Missions and Outreach. . .Local, Regional, National and International
Zimbabwe Mission Trip
CUMC hosted a Volunteer in Mission trip in November 2013. We joined the Africa University Volunteer in Mission group on a project that they have chosen to build a sanctuary in a neighboring community. It is made of concrete block, and we will assist with purchasing materials and providing labor.
Other members of the group worked at Ishe Anesu, a project of Hilltop UMC in a very poor area. Some worded at Mutamara Hospital doing in-service for nurses and whatever else needs to be done.
Gifts of the Heart
The Gifts of the Heart program is available throughout the year, but is most popular during the Christmas holiday season. CUMC members or people in the community may purchase a gift that benefits all. People who would normally spend for a material item may now make their giving a benefit for people who need extra support during these challenging times. Monies from the Gifts of the Heart program are used to support the CUMC Food Pantry or other non-profit organizations or programs in Pagosa Springs.
Our Thrift Store was started by the United Methodist Women in 1973 as a mission project for the community. Its merchandise is available to many in our community, and its income supports our many local and regional mission programs.
Thrift Store Manager Jennifer Lindberg
Missions and Outreach for CUMC are intertwined with all that the church does. Once the Methodist Church became a part of the Pagosa Springs community in 1897, it began its mission work. Many community organizations were either created or hosted by the church. CUMC continues to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop and Cub Pack. Music Boosters held their early musical productions in the sanctuary, and high school graduations were held at the church. It continues to be the site of numerous weddings and funerals for our members and other community people.
Our mission work in the community reaches out to many in need. Through the Pagosa Outreach Connection, an organization formed with the Office of Human Services, several local churches, and other assistance organizations, we provide for may residents and visitors in Pagosa Springs. Our Community Assistance Fund and Food Pantry program provide thousands of dollars of support annually. At Christmas we support the Snowflake and Christmas Wish List programs to make the holiday special for many in need.
- Christ the Lord is Risen Today -Chimes2:35
A Care and Share truck arrives with new supplies for the food pantry the second Tuesday of each month. The truck comes from Colorado Springs with boxes of mixed foods for two agencies in Pagosa Springs. Each agency has the opportunity to order items at a reduced cost from the Care and Share warehouse. Every month the availability is different. A recent grant from the Pomar Foundation allowed Care and Share to buy fresh produce to distribute. When CUMC receives produce we share with St Patrick's Episcopal Church, the Catholic churches, Seeds of Learning, and Loaves and Fishes.
Nationally and internationally we support disaster victims through the United Methodis Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Volunteers in Mission programs were active following Hurricane Katrina to help rebuilding efforts. More recently VIM groups aided victims of Hurricane Sandy, tornadoes in Missouri and Oklahoma, and floods in Colorado. We also support the hospital at Chicuque, Mosambique, the United Methodist Church of Russia, and the people of Kenya. VIM teams have traveled to Tonga and Zimbabwe to serve the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Recently UMCOR was involved in earthquake relief in Haiti.
One of our main local mission support undertakings is the Russ Hill Memorial Christmas Bazaar. From the profits of the annual bazaar, we donate an average of $12,000 each year to local non-profit organizations that serve our community. Regionally we support McCurdy School in Espanola, New mexico, through the soup labels campaign, and we send goods and funds to the Four Corners' Native American Ministry in Shiprock. Our main focus in Shiprock is the Home for Women and Children.
Volunteer In Mission trip to work at a UMC church camp in Flathead Lake, Montana