Missions

missions
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you". Matthew 28:19-20

Based on this "Great Commission," Fredonia First United Methodist Church has stated its purpose:
"The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

We nurture people in Christian living
Our congregation's mission is to nurture people of all ages in the Christian faith and to help them practice the disciplines of discipleship. The church exists not to serve itself but to serve the world. We come to church to prepare ourselves to do the work of Christ's disciples in the community.

Some of the Missions of our Church:

The Food Bank-
Our Food Bank is open on Thursdays 3-5 serving Wilson County residents.  The Food Bank is set up to be a "shopping" style experience allowing individuals to make personal choices.  The church provides all of the financial support for the operation of the Food Bank so that all donations made directly to the Food Bank can be used to buy food.  Volunteers are needed each week to help with in-take and shopping and also each month to help unload and shelve delivered food.

Celebrate Recovery-This is a Christ centered recovery group helping people conquer with Christ's help their hurts, habits and hang-ups.  It is a confidential group that meets every Monday at 6 p.m.   They begin with a fellowship meal, followed by a teaching time and small group time.  All persons are welcome to attend.  Volunteers help with food preparation and technical support.

Sprigs and Sprouts-This ministry is for K-4th graders and meets monthly during the school year on staff development days, providing a safe and nurturing environment for kids.  A faith based curriculum is used to teach about Jesus.  The day which starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:15 includes breakfast and lunch and also includes music, recreation, lessons, crafts and Bible stories.  Volunteers include those who prepare and serve the meals to approximately 75 individuals, Shepherds who guide the groups of kids to each of the activity areas, and activity leaders who lead the recreation or story time or crafts and other things that we do.  Persons volunteering for this work are asked to complete the Safe Gatherings online course and must be 16 or older.  This is an important part of our ministry as it helps keep a safe and sacred place for the youth of our community to gather.

Outreach Ministry-Our Outreach Committee oversees a number of missions.  Once a quarter we to Rubadub, an outreach at the laundromat where we help with the expense and spend time meeting folks.  We also have a variety of work with the Candlerock home, going monthly to spend time, play bingo, take some snacks, then also helping with the annual Christmas gift party there.

Morning Star Church Service-About once a month we go to Morning Star, a local assisted living facility, to provide a church service including communion.  Helpers with this ministry can help provide the music, help read scripture, serve communion and visit with those who live there.

Hospital Chaplain-About once a month our Pastor serves at the Chaplain at the Fredonia Hospital.  As part of the Ministerial Association ministry, she visits throughout the designated week to check in on and pray for patients.  This is also open to individuals who feel called to this type of work.

Community Ministries-There are a variety of community ministries that our church works with.  Annually we participate in the community baby shower for young mothers put on by the Wilson County Health Department.  We also participate in the Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat and the Ministerial Alliance's Holy Week luncheons during Lent.  There are many important outreaches and ministries in our community and we try to be a part.

United Methodist Connection-  Throughout the year there are needs beyond our community that we try to help with.  In the last year we helped provide flood buckets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).  We also have participated in special offerings and at different times sent work groups.

Vacation Bible School-Annually we provide this opportunity for our kids to come learn about Jesus.  Those who help might teach or serve food, or be a group helper.  It is an amazing opportunity to plant the word of God in our youth.

Meals on Wheels-Our church helps with volunteers to take Meals on Wheels food to those in the community.

Best Choice and G and W receipts-The United Methodist Women collect Best Choice labels to support their mission work.  G and W receipts are collected to benefit our schools.  There is a place in the back of sanctuary that these can be dropped off.