Outreach

Mission Team Report...

The Nicaragua Mission Team has returned home from their trip. We spent a very full week in Managua with the girls at Villa Esperanza, fellowship and working at the church in El Farro, and feeding and visiting families in LA Chureca (the dump). The team ran a 3-day VBS for the children in the community surrounding the Villa. We had 54 children ages 7 thru 15 attend the VBS. Through this wonderful ministry we built new relationships with families that live in this community, and affirmed the commitment of this permanent mission site to the people of Managua. Each member of the team has come home with a new appreciation for the lives we have, and a true understanding of what it means to be in need. We also have a new respect for each other. God has blessed us with this opportunity through his Spirit. We want to thank all of you for answering God's call to contribute of yourselves to this mission trip, and your continued support in this missions future.

Salty Servants

"Let me tell you why you are here," says Jesus. "You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?"
Matthew 5:13 (The Message)

Salty Service is one of the essential disciple-making activities of the United Methodist Church. According to our Conference Office of Congregational Transformation "salty service makes a difference in people's lives-both those being served and those serving. Salty Service makes us 'doers and not hearers only'. Salty Service connects the lives of disciples with the ongoing work of Christ in the world."

Many of our church members are volunteering in our community on a regular basis. If you would like to participate with others from Allendale in sharing the love of Christ by going out into the community to provide tangible acts of service, please consider the following opportunities:

• Ronald McDonald House

  Team provides dinner monthly to the families who are living at the RM House in St. Petersburg while their child is receiving medical care at All Children's Hospital.

• Habitat Team

  Works at a Habitat building site in Pinellas County on the third Saturday of each month to support affordable housing for families who are homeless or living in substandard housing. No experience necessary.

• ACC Connection Team

  Serves and supports the families and staff members of our Allendale Children's Center. Could you volunteer in a classroom or assist at special events?

• Women's Residence Team

  Prepares and serves dinner monthly to 20 women who are living in a transitional housing program and working to achieve stable housing and employment.

• The Newest Salty Service Team

  Is waiting to be formed. What needs in our community are you passionate about? Could you organize a group from Allendale to serve in a local school or nursing home? Would you be interested in teaching English to an immigrant through classes provided by United Methodist Cooperative Ministries? Would you consider volunteering at a local food pantry?

Please contact our church office (527-6694) or Suzy Hutto (906-9454) if you would like to be a part of one our existing "Salty Service" Teams or if you have a question or an idea for additional ways to bless our community in the name of Christ.