Twenty men and women met on Saturday morning, May 9, to enjoy a pancake breakfast and to discuss the implementation of a new ministry called Faith Builders sponsored by the United Methodist Men.  The project is an outgrowth of the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation study recently completed by the church and focuses on the practices of risk taking mission and service as well as extravagant generosity.  A report by Jeff Grady of Mansfield United Methodist Church explained his church’s similar efforts which they call Hands of Christ.  He reported that their project began small, but now occurs 6 times each year serving mostly non-church members who are homeowners and are, by reason of age and/or circumstances, unable to perform fairly simple household repairs or outdoor projects.  The suggested names come primarily from 2 sources:  recommendations from Meals on Wheels representatives and suggestions from the staff of the church’s Wesley Community Center which provides counseling, job assistance, financial assistance, and operates a thrift shop.  They celebrate each year’s projects with an end of the year dinner, complete with recognition of those who have participated by working or donating money and materials, as well as hearing from clients they have served. 

Attendees were asked to fill out a simple questionnaire to check off areas in which they might provide assistance for this worthwhile activity.  The first project is planned for June 13, but at least one more event will be undertaken before the end of the year.  Painting and hammering are two important skills, but providing lunches for the workers, presenting a devotional before work or during lunch, making phone calls, assessing needs of prospective clients, gathering supplies, taking photos, coordinating communications, etc. are also vital parts of the ministry.  Everyone can help!  See Henry Moore, Tom Neely, or any member of United Methodist Men to volunteer your services. 

Following are some scenes from Saturday’s breakfast meeting:

The place to be Saturday morning at 8:30 is at the informational meeting of Faith Builders. This is your invitation to come for a  pancake breakfast and hear about this new ministry of our church. Faith Builders is an outgrowth of the Five Practices Study we had at our church during January and February. It addresses the practice of Risk-taking Mission by helping those in our community who need help in maintaining and repairing their houses.

While the Methodist Men are sponsoring this program, the need for workers to perform services in a number of ways far exceeds the capabilities of the Methodist Men. If you can use a telephone or make a sandwich (or swing a hammer, or use a paintbrush, saw, drill, etc.) there is a need you can fill.

If you attend the Saturday informational meeting, you will hear about a similar service project at First United Methodist at Mansfield and gather some information on how we will get started within a few weeks.

The place: First United Methodist Church Family Life Center

The time: 8:30  Saturday, May 9

Who is invited?  You!