Celebrating Mission Grants: We Care Ministry Care Packages

By Jessica Love, Mississippi Conference Intern  
 
Photo right: Hopewell UMC youth and their leaders took this photo during their Christmas delivery to the elderly.

Photo below left: These baskets full of snacks were packed by the We Care Ministry for clients during Mother's Day.
 
"We're a small congregation, but we try to extend our ministry outside the walls and do what little we can to let those who feel forgotten know, that right in their own community, someone cares."
Cynthia Graham describes the heart of the Hopewell United Methodist Church We Care ministry.
The service provides care boxes for destitute and ill citizens in the community.

"We never limit our giving," said Graham, the project leader of We Care.  
 
Hopewell UMC is a small church in Philadelphia, Mississippi serving all people.

"It doesn't matter whether white, black, Indian, or Hispanic. We are all God's children," said Graham who shared her statements in a report to the Mississippi Conference. Her church was awarded a $500 matching grant through the Mississippi Conference Office of Connectional Ministries.
She said prior to the grant the ministry operated exclusively through generous contributions and donations. However, lack of funding and resources, forced the church to deliver fewer packages.

In a thank you letter, Pastor Peggy Gibson expressed that the church was really blessed by the grant enabling them to continue their outreach.
Care items range from nonperishable foods, Kleenex, towels, lotions, detergent, and socks. The packages are given at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas; but also to individuals and families facing sickness and hardship throughout the year.

Among those who received help from Hopewell was a stroke victim with no income. In addition to a care box, the person was given a monetary donation.

Hopewell UMC intends to continue their We Care ministry and appreciates Mississippi United Methodists who help make it possible.

The Mississippi Conference Connectional Ministries Mission Grants are a matching grant available to United Methodist churches and United Methodist sponsored or related agencies in Mississippi. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 per project, with one award of up to $10,000. They are awarded to form spiritual leaders, new places for new people, connections through existing congregations and engagement in ministry with the poor; therefore, living out the four Core Values of The POWER of We. 


The POWER of We funded in part by your apportioned mission shares.