The Rockford United Methodist Church believes in answering God's call to serve others who are less fortunate. The Mission Committee's vision statement is to provide opportunities to make Disciples for Jesus Christ.

Appalachia Service Project

Appalachia Service Project is a Christian home repair ministry, affiliated with the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, but open to all. See more information about RUMC's yearly trip to Appalachia.

Bread Pan Offering

Each week an offering is collected in bread pans to serve the basic needs of others. Through the bread pan offering, RUMC contributes to 9 international agencies, 7 U.S. agencies, 6 Out-State Michigan agencies, and 18 Kent County/Rockford agencies each year. Upcoming bread pans:

• June 20: Webster's Agriculture Project
• June 27: Outreach Europe
• July 4: World Vision - Kids in the USA
• July 11: Grand Rapids Vietnamese United Methodist Church
• July 18: Appalachia Service Project
• July 25: Grand Rapids Area Service Project
• August 1 and 8: Clark Retirement Home
• August 15: Pine Rest Foundation
• August 22: North End Community Ministry
• August 29: Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

CROP Walk

CROP walk is 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. RUMC participates with other area churches. See pictures and a report from 2009.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry which works with people such as volunteers from RUMC to build simple, decent, affordable houses with those who lack adequate shelter. More information and pictures from our 2009 house are available here.

New Orleans Mission Trip

RUMC is sending a team to New Orleans in the spring. See the latest here.

North Kent Service Center

(visit their website)

• Barrel in Narthex Since the first sunday of every month is communion Sunday, we would like to make a commitment on the first Sunday of each month to bring something in for the North Kent Service Center barrel. They are always in need of meal helpers, boxed potatoes, spaghetti sauce, soup, peanut butter and jelly, cake mixes and frosting, cereal, salad dressings, ketchup & mustard, laundry detergent, and anything else nonperishable.
• Pasty Sale Twice a year, RUMC sells pasties and donates part of the proceeds to NKSC's food bank.
• RUMC nights at NKSC The first Tuesday of each month is RUMC Night at the North Kent Service Center. We need 8-12 people (can be a whole family-children 5th grade and up) each month for two hours (from 6-8). Those that have participated so far have said it is very rewarding. They have done jobs such as sort and fold clothes, put clothes on hangers, unpack food from crates and place on shelves, etc. Call Carol VanderZanden at 785-9791 for more information or just show up at 6:00 PM. The next two Tuesday dates are January 5 and February 2.

Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a fund- and awareness-raising event in Rockford in conjunction with more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries. More information about RUMC's involvement.

Upcoming Mission Events

• January 10, 2010: ASP Informational/Organizational Meeting (TWC at 12:15, for those interested in going to ASP)
• February 1, 2010 – Corner Bar Night for Hurricane Katrina/New Orleans Mission Trip
• February 14, 2010: ASP Sunday (Soup/Salad Lunch, Cake Bake/Auction, etc.)
• Spring 2010 - Habitat for Humanity House in Rockford
• March 29, 2010 – Corner Bar Night for Relay for Life
• April 24, 2010, 7:00: Euchre Tournament to Benefit NKSC and one other mission project
• May 3, 2010: Corner Bar Night to help ASP (look for coupons in bulletin)
• May 7, 2010 - Diamond Dinner
• July 12-19, 2010: ASP Team travels to Appalachia for mission making homes warmer, safer, and drier.