Nokesville UMC

1. Nokesville UMC Mission Descriptions 2009

2. Gleaning America's Fields ~ Feeding America's Hungry WhatSets Us Apart The Society of St. Andrew is unique among hunger relief organizations for many reasons.  In addition to supplying our society’s most vulnerable people with fresh fruits and vegetables vital for nutrition, several other important factors that set us apart are listed below. • Unlike many organizations, the Society of St. Andrew does not charge handling fees. We provide fresh, nutritious food to agencies serving the poor at no cost to them, which helps them stretch their already tight budgets. • We help build Christian community by bringing people together in farmers' fields or around "dumped" loads of potatoes to work collectively in the cause of helping their needy neighbors. • We recognize the spiritual component of helping others and therefore offer a variety of education programs, Bible studies, and seasonal devotions designed to feed people's spiritual hungers as they help feed the physical hunger of others. MEMBER OF JANUARY

3. Discretionary Fundsfor Judy Matheny Judy Matheny is a Deaconess, a laywoman who responded to the call of God and has been commissioned by the UMC to full time ministry of love, justice and service. She is a Church and Community Worker (CCW) under the General Board of Global Ministries. CCW's are devoted to uplifting the poor and disenfranchised in rural and urban areas due to poverty, racial injustice and domestic violence. She has been sent to be a social worker in Gary, West Virginia, a coal mining town. Judy is one of our two missionaries we have a covenant relationship with at NUMC. We send budgeted money to support her living expenses. The money collected in February is for her to use for her mission work to help people who come to her with dire needs. FEBRUARY

4. The ACTS Women’s Safe House Turning Points is the only Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Program in Prince William County. Turning Points is administered through Action in Community Through Service (ACTS), a private nonprofit human service agency serving Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. Turning Points mission is to eliminate domestic violence in the Greater Prince William County Area by empowering victims to build lives free of violence through shelter, resources and education, providing batterers with alternatives to violence classes and educating youth about healthy relationships and to communicate to the larger community the impact domestic violence has on its citizens. MARCH

5. One Great Hour of Sharing THE 2009 OFFERING SUNDAY MARCH 22 (ESSENTIAL TO UMCOR) • Gifts to this offering underwrite UMCOR's "costs of doing business." That helps us keep our promise that 100 percent of every other gift you make to a specific UMCOR project can be spent on that project-not on home office costs. • UMCOR is a good steward of God's gifts. Offering gifts over and above those used to cover administrative costs are channeled where they're most needed. UMCOR's specialized ministries-responding in disaster, fighting hunger, alleviating poverty, providing relief supplies around the world, and offering hospitality to immigrants and refugees-all assist the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest. MARCH

6. One Great Hour of Sharing NO WORLD SERVICE FUNDS COME TO UMCOR • UMCOR receives no World Service funds or any other apportionments. Your gifts mean we're right there with hardworking families, people who are affected by storms or war, disaster or disease. • "The One Great Hour of Sharing offering on March 22, 2009, provides for those basic needs that make the rest of UMCOR's work possible," says the Rev. Sam W. Dixon, Deputy General Secretary of UMCOR. "Without this offering so much of what UMCOR does to bring hope and healing to the world could not happen." MARCH

7. Heifer was founded in 1944 by Indiana farmer Dan West, who had worked as a relief worker during the Spanish Civil War. It was West’s insight that orphans and displaced war victims who were receiving reconstituted powdered milk needed “not a cup, but a cow.” In its early years, Heifer helped restock farms devastated by World War II in Europe and Japan, sending livestock overseas by boat tended by volunteers known as the “seagoing cowboys.” In the last 60 years its people-to-people aid model has helped millions of the world’s poorest families in more than 125 countries.  Heifer emphasizes long-term results rather than temporary aid.  Today, in 38 U.S. states and 50 countries Heifer is providing more than 30 types of animals—from goats and guinea pigs to bees and elephants—along with training in environmentally sound agricultural practices and other resources to assure that Heifer’s original gift of self-reliance will be passed on from generation to generation.  A central feature of Heifer’s approach, “Passing on the Gift,” requires every family who receives Heifer animals to give female offspring to another family in need. That family then does the same, multiplying the impact of Heifer’s programs until entire communities become self-sustaining. Previous recipients of the Hilton Prize are: International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims; SOS Children’s Villages; St. Christopher’s Hospice; Casa Alianza; AMREF/African Medical and Research Foundation; Doctors Without Borders; International Rescue Committee; and Operation Smile.  APRIL

8. Annual Conference offering The Virginia Conference 1,206 local United Methodist congregations across Virginia 341,346 Virginia United Methodists engaged in ministry to others on behalf of Christ PurposeThe purpose of the annual conference is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God. Kits for Conference UMCOR Supply Kits help to care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis. They also help to sustain everyday life by providing basic necessities to people who lack ready access to essential supplies. These kits provide vital support for the work UMCOR does throughout the world. By donating kit supplies or financial gifts to purchase the supplies, you make a direct, tangible difference in sustaining people's lives. While the conference appreciates the focus of Church World Service on human needs, the 2008 Virginia Conference kit collection is being conducted to replenish the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) supply. The inventory has been greatly diminished as UMCOR responded to the numerous disasters experienced in the United States and in other countries around the world. The Sager Brown Depot reports there is a need for ALL types of kits (except flood buckets). Local churches are encouraged to collect any of the following UMCOR kits and bring them to annual conference for delivery. MAY

9. Elma Jocson Currently on itineration and study leave, Dr. Jocson is unsure of her specific return to the mission field, however she hopes to complete her training by the end of 2009. Elma remains in missionary service and support throughout this new assignment for study in the Philippines, and we welcome your continued support for her vital mission and ministry through the Church. Dr. Elma Jocson, missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, is a general surgeon who worked in the 160-bed Tansen Mission Hospital which is located in rural Nepal about 300 km southwest from Kathmandu. She began her service in October 2001 and concluded in February 2007. Aside from her general surgery responsibilities, Dr. Jocson’s scope included obstetrics/gynecology as well as some orthopaedics. She served as head of the hospitals burn unit and as the Foreign Medical Student Coordinator Reference: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/index.cfm?id=268 JUNE

10. Pastor Discretionary Fund United Methodist churches commonly have a fund called the pastor’s discretionary fund, which is intended to give the pastor complete discretion and authority to provide confidential financial emergency support to persons in need. JULY

11. School Supplies August is the month many parents take their children shopping for school supplies. Many parents would like to take their children shopping, but cannot due to financial reasons.  Our congregation very generously supplies pencils, paper, book bags and other items to Nokesville Elementary School so all the children can start the school year well stocked and ready to learn. AUGUST

12. Operation Teddy Bear donates gently used stuffed animals to 3rd world countries. Operation Teddy Bear collects all types of stuffed animals and beanies to deliver to children and the elderly that need a friend.  We are collecting and will be distributing throughout many states.  It is strictly volunteer with no overhead and no salaries.  We are personally absorbing the expenses we incur.  We are not asking for cash donations. Operation Teddy Bear was inspired by a project called Santa's Shop for the non-profit organization "Family Tree" held in December 2004 in Golden, Colorado.  We were so filled with enthusiasm and the idea of giving that we wanted to bring a smile to children and elderly year round - not just at Christmas!  Operation Teddy Bear was up and running by January 15, 2005 and by February had a large herd of animals to donate to those needing a comforting friend. We would greatly appreciate you helping us in any way you can Crop Walk Neighbors walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting. Where do CROP Hunger Walk funds go? CROP Hunger Walks help to support the overall ministry of Church World Service, especially the grassroots hunger-fighting development efforts of partner agencies in some 80 countries. CROP Hunger Walks help to provide tools of hope that empower people to meet their own needs. From seeds and tools, to wells and water systems, to technical training and micro-enterprise loans, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and their needs -- something CWS has learned through some 61 years of working in partnership around the world. In addition, each local CROP Hunger Walk can choose to return up to 25 percent of the funds it raises to local hunger-fighting programs. SEPTEMBER

13. Each year, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards scholarships and loans to students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities through the United Methodist Student Day offering. In addition, a portion of the United Methodist Student Day offering is returned to annual conferences for merit scholarship awards to students of their choosing. For many students, this financial assistance is critical to attaining higher education. Each year the number of applicants continues to rise – furthering the need for more financial assistance. Imagine being able to provide assistance foreveryone. That is the goal of United Methodist Student Day. United Methodist Student Day OCTOBER

14. Mission - Touch a life. Create a future. • Vision - We see a world where children and families are empowered to reach their full potential. • Principles - We have distinctive core beliefs and values built over a century of ministry serving children and families in our communities – these are defined by our principles listed below: • 1. We focus on the whole person by promoting spirituality as well as physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being. • 2. We are committed to ethical strength-based practices. • 3. We believe every child deserves caring relationships and lifelong connections. • 4. We are passionate about continuous learning and take our • role as community leaders very seriously. • 5. We innovate and take risks to find creative solutions to difficult • issues facing children, families, and communities. • 6. We believe our heart and expertise are the core of our success. • 7. We continually challenge ourselves to achieve the highest • quality customer service and outcomes. • 8. We actively partner with others to better serve children, families, and communities. United Methodist Family Services OCTOBER

15. Operation Turkey Operation Turkey collects an abundant amount of food for Thanksgiving and delivers it to S.E.R.V.E. so no one in our area goes hungry on the national holiday we give our Lord thanks. Christmas Baskets Food items are collected during the months of November/December by our UMW and delivered to NUMC’s members who do not leave their homes often.  We collect for several weeks to ensure members of our church family receive a generous offering of food for Christmas. NOVEMBER

16. Toys for Tots U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program MISSION: The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. GOAL:The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.   * The toys NUMC collects are distributed to children in our church area. Angel Tree Each year Nokesville Elementary School holds a Secret Santa campaign to help local families in need provide Christmas gifts for their children. We support this effort and are given the wish lists from five of these families.  We turn the lists into angels and decorate our tree.  Our tree is most beautiful when it has been emptied of its angels.  Not only is Nokesville United Methodist Church a church; we are Santa Claus. DECEMBER

17. MONTHLY FOOD MISSIONS RISING HOPE – Community Ministries And the King will tell them," I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!" (Matthew 25:40) Rising Hope is committed to ministering in love to the practical needs of the poor, regardless of whether they are members, seekers or constituents. Obedience to the Lord at the day-to-day level requires energy, flexibility, creativity and careful use of resources. Over 800 volunteers are coordinated by Rising Hope each year to help meet the needs of our community. Examples of these programs include:Food and clothing distributionEmergency assistance and referralsDrop-in centerTransportation Job counselingAfter-school program for childrenAdvocacy

18. MONTHLY FOOD MISSIONS S.E.R.V.E. Securing Emergency Resources through Volunteer Efforts Mission Statement SERVE, Inc. is a non-profit human services organization that assists individuals and families in Western Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, Virginia. The agency's mission is to alleviate suffering within the community by providing comprehensive programs that support basic human needs and promote economic independence. Description SERVE, Inc is dedicated to strengthening the Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park community through comprehensive programs and partnerships that provide basic needs and promote economic independence for homeless and disadvantaged individuals and families.