Nurture

Angel Food (Tony McCullough)
Memorial United Methodist Church is a proud supporter of Angel Food Ministries (http://www.angelfoodministries.com). “Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order. Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe. Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.” For more information regarding how to get involved with theAngel Food Ministry please contact Tony McCullough (tony.mccullough@evonik.com)

“Fellowship Partners” Elder Care Ministry (Agnes Farthing)
To be a part of the fellowship partners/homebound, the person or a member of the family will request inclusion in this outreach ministry. “Our mission is to provide congregational care to our members who are unable to worship with us at church and to be an advocate for their care as we serve them with Christian love.” Objectives:
1. To find a fellowship partner/visitor for each person who is a part of this ministry
2. To raise an awareness of those with needs that we can serve as a link to Memorial
3. To promote the development of a delivery system so that communion will be served 2-3 times yearly for those who would like to participate; this would also include our members who are not officially a part of this group.

Current practices for serving our homebound members
1.Continue to publish names and birthdays, changes of addresses, or just to have their names before us in the Messenger or Sunday Bulletins; thus encouraging prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits.
2.The UMW sends a birthday card stating that a gift to missions has been given in their honor. Each circle has 4-6 special friends. Many circle members visit, send cards, and other remembrances.

Food Ministry (June Hardy)

Prayer Chain (Lorna McCullough)

Nursery (Sarah Faulkner)
Memorial UMC Nursery Program... a place where you can be certain that you child is safe and having fun!
Our newly decorated nursery is a bright, cheerful space that is equipped with age appropriate toys and learning centers. There is a separate area for infants that offers soft spaces for crawling and exploring. Parents can leave their children, ages 6 weeks to Kindergarten-age in the care of a well-trained child-friendly staff. Activities, such as story time, craft time and healthy snack time are offered on a regular basis. Children are taken into the sanctuary during the 11:00 AM Sunday worship service for the Children's Sermon. The nursery is conveniently located on the ground floor of the main church building, on the Second Avenue side of the building. Each room has an exit door to the outside to use in case of an emergency . The nursery is complete with age appropriate toilet facilities and a diapering area. There is a separate room for use at snack time. The nursery hours are: Sunday - 8:30 AM - 12:30 P.M. AND Wednesday - 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
The nursery is open for special services, such as the Love Feast, the Finch Preaching Mission and other seasonal events. The experienced nursery staff members are trained in the policies of Safe Sanctuaries. Each staff member is carefully screened and has undergone reference checks and criminal background checks. They are friendly and caring. The well-being of each child is their main concern. For more information regarding the nursery, contact Rodney Denton, Associate Minister ( 472-7718) or Sara Faulkner, Nursery Volunteer ( 475-1553)

Flower Ministry (Jane Leonard/ Beverly Myers)

Safe Sanctuaries
Memorial United Methodist Church is a proud participant of the Safe Sanctuaries Initiative (http://www.wnccumc.org/ced/safesanctuaries.htm) , an effort to keep children and teens safe from abuse at church. “Safe Sanctuaries is more than guidelines, policies and procedures implemented to create an environment in which children, youth and the adults who work with them have boundaries of safe space. Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression of a congregation in making a congregation a safe place where children and youth may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. In 1996 The General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church.” For more information, a copy of our Safe Sanctuary Policy, or on how to get involved in keeping kids safe at church, please contact Rodney Denton (rdenton@mumctville.org) or Lynda Hepler (lhepler@mumctville.org).

Ushers
Greeters
Door-Stop Evangelism