MISSIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
We are a church in Mission. It is through the involvement of the church family that we are a church in Mission. The mission of CUMC is to equip disciples for Christ, which is supported by strong ministries throughout all our church committees. The Missions Committee is specifically guided by Matthew 25:35-36; 45:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
As such, the Missions Committee is charged to:
· Step out in faith and show the love of God by reaching beyond our congregation, both locally and globally, to the Disadvantaged, Displaced, Distraught and Disabled.
· Spread the word of God by funding missionaries around the world.
· Feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and minister to the sick and imprisoned.
· Be humble servants, just as Christ demonstrated in the washing of His Disciples’ feet.
This year we have continued to do God’s work through our prayers, works and giving. The Missions Committee generally oversees donations from our church to various recipients, equal to 10% of the gifts the church receives for operating expenses each year. There are many good causes that have been dear to the congregation for some time, and with finite resources, at times we must make hard choices about recipients. A great deal of missions work is also done by individuals and small groups in the congregation without involvement of the Missions Committee. Following is a summary of the mission work done by our church. It is not an attempt at a complete inventory. We are constantly learning about new activities in giving and service by members of our congregation.
Children’s Church School Missions – The Church School classes continue to collect tabs to generate funds for the Ronald McDonald House. They support the American Leprosy Foundation and several other causes.
Youth Ministries – The Youth have participated in many different mission projects throughout the year.
Campus Crusade for Christ – Through this mission, we have sponsored Jennifer Hu (formerly Burke) who is a director of the New Jersey chapter of Campus Crusades for Christ. In this capacity, she connects with students across the State, bringing them to Jesus Christ.
Compassion International – Individual members of the congregation continue to support children in underprivileged areas of the world through Compassion International, a Christian child development ministry.
CUMAC-ECHO (Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community- Ecumenically Concerned Helping Others) – CUMAC-ECHO is the largest food distribution program in Passaic County. In addition to our monetary support, we support them with food and clothing donations.
Discovery Service Projects – In January 2009, more than 20 members of the congregation went to Honduras to help build another school for LAMB, this time in San Buenaventura.
Interfaith Hospitality Network – The network of volunteers provides day and night shelter, meals, support services, companionship and hope to homeless families in Hunterdon County. IHN provides intensive case management services to assist shelter clients in overcoming the obstacles, which led to their homelessness, to include assistance with housing, employment, childcare, legal matters, transportation, etc.
Open Cupboard Food Pantry – We have made financial donations to the food pantry as well as provided food and items for their thrift shop.
Prison Ministry – Our church continues to support a vibrant ministry to the women at Edna Mahon Women’s Correctional Facility. A Community Bible Study Program holds regular sessions. An interdenominational team of women from various churches in the area help lead this class. The church has funded the purchase of Bibles for the program. Church members have donated Christian reading materials, greeting cards and clothing for released prisoners.
LAMB Institute, God’s Littlest Lambs and God’s Littlest Lambs Residential Homes - We have provided financial assistance to God’s Littlest Lambs, a Family Care Center/Day Care Center in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Many children have been brought to the day care but never picked up. As a result, God’s Littlest Lambs Residential Home developed and now houses over 50 children. In 2007, a new ministry at the LAMB was formed, God's Littlest Lamb Nursery. We provide monthly support for LAMB. Members of our church went to work with LAMB in Honduras in January and again in August.
Quilters – The Quilters work together to provide hand-made blankets that are a great comfort to many in hospitals and many in need.
We support all of the above missions. We also meet our obligations to the Conference Missions, Good News Home, Walk to Emmaus, Pastors’ Discretionary Fund, Lord’s Closet, and United Methodist Homes. The attached table summarizes active missions and contact points for them in our membership. It is Jesus’ love, flowing through us, that enables us to minister to others.
