2009 "Hands On" Missional Opportunities:

*Crossroads Counseling Center is an ongoing outreach located on Pierce Ave.  For many years, their offices were centered in Martha Bowman and Vineville United Methodist Churches.  This year, we are making a special effort to undergurd and support the ministry of Crossroads. Please contact Nancy Cornett (746-8297) for more information on Crossroads or Bill Shockley (745-3331) to donate to this important ministry.

*Exodus Tour and Mission Trip This tour will include concerts and mission opportunities for youth for one week during the summer.  This year's dates are June 7-13, 2009.  Contact: Mike Kinnebrew 745-3331

*Fall Festival: is an opportunity for our Church to experience unity with God’s children living in the neighborhood in which God has placed us.  God blesses us with the smiles of children, with karaoke singing, dancing, “the walking wounded” from the Jerles’ tent, bouncing little boys and girls, horse-riding, painted faces, cake-walkers, and so much more! Interested in participating or helping lead? Date: October 28, 2009. Contact Rev. Barry Giddens, 745-3331.

"Goodwill Donation Drive: Each year, the Greene Sunday School Class sponsors a Goodwill Donation Drive in the upper parking lot of the church.  Date: TBA  Contact: Ivey Hall (755-0867)

*Habitat Fall Faith Build: The 2008 Fall Faith Build home was started in October and finished in late January, 2009 in Lynmore Estates involving 14 area Bibb County churches.   The Greene Sunday School Class worked with other groups to fund and build the home.  Look for more details on the Fall 2009 Faith Build.  For more information, Contact: Tom Swift (750-7675).

*Humble Place: The Office of Connectional Ministries and the Open Hands Partnership have invited local churches, Sunday school classes, small group(s), and/or individuals to consider a three-year commitment of $1,500.00 to sponsor a child at Humble United Methodist School.  Many groups within at Vineville UMC are heading the call to sponsor a child.  A three-year commitment will ensure financial continuity and stability as Humble United Methodist School prepares for the primary education of 250 children each year.

•  What does the sponsorship include?  This pays for a student to live as a boarding student at Humble United Methodist School, providing food, clothing, shelter, spiritual enrichment, education, medical care, and transportation back to their village during school breaks.
•  Are my sponsorships tax-deductible?  Yes.   All sponsorships are tax-deductible.  You will receive a receipt from the church office for your contribution. 
• How do I send the funds?  Please make your check payable to your local church and clearly mark Humble School Program/Scholarship Fund Conference Advance #1754. Your church will send the gift(s) to the South Georgia Conference Treasurer (P.O. Box 52101, Macon, GA  31208).  The Conference Treasurer will forward the gift(s) on to our United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries.  The General Board of Global Ministries will then carefully administer the gifts in the East Africa Annual Conference.

*The Methodist Home for Children and Youth:  

• The Vines Sunday School Class sponsored a bake sale/ t-shirt sale day on April 26, 2009.  Rick Lanford, President of the Foundation of the Methodist Children's Home, spoke during the Sunday School hour to a combined Adult Sunday School Class in the CLC. The Vines Class raised $7500 for the home!  Praise God!
• The Greene Sunday School Class is supporting David Green's walk of the Appalachian Trail to raise money for the Methodist Home.  In mid April, David began his hike of the Appalachian Trail, raising money for the Home with every step that he takes.  He will finish the 2,178 mile hike in early September.  This will be David's third trip, and he has raised close to $40,000.  You can help sponsor David as he hikes the trail by pledging per mile or giving a one time donation.  Please send your pledges/ donations to P.O. Box 2525, Macon, GA 31203-2525 and specify that you are supporting the David Green Appalachian Trail Hike.
• The Vines Sunday School Class is sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast to be held Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 A.M. in the Christian Life Center.  For more information, Chad Fulk (808-6781).

*Mountain T.O.P: Participants join with other churches from around the country to conduct major and minor home repairs.  The summer Vineville trip will be June 21-27, 2009.  Contact: Tommy Haliburton, 477-6397 or Bill Shockley 745-3331

*Red Cross Blood Drives: Vineville sponsors quartely Blood Drives in the Allen Sanders, Jones, and Cook Sunday School Classrooms.  We have an average of 40-50 people who give the gift of life at each drive.  Each drive is held from 12:30- 6 PM.  The next blood drive will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2009.  Contact: Erin Giddens (718-0580).

*Sunday  School Class Mission Outreaches: This list is by no means "exhaustive"!  Throughout the year, our Sunday School Classes will be offering numerous opportunities for persons to be involved in missions.  Some of the opportunities include local missions, domestic missions, and international missions.  Be sure to check the worship bulletins and the Vine on an ongoing basis to join a Sunday School Class in the work of the Lord!

*Wesley Glen is  the South Georgia Conference’s ministry to adults with special needs.  An auxiliary, including many people from Vineville UMC, has been established to support and uplift the ministry.  Members volunteer their time throughout the year through bake sales, the Annual Fish Fry, birthday parties for the residents, and so much more!  To know more, contact Helen Weathers (474-5571) or Margarite Halliburton (477-6397).

*The Youth Mission Trip to Guanajuato, Mexico will be July 25- August 1, 2009.  

CHRISTMAS MISSIONS:

*Operation Christmas Child will be a summer outreach opportunity.  Contact Ann Hanse (477-6452).

*North Pole at Vineville:  This year, we will partner with other community organizations such as Oasis and Defacs to provide for families in need at Christmas.  Contact Rev. Barry Giddens (745-3331)

*Vines Class Poinsettia and Bake Sale: Each year, the Vines Class sells poinsettias and sponsors a bake sale to benefit LH Williams Elementary School.  Contact Nancy Mitchell (757-0497).

*Wesley Glen Christmas: A Christmas Party is held each year to show the residents God’s love.  To know more about the Christmas Party and/ or to join the auxiliary, contact Helen Weathers (474-5571) or Margarite Halliburton (477-6397) or Courtney Swift (750-7675).