The Missions and Outreach Ministry is a an active group of individuals, coordinating a wide variety of assistance and caring activities. Watch for even more to come. Here are some of the things they are currently involved with:
Loose Change for Change Offerings
Every fourth Sunday in April, May & June, all loose money in the offering will be sent directly to UMCOR Japan for earthquake & tsunami victim relief.
If you would like to make a donation to this cause at any other time, just earmark your donation to UMCOR Japan, and it will get to the right place. You can also contact the Dodgeville UMC office to make donations.
On the fourth Sunday of each month during our regular worship services, all loose currency goes to the Loose Change for Change ministry for that month.
- January, February & March: InterHope - Grace Home Orphanage
- April, May & June: UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for Japan Assistance
- July, August & September: Iowa County Homeless Shelter
- October, November & December:
Iowa County Food Pantry
Food and cash donations needed year round.
Happy Birthday Bags
A special birthday surprise for Food Pantry children. A bag containing cake mix, frosting, prizes and just for fun items.
Cornerstone Luncheons
Lunch is prepared and served to special needs adults several times a year. Entertainment is also provided.
Cell Phones for Soldiers
We are the Iowa County drop-off site. Used cell phones are recycled and soldiers receive approximately 60 minutes of free time on a phone card to call home.
Homeless Shelter
A place to stay for local homeless families. Cash is needed to support this shelter along with donations of specified supplies.
Tornado Shelter
We are providing a tornado shelter for residents of the nearby trailer courts. In the event of a tornado watch a volunteer will open the church as a shelter.
We Care
Provides clothes, toys, outerwear, diapers, wipes, and other items to customers free of charge. Donate items, money or time.
New Beginnings
Provides household items and furniture to local families free of charge. Donate items or money for delivery expenses.
Thanksgiving Community Dinners
We will be hosting the dinner this year. Volunteers will be needed to donate food, cook, host, serve, and deliver and clean-up. Preparation will be 5:00-7:00 PM on Nov. 24 and 8:00 AM on Nov. 25.
Giving Trees
The tree will be put up in November with gift tags for children and adults in need. Choose a gift tag(s) off the tree then purchase the gift(s) and return or deliver them before Christmas. Giving Tree includes: Social Services of Iowa County, Bloomfield Manor Residents and Upland Hills Nursing Home residents.
Hot Chocolate with Santa
Bring your singing talent to warm up the church after the Christmas parade. Share cookies and enjoy the warmth and hospitality with hundreds of community members. Santa will be there for your child's picture.
Santa Secret Shop
A safe store for children to do their Christmas shopping. Gifts are available for $1-10 and will be wrapped and tagged for the children before they leave. Shop is usually open the first two Saturdays in December.
Christmas Community Dinner
The dinner this year will be at Culver's. Volunteers are needed to bake cookies and to serve and deliver meals.
If you'd like to get involved or for more information about any of these opportunities, contact Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator.