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AUGUST 2018 NEWSLETTER WHY DO WE GIVE? Late summer is the normal time we ask people to share their plan for what they expect to give to the church by way of a commitment. The Finance Committee of our church does this every year so we can prepare a responsible budget that accurately reflects what we think we can afford to do. But let’s get down the to root of the question: Why do we give? First, we give because God is worthy to be honored. In Genesis 14 we find that Abram (later renamed Abraham) gave 10% of all the goods he recovered to God through Melchizedek when he rescued Lot from the kings that had taken him and his family captive. Melchizedek was “the king of Salem (present day Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham considered that God was worthy to be honored with his wealth. This has been true throughout the history of mankind – people give to God because He is worthy to be honored. Second, we give to support the local church. Each local church is God’s chosen vehicle to spread His news of saving grace in Christ, to testify of His love, and to do the good works God has assigned to it. All of this provides glory and honor to the Name of Jesus Christ and God the Father, and it helps people to get right with God for themselves. This takes money. Third, God has called many to full-time ministry and they are expected to make their living from the Gospel and in service to God’s people and from those they help bring to Christ. We see this in Leviticus 27:30-34 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29 and in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 where St. Paul writes, “Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.” Fourth, giving is an act of faith and worship. We have faith that God will provide for our every need and it helps us keep our perspective in that we do not serve money, we serve God in all things. As Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters. … You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24). Keep all these things in mind as you plan your giving for 2019. The information you provide to the Finance Committee will be a great help to them in planning for the responsible use of the funds you entrust to us for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom on earth. Pastor Andy Maxwell

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Page 1: AUGUST 2018 NEWSLETTER - August 2018.pdf3 spiral, 1 subject notebooks (8”x10 ½”) 3 pens (blue or black) 3 unsharpened pencils 1 pencil sharpener 1 pencil eraser – 2” or larger

AUGUST 2018 NEWSLETTER

WHY DO WE GIVE? Late summer is the normal time we ask people to share their plan for what they expect to give to the church by way of a commitment. The Finance Committee of our church does this every year so we can prepare a responsible budget that accurately reflects what we think we can afford to do. But let’s get down the to root of the question: Why do we give? First, we give because God is worthy to be honored. In Genesis 14 we find that Abram (later renamed Abraham) gave 10% of all the goods he recovered to God through Melchizedek when he rescued Lot from the kings that had taken him and his family captive. Melchizedek was “the king of Salem (present day Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham considered that God was worthy to be honored with his wealth. This has been true throughout the history of mankind – people give to God because He is worthy to be honored. Second, we give to support the local church. Each local church is God’s chosen vehicle to spread His news of saving grace in Christ, to testify of His love, and to do the good works God has assigned to it. All of this provides glory and honor to the Name of Jesus Christ and God the Father, and it helps people to get right with God for themselves. This takes money. Third, God has called many to full-time ministry and they are expected to make their living from the Gospel and in service to God’s people and from those they help bring to Christ. We see this in Leviticus 27:30-34 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29 and in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 where St. Paul writes, “Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.” Fourth, giving is an act of faith and worship. We have faith that God will provide for our every need and it helps us keep our perspective in that we do not serve money, we serve God in all things. As Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters. … You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24). Keep all these things in mind as you plan your giving for 2019. The information you provide to the Finance Committee will be a great help to them in planning for the responsible use of the funds you entrust to us for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom on earth. Pastor Andy Maxwell

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WORSHIP HELPERS GREETERS: Gary & Sue Eades USHERS: Steve & Cheryl Bingamon Norm & Nancy White LITURGIST: Larry Holloway COMMUNION STEWARDS: Sharon Good and Cheryl Lehman ACOLYTES: Ethan Dahl Jared Bowers CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: Discontinued until after Labor Day POWER POINT: Nathan Dahl SOUND: Vernon Brunner NURSERY WORKERS: 5 – Emilio & Sarah Medina 12 – Connie Janvrin 19 – Mickey Roberts and Linda Holloway 26 – Glenda Church and Lisa & Carly Stark

5 – Jim & Phyllis Hockaday 12 – Chris & Connie Janvrin 19 – Mike & Kendra Newland 26 – Joyce Aschermann

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MISSION FAIR - AUGUST 19 Please join us on Sunday, August 19th when the Mission Committee hosts a Mission Fair in the Fellowship Hall followed by a church potluck. During worship, we will have two speakers update us about the agencies they represent. Several agencies will have displays in the Fellowship Hall so we can “check out” their services and offer support. (There will be no Sunday School that day.) As Bishop Beard would say, “Come and get fired up for Missions!”

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I SCREAM! YOU SCREAM! WE ALL SCREAM FOR

SUNDAY SCHOOL! (and for ice cream!)

A celebration of Sunday School will be held during morning worship service on Sunday, August 26. Teachers and their students will be recognized, and students advancing to new classes will be promoted. Following the service, the celebration will continue with super Sunday School ice cream sundaes for everyone! Come and join the fun! Yum!!

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PLEASE NOTE:

BETH MOORE SIMULCAST SEPTEMBER 15

First Christian Church in Clinton (100 N. Jackson St.) is hosting the Living Proof Simulcast with Beth Moore, and worship with Travis Cottrell on Saturday, September 15. Doors will open at 8 a.m. for this free event. Worship begins at 8:30 a.m. and the simulcast is from 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Lunch is from 10:30 a.m. – noon.

For more information or to register, please visit www.clintonfcc.com/upcoming events or call the church office, 217-935-3139.

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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

We finished studying the Book of Revelation on July 17th. We decided to break for the remainder of the summer and will resume meeting in September.

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INTERCESSORY PRAYER MEETING WEDNESDAYS AT 6 P.M.

God calls us to be a people who pray for others. This is called “intercessory prayer” when we intercede to God on behalf of others. Our world is in constant need of such prayer. All aspects of the Church and of government are in need of such prayer. Individual people

are in need of such prayer. In my own life I can think of several people who were literally “prayed in into the Kingdom”.

As Christians we are called to this kind of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-4) and it pleases God (v. 3.). Plan to join with others in this time of praying for others each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. If all goes as planned, we should finish our study in Revelation on August 1st as we did experience some delays.

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CHOIR PRACTICE…

begins September 5th at 7:15 p.m. If you’d like to be a part of the choir, contact Tanya Dahl, 217-358-1192.

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CLOTHING GIVEAWAY COORDINATOR NEEDED!

Mickey Roberts will not be able to coordinate the next fall and spring clothing giveaways due to other commitments. Please prayerfully consider if this is a role you would be willing to fill. Mickey will fill you in with all of the information you need to do the job. It's a blessing to be a blessing!

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“Thank you to all who sent cards and those who were able to make it to my surprise birthday party. I had a wonderful celebration and feel so blessed to have such a caring church family.” Lura Weatherford “I would like to thank the church for the nice Memorial Service for those members, including my husband, Jerry and my Dad, Don McCool, who passed away within the past year. Also, thank you for the pretty basket of flowers. It was nice seeing so many of our friends.” Thanks again, Sandy Davenport “Thank you for your gift of $150 to the General Board of Global Ministries through The Advance, the designated mission giving channel of The UM Church. We are pleased to share that 100% of your contribution will support the missionary community in honor of Cornelia (Connie) Wieck. Giving through The Advance enables United Methodists to partner with one another in mission and ministry around the world. Thank you for joining with us in God’s mission.” “Thank you for your $200 donation to Love Packages. We have shipped 749 tons of literature already this year. We sent boxes of literature and Bibles to Shurugwi, Chivhu, and Umvuma south of Harare. There are 36 churches in the area and most of the people there have never held a Bible in their entire life, but they still go to church year after year. I wish you could have seen the joy, singing and dancing all because Love Packages was able to hear the cry of the people. One lady was on her knees for over an hour just clasping her Bible. We are also taking

literature to the rural clinics, schools and hospitals. There is so much joy when they receive their boxes, it is like Christmas over and over again.” “Thank you for your donation of $400 to World Gospel Mission in support of Margaret Farnsworth. Because of your financial partnership, the good news of the gospel is being spread around the world. Lives are being transformed as a direct result of your gift. We can’t thank you enough!”

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A MEMORY OF LONG AGO By Marie Smith

Down the cow path – near the barns. Walking fast I told the chickens to get out of the way. Because I was going to find Jesus and tell Him that my brothers were playing tricks on me. Jesus would take care of everything. Tears of anger were flowing as I moved on to the wooded area along our spring fed creek. Just following the path and picking a wild flower now and then. Wondering what color Jesus would like. I was crying because my brothers had broken the mud cookies I had baked in the hot sun the day before and decorated with flower petals. The memory still lingers on today. At age “96” as I turn back the pages of time. Marie Ford Smith 2018

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION New hours for the Secretary’s Office: Mondays – Closed Tuesday – Friday – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted in the bulletin.)

* * *

Christian Sympathy to Shawna Brunner & Family. Shawna’s father, Jim Castleman, passed away on July 22.

* * *

Community Watch – Will meet on Monday, August 6 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Forsyth Public Library. Join them as local attorney Gary Geisler tells stories of the notorious Levee District, an area known as Decatur’s vice district in the early 1900’s. Community Watch is open to everyone and sponsored by the Macon County Sheriff's Department with support from Forsyth Public Library.

* * *

Card Ministry – Anniversary cards and stamps are always needed. If anyone is interested in taking over the card ministry, please see Kelly Manley.

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Stamp Ministry – Reminder from Edna: Please be sure to leave ½” margin all around the stamps. If they are trimmed too closely, their value is decreased.

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Good Samaritan Inn - FUMC will be helping prepare and serve the noon meal on Wednesday, August 22. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Please bring cookies on Sunday, August 19 so they may be taken to the Inn the following Wednesday.

* * *

Please Continue to Save: Plastic Bottle Caps – for playground equipment Canceled Stamps – for the Stamp Ministry Box Tops for Education – for Cunningham Children’s Home Used Eyeglasses, Hearing Aids, Cell Phones and Ink Cartridges - for the Lion’s Club

There is a special receptacle for each item on the table in the narthex. Pop Cans - for the Lord’s Army (There is a white barrel in the Lord’s Army room for the cans.)

* * *

Please take advantage of the sales of

School Supplies to pick up items for the Haiti Student School Bags:

Kit contains: 3 spiral, 1 subject notebooks (8”x10 ½”) 3 pens (blue or black) 3 unsharpened pencils 1 pencil sharpener 1 pencil eraser – 2” or larger 1 ruler 12” long with metric 1 protractor 6” long with metric 1 box of 24 crayons 1 pair of round-tip scissors (no plastic scissors)

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YOUTH GROUP HIGHLIGHTS

The Forsyth UMC Youth group helped at Good Samaritan Inn on Wednesday, July 25th. No dates have been set for the fall meetings and activities.

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UM WOMEN’S JULY 17, 2018

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Nine ladies of the church and Pastor Andy enjoyed fun and fellowship at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for Ladies Night Out. There was no business meeting. Linda Holloway shared a devotional and offered prayer. Next meeting: Tuesday, August 21, at 7:00 p.m. All ladies of the church are welcome to attend.

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UM MEN’S JULY 21, 2018

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Six gathered for the July meeting of the UM Men. Bob R. opened with a prayer and all enjoyed a breakfast of egg casserole, doughnuts, coffee, & juice provided by those present, as Don S. was unable to attend and provide breakfast this month. Treasurer’s Report: Gary B. reported a balance of $242.47 in our account. The recent all Church picnic was discussed. We had ideal weather and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves at the picnic. We will cut

back on hamburger patties and buns next time as we had leftovers, which were donated to the Good Samaritan Inn. We discussed the possibility of having musical entertainment next time. We may see if the congregations of Maroa and Forsyth will assist with the cost of such entertainment. We are extremely grateful to Tom & Tracy Ferrill for hosting the picnic and for providing assistance. A thank-you note and gift card were sent them to show our appreciation. John Z. provided a devotional reading on "what truly makes us happy and satisfies our soul". Our next meeting will be August 18 at 7:30 a.m. at FUMC.

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BIRTHDAYS &

ANNIVERSARIES

4 – Deb Kirchner Pastor Andy Maxwell 5 – Jared Bowers 7 – Kyle Manley Ginny Vance 9 – Cole Aschermann Derek & Kristen Evans - Anniversary 10 – Jim & Phyllis Hockaday - Anniversary 13 – Shawna Brunner 14 – Darlene Foster 15 – Steve Wilson 19 – Chris Janvrin 20 – Charlotte Manley 22 – Emil Burnham 26 – Tom Bowman 30 – Rick & Becky Wayne - Anniversary 31 – Rose Mary Malone

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I SPY SOME SERVANTS…. Yolanda Blackwell for filling the candles with oil each week. Lois Maxwell for helping Yolanda get to church on time. Those who help others with their yard work. Those who helped with the Church Workday on July 21.

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PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR FIRST 4 WEEKS OF JULY

Steve & Cheryl Bingamon Yolanda Blackwell Vernon Brunner Glenda Church Phyllis Crutcher Barbara Current Gus, Tanya Dahl & Sons Gary & Sue Eades Mary Gardner Ron & Helen Gray Doug & Patty Hanly Jim Hockaday *Cal & *Nancy Hollon Larry & Linda Holloway Shirley Lechleiter Nancy Lynch *Kelly & *Eric Manley Pastor Andy & Lois Maxwell Bob & Mickey Roberts Dorothy Shookman Norm & Nancy White *Indicates this person attended another church one or more Sundays of the month.

* * * * *

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

SS Worship Totals through June 24 668 1862 July 1 30 72 July 8 --- 106 July 15 24 78 July 22 20 61 Totals 742 2179

Averages 30 75

GIVING UPDATE

July 1 $6,846.00 July 8 $3,488.00 July 15 $2,264.00 July 22 $1,911.00

As of July 22, 2018, 29 weeks into 2018: Estimated Budget - $ 103,159.67

Income - $ 90,283.00 Over/Under - $- 12,876.67

“NOISY” OFFERING 1st Quarter - $124.65 2nd Quarter - $ 93.81 July - Not collected

QUARTER OFFERING 1st Quarter - $104.00 2nd Quarter - $ 94.78 1st 4 Sundays in July - $ 30.55 “Our Conference, Our Kids” This offering helps to provide back up support for the five ministries in our conference that work with children. This became necessary because of the lack of a State budget, so state funds were cut to many of these agencies.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JULY 10, 2018 CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

Pastor Andy Maxwell opened the meeting with prayer with eight members present. Larry Holloway read from the Daily Bread about “Fair Play” showing Faith through Actions FINANCE REPORT: Sarah Medina reported the budget will hopefully be ready to submit at the September Council Meeting. Also, there is a 12-month plan on Stewardship and Develop-ment on the Culture of Generosity they are working on. Be watching in upcoming newsletters for members from church sharing about generosity in general as she had previously shared her story in the July Newsletter. Pledge requests will be sent out soon to be returned by August 26. There will be a Consecration Brunch prepared by the Finance Committee with help from Don Sennhenn on Sunday, September 9. FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT: Norman White has a second person to help count money and said everything is going well. TREASURER’S REPORT: Kelly Manley handed out a budget report dated through June 30, 2018. Halfway through the year no more than 50% of the budget should be spent. She said 41.8% of budget is spent and we are still under budget. There is $13, 905.97 available in checking for budget. It was mentioned that in either September or October the church insurance is due which is estimated to cost around $6,000. It was reported that we have received our apportionment amounts for 2019 and they are down from 2018 by $672 annually.

Kelly inquired if the “Noisy Offering” needs to continue since there aren’t many children in the congregation to collect the money. The balance in the account is $287.72. If we had an additional $12.28, we could purchase two Llamas ($150 each) and then possibly discontinue the offering. After some discussion, Pastor Andy suggested that we skip

the July/August offering and try it again in September thinking we might have more children at that time. This issue has been tabled until the next Council Meeting. TRUSTEE REPORT: Linda Holloway reported the “No Through Traffic” signs have been posted and she feels they are helpful. Four new lights with one new ballast have been installed. One of the new plug-ins didn’t work but has been fixed in the kitchen. Shrubs have been trimmed by Linda & Larry along the parking lot. Youth are keeping up with the mowing of the church lawn. The congregation seems pleased with the new lighting in the sanctuary. The backyard at the parsonage was tilled and sowed, but will need to be repeated in the Fall. WORSHIP REPORT: Pastor Andy Maxwell reported this committee will discuss at their next meeting using their funds to provide the food for the Consecration Brunch in September estimated to cost $150.

The biggest problem the committee is having is getting nursery workers since there needs to be two adults working in nursery. There was some discussion about background checks which haven’t been done due to costs.

He stated that we’ve gone back to having four ushers with the two greeters because those volunteering as greeters don’t want ushering duties. MISSIONS REPORT: Steve Bingamon has replaced Marcia Brelsfoard as chairperson of this committee. The committee last met on June 4 and distributed $2000. $400 given to Midwest Distribution Center and $200 was given to the each of the following eight agencies:

Release through Jesus Prison Ministry Baby Talk Early Head Start Love Packages Salvation Army Good Samaritan Inn continued……

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CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES continued… ILLCAPP Northeast Community Fund Our Conference-Our Kids Plans were discussed for the Mission Fair to be held Sunday, August 19. Two speakers are lined up: Lori Bultemeir from Baby Fold and Ginger McKee from Our Conference-Our Kids. A possible third speaker may come from New Life Pregnancy Center or the Oasis Day Center. There will be no Sunday School that day and a potluck will follow. A special meeting for work on the Mission Fair will be August 7 at 7pm. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN: Linda Holloway reported seven fans were purchased at Walmart for around $100 and given to people in need.

UMW Sunday will be September 23. Rosemary Fletcher will give the message and the other women will participate in the service. LAY MEMBER ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT: Steve Bingamon and Pastor Andy attended the Illinois Great River Annual Conference June 7-9 at the Peoria Civic Center with the theme: “Let’s Get Fired Up: Moving Forward”. There were several speakers and inspiring worship services which included a Memorial Service and a service honoring the pastors retiring this year. An Ordination Service was held, but Steve and Pastor Andy didn’t attend because of Rachel and Cody Marlar’s wedding. Steve and Pastor Andy attended a Pre-Annual Conference Workshop, “On the Way Forward.” They will prepare a letter with information provided at the workshop which will be available at the back of the sanctuary Sunday, July 15th. PASTOR ANDY’S LAY LEADERSHIP REPORT: In response to a request by Larry Holloway that he give an account for the past six months, Pastor Andy said he has made 100 calls which includes phone calls, visits to shut-

ins and hospital visits. In January this year he formed a New Covenant Group with other ministers. He has led two Bible study groups, prepared sermons, taught a Sunday school class, and kept up with the Conference. He’s active with the Prairie Ministers and African University Committee; he officiated at one wedding and one funeral. NEW BUSINESS: Security was discussed and entailed the possibility of a lock for the door to the Finance Office, where the weekly money is counted. Another idea from Larry Holloway was the possibility of security cameras installed inside the church and outside in the parking lot. Larry will bring up this issue at the next Trustee’s Meeting. After a closing prayer, the meeting was adjourned.

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NEWS FROM MARGARET FARNSWORTH

MISSIONARY IN KENYA WITH WORLD GOSPEL MISSION

Praises: It was such a joy as the Lord told me to let Him carry my burdens – and He did! A team mate stopped by with a visiting group. It was great to see the sister of a former short- term worker who is still a very dear friend. She called her sister in the US, and we were able to talk. God is so good! The meeting last week left me very concerned. But God is in control of all of the issues. Thank You, Lord, because only You can handle them. More travels with safe returns, and I thank God! In spite of a software glitch this week, I am almost caught up with work-related projects. Thank You, Lord! I was able to spend a few brief minutes with a former team mate who was paying his "last" visit to the Kenya field. What a blessing and legacy that he and his family are leaving behind. It has been my honor to have served with them. Requests: Please pray for Nellie for both health and to raise the necessary prayer and financial support. Pray for our remaining exemption application that the Lord will give us favor. Pray for a replacement for me as I will be retiring in 2019.

Pray this Scripture for me: Colossians 3:22 - that I will have no motive intended to "curry favor" but rather God's motives from a sincere heart's desire to serve others. Just a Thought... Pride so insipiently raised its ugly head recently. Lord, You hate pride. Immediately reveal my pride to me "in the moment" so that I can immediately repent. Help me to humbly become all You want me to be. Forgive me, but I have two thoughts this week from lessons learned. A teaching moment presented itself with my office staff recently, but they just thought I was telling a laughable story. So I drove the point home by letting them know that, with my retirement next year and thus far no one in line to fill the position, they would have to make these decisions and make sure that WGM's financial policies are upheld and followed. This had been my purpose in sharing what had happened. The response was their shock as the realization began to "sink in". Lord, everyone is replaceable. Help me to leave behind people empowered to "step up" and take full responsibility for what needs to happen. Help me to continue teaching so that I can leave knowing that all will be in even better hands than mine! Looking upward and forward, Margaret Farnsworth Cell phone - 254-731-792-153 Email address: [email protected] Skype address - mfarns Mailing address - P.O. Box 467, Nakuru, Kenya 20100 TMS Global, P.O. Box 936559, Atlanta, GA 31193-6559 World Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948

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NEWS FROM MIDWEST MISSION DISTRIBUTION CENTER

ANNUAL CONFERENCE DONATIONS: Over 66,000 pounds of donations were collected at 10 annual conferences this year, thanks to the help of many dedicated drivers and volunteers! Your generosity and God’s grace are never more evident than when the Center is full of these donations. (IL Great Rivers Conference collected 3,601 lbs. of donations.) Teams are already hard at work sorting and counting and getting them ready to go where they are needed most. This year the donations included Cleaning Kit supplies, School Kits, Hygiene and Personal Dignity Kits, Layette Kits, and so much more! At the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, supplies were collected for a new Tornado response kit that has been created, on a trial basis, to better respond to survivors of tornadoes. Requests for school supply kits are beginning to pile up in Illinois – 2 for the US and 1 for Columbia. There are also a lot of questions about this popular kit: 1. Are you still using the 1-handled cloth bag for Midwest Mission’s “Student School Bag”? YES! – these kits will continue to be shipped in the cloth bags that many of you love to sew.

2. Will you accept the 2-handled bags that were made for the UMCOR School Kit? (UMCOR recently announced that their School Kit will not include a cloth bag.) Yes – 2-handled bags will be accepted, but if you are making them, we encourage you to switch to the one-handled bag or one of the many other sewn items we need. The patterns are available at midwestmission.org/projects/patterns or we can mail them to you. UMCOR moved away from the cloth bag because they are no longer sending their kits internationally, but MMDC

will continue to support local and international needs with the MMDC School Bag.

3. Are there any changes to the MMDC Student School Bag? Yes – the recipients of these kits have suggested the protractor be replaced with glue, so glue sticks will be substituted for the outdated protractor.

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