First UMC Mission Week begins this weekend with a Rise Against Hunger Event. On Saturday, October 17, we will pack 10,000 meals that will be sent somewhere in the world to provide nutrition for people who typically would not have food to eat. Each meal is packaged by adding rice, soy, seasoning, and vitamins in a simple assembly line. After being weighed, they are placed in a box where they are ready to be sent where they are needed. This is truly a multi-generational event, with a place for anyone despite their age or physical abilities. The event begins at 9:00 a.m.
As Rise Against Hunger extends the love of First UMC throughout the world, on Saturday, October 24, we focus on the city of Wilson with our Build-A-Bed project. We have the names of 25 children who do not have a bed to sleep in. At 9:00 a.m., we will gather as a team, build the beds, and then deliver them. Along with the beds, each child receives sheets, blankets, and a bible. The construction is like an assembly line, with a variety of duties to choose from.
Sandwiched in the middle of these two impactful mission events is Sunday, October 18. The entire morning is dedicated to mission. We will have as a special speaker Suzanne Coker Craig, the Executive Director for the Wilson Area Habit for Humanity. She also is a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church. Between the two worship services, starting at 10:00 a.m., the Mission and Outreach Committee will be sponsoring a brunch for the church.
I hope you will join us for these events. They will be a blessing to others, and I believe you will find that they will be a blessing to you as well.
Mike Frese