Thanksgiving Basket Ministry
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who helped with the Thanksgiving Food Basket Ministry. Thank you for your monetary donations to the Coins of Love in September or for taking an envelope from the lollipop tree to fund a basket. We are so grateful for your prayers and continued support as we help our neighbors in need again. Together, we made a difference for 135 families. Many thanks to all who helped with food pickup, unloading, box opening, packing bags, distributing food, and traffic control. A lot of people working together make this ministry happen. By the time the baskets reach their destination, they are not only filled with food but with a big helping of kindness and care. We are rewarded by thoughtful handwritten cards of thanks and by seeing the joy and gratitude on the people’s faces as they receive their Thanksgiving Baskets. Thanks be to God!
December Second Saturday Servants
Second Saturday Servants December Blessings and Giving Thanks: We want to extend our warmest Christmas greetings to the casserole makers and mission servants for your tremendous support throughout the year. As the winter months set in, the need for hot dishes has increased, and we need your help with the Second Saturday Breakfast Program on December 13th. Please bring hot casseroles to the church kitchen by 7:45 am. Thank you all for your support and continued generosity. Our neighbors sincerely appreciate the gift of warm breakfasts, and donations of warm clothing are also greatly needed during this season.
Coins of Love
The December Coins of Love will support Northcott Neighborhood House. Your contributions help Northcott Neighborhood House deliver job trainings, keep the food pantry stocked, and lift the spirit of the whole community. Your support will allow us to help more local Milwaukee families in need.
October’s Coins of Love – Rooted and Rising-Washington Park $264.00
November’s Coins of Love – Divine Intervention Sleep Shelter $210.11
SHARE THE GIFT OF PRESENCE THROUGH PRESENTS
On November 23rd, a Christmas tree was placed in the narthex, adorned with paper angels. Each angel represents the Christmas wish of a child whose parent is incarcerated. If you haven’t yet participated, there’s still time! Simply select one or more angels from the tree, purchase the gift listed, wrap it, and return it to the church by 10:30 am on Sunday, December 14th.
At the conclusion of the worship service that morning, volunteers will be needed to deliver the gifts to the children’s homes. This can be as simple as dropping off a package on your way home from church. You’re warmly invited to help with deliveries, even if you didn’t participate in the gift portion of the ministry. This year, our congregation will share Christ’s love with approximately 34 children and their parents through the Angel Tree program. What a beautiful opportunity to extend the hope and joy of Christmas—and to remind these families of the greatest gift of all, the love of Jesus Christ. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to deliver gifts, please call or text me.
Grace and peace, Pam Chesky Johnson
Wesleyan Congregational Care Team
December 21st is the first day of winter. Winter months can be difficult for so many who have lost loved ones or have feelings of being cut off from the world as bad weather hits. The purpose of the Wesleyan Congregation Care Team is to be available to support those in need either in person (weather permitting) or via phone. We can meet you in church, at your home, or anywhere you feel safe talking. Our visits can be one-time or ongoing. We do and always will care about every member of our church family. Please contact Pastor Grace, our church office, or Laura Molleson if you feel you’d like to be contacted by a member of our Care Team.
FILL THE STOCKING Advent Mission Project
The Children’s Sunday School classes will be collecting socks for the homeless during Advent again this year. Did you know that socks are the most frequently requested – but least frequently donated clothing items at homeless shelters? That’s why every Advent Season, FUMCWA collects new socks to benefit homeless people in our community. Please bring new socks for men, women, and children and put them in the large red Christmas Stocking in The Gathering Room. Thanks for helping our homeless neighbors right here in our community.
Prayer Chain Team
Our Prayer Chain Team connects us through prayer. To join this ministry, contact the church office. You’ll receive prayer requests via email and be asked to pray for them daily. Submit prayer requests by contacting the church office. Updates on prayer requests are also welcomed.
Recycle Socks and Raise Funds for Northcott Neighborhood House
Due to recent changes in the Recycle Socks and Raise Funds for Northcott Neighborhood House initiative, our church will no longer participate in the program. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed by upcycling old socks to support fundraising efforts. Your generosity has directly supported local employment training programs of the United Methodist Church, and your commitment and support was truly appreciated.
Towels for Dogs – A New (ongoing) Outreach
Wow! What a success this is!! Lance has delivered approximately 200 towels to help shelters care for pets. First Church REALLY cares about all of God’s creatures. THANK YOU!! Keep it up – the basket is in the Narthex.