The Immanuel United Methodist Church parking lot transformed into a hive of energy and purpose as volunteers came together with one mission: to give children the comfort and security of their own beds. The church partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children who need them. The goal was 40, but church and community volunteers surpassed that, building 62 beds. The Upper New York Conference produced a video from the event.
Although LifeBridge and Monticello United Methodist churches share a sanctuary, education programs and mission outreach, they remain two different congregations. The Rev. Matt Ozment says they are looking for ways to invite the outside community into their loving church community.
Trinity United Methodist Church started Tim’s Place to provide support for individuals with memory loss and time for their caregivers to recharge. The ministry was “a dream to help overwhelmed caregivers have some respite from their daily duties,” said program director Rhonda Heyn. Patrick Scriven has the story.
Some clergy are still struggling with decisions about their future, including whether to “stay or go” in The United Methodist Church. The Holston Conference’s Center for Wellbeing aims to help pastors and lay staff members deal with disaffiliation and other stresses. Annette Spence reports.
