Missions is one of the many ways we as Christians assist God in helping our fellow man (and woman!) while living here on earth. I am happy to be co chair, along with Jen Noel, of our FUMC Missions Committee. One thing I recognize right off is that the Missions Committee does research and develop ideas, but the real work is done by YOU. Is was YOU who gathered over 10 shopping carts full of food to help the families at the Strafford County Homeless Shelter. It was YOU who gave snacks, time, and blood to the Red Cross Blood Drive last month. It was you who have gathered many cell phones and ink cartridges for recycling box in the Welcome Center. It is YOU who God continues to bless so that others may be blessed by your sharing and caring. So I want to take a moment to thank all of YOU for “Passing it On”! Second to God’s greatest gift to us-His son Jesus-would be the gift of this place we call EARTH. Through this precious gift, we are given endless seas, majestic mountains, and bountiful harvests. We are called to be stewards of the earth, to share and preserve this gift for all of God’s children.

Are the lights off when you leave a room? Are you using disposable cups or reusable containers? What can we do? What does the Bible say about the land we live? April 22nd will be the 38th annual Earth Day. Our mission this month is to raise awareness and do our part focusing on the 3 R’s: Renewing, Reusing, and Recycling.

To help all of us better understand the impact we can have, APRIL 11th we will hold a dinner and discussion: Environmental Stewardship. Sue Devito, a member here at FUMC with an education in Environmental Studies will host a presentation to provide information and ideas on environmental stewardship in our homes, church, and communities. The gathering will begin at 6pm with dinner, childcare will be provided so please bring the family, bring a friend, and join us for dinner and discussion. 

As part of our support of Earth Day, on Sunday April 20th, we ask that you consider walking, biking, or car pooling to church services. Also, Saturday MAY 3rd is Spring Clean Up day at FUMC. Please take a couple hours and together we can clean up, spruce up, and shape up our blessed grounds and buildings.