Backpack Buddy Program
Our church is partnering with the Long Beach School District to begin a Backpack Buddy Program to feed children in need every weekend. We will be sending home food bags from school on Fridays.
Our Backpack Buddy packing schedule is:
Feb.1, 10:30 am
Feb.7, 6 pm
Feb.15, 10:30 am
Feb.21, 6 pm
Feb.29, 10:30 am
To support this program, we are accepting monetary and food donations. All food donations must be individually wrapped or individual servings. Items needed include: applesauce, animal crackers, breakfast bar, chicken soup cans, easy mac (microwavable packets), fruit cups, goldfish, granola bars, gummie packs, juice boxes, oatmeal, peanut butter crackers, pudding cups, spagettios cans, tuna kit (from Sams). A collection box as well as a complete list of food items needed is located in the narthex.
You can contact Lori Cripple if you would like to help or if you have any questions.
The Well Serves Water
The Well is sponsoring a water table at the 2nd Annual Long Beach Carnival Classic Half Marathon and 5K on January 28th from 7-11am.. You have the opportunity to serve by handing out water to our community's runners. Please contact Rev. Ben Barlow if you have any questions.
2012 Confirmation Class Forming
If you know of someone who is interested in confirmation for students in sixth grade or above please contact Rev. Rod Dickson-Rishel or Alice Lonthair, the church secretary. We will form the class over the next few weeks. Our specific meeting schedule and confirmation service date will depend on the schedule of the participants.
Souper Bowl Luncheon
Souper Bowl Luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 6th in the CLC. The Souper Bowl Missions Fundraiser luncheon will begin at 11:00 a.m. all donations are greatly appreciated. If you can contribute a crockpot of soup or dessert please contact Grace Gingles.
Blood Drive
There will be a blood drive for Austin Barker on Monday, January 30, 2012 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Energy Club @ 2 Tower Plaza, Long Beach
Missions Ministry
We are in the process of compliling a list of mssions ministry projects that First United Methodist Church is involved in. If you are aware of any mission projects, please contact Lynn Bourdin with the mission and a contact person to that mission. Any help would be appreciated.
Art & Soul Youth Fundraiser
Attention All Artists!!! It's that time again! The annual Art & Soul Youth Fundraiser will be Sunday, March 4 at 6pm. If you have any pieces that you would like to donate, please drop them off in the youth hall, labeled. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Woodruff.
Touching Hearts and Tummies
This week, another student came to me to make sure that they got their Backpack Buddy food before the end of the school day on Friday. The little girl was very excited about the food and wanted to make sure she didn't miss out. I asked her if she liked the food. "Oh yes!" she said with a big smile on her face. Children have come to me each week since the program was started to tell me how happy they are and to make sure they are not forgotten. My heart sings and breaks at the same time for these children.
John and Lori Cripple have started an amazing outreach ministry. Sometimes we give money or items without getting to directly see how much it helps. I am sharing this with you because I want you to know that by bringing in the food for the Backpack Buddy Program you are touching the lives of children right here in Long Beach every week. Weekends don't have to be times of hunger for them anymore. Remember, Jesus taught us, "...'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
On behalf of our children in Long Beach, thank you for sharing your love and food with them.
Parma Rishel, School Nurse at Harper McCaughan Elementary
Children's Ministry Volunteers
We are in need of more volunteers to lead children's church at the 8:30 service. Lessons are provided for you, and we have a rotating schedule so you won't miss many sermons. Contact Lori Cripple if you are interested in having fun and sharing God's word with our littlest church members!
Join Us
on Sunday Mornings
Downtown Campus:
Sanctuary Worship @ 8:30 and 11:00
Sunday School @ 9:45
USM Gulf Coast Campus:
The Well @ 11:00
in Fleming Auditorium