It event and many of you came out to play kick ball, or generously gave to the cause. Kick-It is a national fundraising program, orchestrated through kick ball games across the country, that serves as a fundraiser for accelerating a cure for children's cancers.
Last year's event was on a chilly, wet June day, and I was shocked to see the number of families and communities that showed up to play a child's game, for the sake of children, and many in the name of Christ. The participation of churches and people of faith gave me a first hand glimpse of what it means to live out the Kingdom of God. To see sick and healthy kids play together in an effort to cure cancer was a priceless picture. To witness parents, grandparents, neighbors, and compassionate adults come together on a playground to combat something so dark and scary, was enough to warm my heart on that cold day. I invite you to witness this same love, and participate in something that is Gospel-driven - that we work together for new life in all ways, in all places, for all people, particularly children.
This year's game is June 10th at Walker Rd. Park in Avon Lake. We will again have a church team, and I hope you will be able to join us for the game, and to give to the cause. To sign up, visit: Kick-It Regisration and Donations , and sign up under team "Bay UMC". To give, you can go the same page, or write a check to the church with "kick-it" in the memo line.
Let's have some fun, and do a good thing! As new hope arrives in the dawning of spring, new hope also flourishes through events like Kick-It. Let's play some ball, and continue in our prayers for the healing of all those children who will be with us in June.
Blessings,
Carrie Antczak
UNICEF Trick or Treat Collection
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Each October children collect money from the congregation, their neighborhoods, and friends and family for UNICEF. Children use the historic orange collection boxes to send money to help other children around the world. In 2011, the children raised enough money to build a well in a developing country. |
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Advent Festival
In December we celebrate the birth of Christ by offering mission gifts including hand-tied blanckets to the Berea Children's Home, letters of support to active military, and crafts for our elderly members who are unable to come to church often. The Advent Festival concludes with a special prayer for all of the mission projects sent out in love. |
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March Mission Month
During the month of March, our Sunday School Children collected items to make bed kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). In 2011 the children colected enough for two complete kits. These kits were sent to those in emergency situations who are in need of new bedding. Each kit included:
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* 2 flat sheets (double size, flat only, no fitted)
* 2 pillow cases
* 2 pillows
* Shipping boxes
Other Mission Projects
Twice a year, our Confirmation students provide service at the Nehemiah Mission in Cleveland as a part of their Confirmation Program. Students have helped with hands-on projects, as well as serving at community centers and soup kitchens. Our older youth and adults also make periodic trips to the Nehemiah Mission as well.
If you are interested in helping out with any of these projects, please contact Carrie Christian.
Contact:
Carrie Antczak
Christian Education Coordinator
440-871-2082 ext. 13