Today I am heading out to annual conference You can watch the live stream http://bwcumc.org/events/ac2011broadcast

If you are there and want your 2 pennies to be heard you can twitter about it with the hashtag #bwcumc2011.  Watch the scroll below to see with others are saying

There Is only one day to help out!!!

Help Jacob Thompson, a member of our church, reach his goal of $70.00 (exceed his goal) for the Frederick Relay for Life! Relay for Life is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society that allows people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember the lives of those who lost their battle, and to take a stand and fight against cancer. Jacob is a part of a team that will take turns walking for 24 hours as they raise awareness . Click here to learn more about why Jacob is involved and to help him reach his goal!

 

An Article by Carlee Lammers

The youth of Middletown United Methodist Church held a Homeless for a Night event on Dec. 5-6 to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger not only in the surrounding communities, but across the United States.  Approximately 82 children in Middletown live under the poverty level, 1,140 people in Frederick County face homelessness every year, and nationwide as many as 3.5 million people experience being homeless.

After being confronted with these hard facts the youth of MUMC challenged their congregation to make an impact in regards to this immense issue. They started the event off with a door-to-door canned food collection asking for items that were in great need by the Middletown Food Bank.  The youth were able to collect over 650 canned food and personal care items.

For dinner they traded in their usual pizza and soda, for a simpler diet of rice and beans, which is very similar to what two-thirds of the world eats on a daily basis.  Members of their congregation came to share their own personal testimonies of their experiences with homelessness and hunger.  The members shared their eye opening experiences of being out on the streets, stereotyped, cold, hungry, and worst of all lonely and empty.

“(I think) the worst part is the treatment they receive and the emotional pain from knowing that no one wants you- your family, your friends, no one,” said member of MUMC youth group Sayre Posey.

The youth then broke into groups, and each group was given five-dollars to purchase healthy food to feed a family of four for one day.  They then realized just how difficult it is to feed a family a healthy meal on such a limited budget.

” It made me realize how quickly you can spend 5 dollars and not even have a full meal, which made shopping really hard,” said MUMC youth group member Meagan Parker.

The whole MUMC congregation raised five-hundred-sixty-dollars to be donated towards heating homes in the local area, packed 142 shoeboxes with Christmas presents for children around the world, and given gifts to men at the Frederick Rescue Mission.

The youth along with their congregation aren’t stopping now. They made plans to continue to raise awareness and be in ministry to the homeless and hungry community.

Homeless for a Night Recap : lifeforceyouth.com

I am getting really excited about our “Homeless for a Night” event.  I think it is going to be a really great mercy and justice event that raises all kinds of awareness. 

Here is a promo video of our youth challenging the congregation that will go along with my sermon this weekend. 

Homeless for a night from Chris Bishop on Vimeo.

Homeless for a Night : lifeforceyouth.com

Hey come to the corn maze with MUMC and get lost with us.  We are going to Lawer’s farm corn maze.

Cost is $5 and kids under 5 are free.  A flashlight, warm clothes and old shoes are a good idea.  Extra money for snack, and if you would like to do the pumpkin cannon would be a consideration.

We are asking families meet us there at 4:30. The youth group will be leaving church at 4 to take youth kids.  The address for the farm is: 13001 Creagerstown Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788.  The web address for the farm is http://www.lawyersmoonlightmaze.com/Welcome/Home.html

it will be great fun hope to see you there

Get Lost!!! : lifeforceyouth.com