C.O.M.E. or Celebration of Mission Event is a statewide effort to raise funds to promote ministries through the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Celebration of Mission Event is one of the great giving projects of the WV Conference. Three organizations have been selected this year to receive funds raised for items that are needed pertaining to the specific mission.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the troubling times we are facing, it is with regret that this year’s C.O.M.E. event originally scheduled for May 3rd at Elm Grove United Methodist Church in Wheeling, WV has been cancelled. However, the below ministries are still in need, and perhaps even more so now, of certain items. Monetary contributions will still be sent to these ministries. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation toward this cause. You will find details below on how to send your donation.
The following organizations who support fantastic ministries for the state of West Virginia have been selected to be promoted at this year’s C.O.M.E. event.
Heart and Hand House, Inc. (Philippi, WV)
Ministry and Mission:
Heart and Hand House, established in 1965, aids more than 1,700 low-income families in Barbour County, WV, annually with: food; layette and infant-care items; limited financial assistance; clothing; hygiene and cleaning items; home repair & construction (summer); backpack and summer feeding programs; and a Christmas Basket distribution. Heart and Hand House also operate two thrift stores, one in Belington and one in Philippi, as well as the Barbour County Community Garden Market, also located in Philippi.
Needs List:
- Backpack Program: cheese or peanut butter crackers, pudding cups, fruit/applesauce cups, oatmeal packets, macaroni and cheese (individual servings), granola bars, juice boxes (100% juice preferred).
- Food Pantry: peanut butter, breakfast foods, corn bread mix, macaroni and cheese, soup, canned vegetables (other than green beans and corn), stuffing mix and other side dishes.
- Layette/Infant Care: diapers, crib linens, receiving blankets, clothing, towels, washcloths, power, lotion, shampoo, bibs, bottles, etc. (see our website for full list, http://www.heartandhandhouse.org/).
- Hygiene Items: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shaving cream, razors, brushes, combs, Band-Aids, toilet paper.
- Cleaning Items: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish detergent, all-purpose cleaner, sponges, rubber gloves, paper towels, trash bags.
- Office: copy paper, trash bags (13 gal. & 33 gal.), toilet paper, paper towels.
Scott’s Run Settlement House (Pursglove, WV)
Mission and Ministry:
Scott’s Run Settlement House provides basic necessities to those in need in Monongalia County. The Food Pantry, Backpack Feeding Program, Baby Pantry, and Seasonal Outreach programs allow us to provide for those most in need.
Needs List:
- Size 5 and size 6 diapers
- Baby wipes
- Oatmeal (in individual packets)
- Fruit/applesauce cups
- Canned soup
- Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
- Crackers
Volunteers in Mission (Lost Creek, WV)
Ministry and Mission:
The West Virginia Annual Conference has been organizing work teams since the mid 1970s. The first teams traveled to Central America and the Caribbean. More recently the world has been the parish as VIM Work Teams have traveled to Africa, Europe, Central America and Asia, as well as sending work teams to various locations in the USA.
Needs:
As the West Virginia Conference UMVIM Coordinator, David Stilgenbaur is mandated to train and mobilize volunteers for mission, and to provide opportunities and resources for training and support for those going out into the mission field.
This year there are presently four mission opportunities scheduled:
- Puerto Rico: Feb. 4 – Feb. 14th, 2020
- Fairbanks, Alaska Journey: Feb. 24 – March 6, 2020
- Fairbanks, Alaska Journey: June 19 – July 3, 2020
- Guatemala: June 30 – July 10, 2020
Following are ways churches and individuals can help VIM through the Celebration of Mission Event and throughout the year:
- Become a partner in Ministry Church;
- Hold a fundraising event for VIM at your church;
- Participate in leading or joining a VIM team in the WV Conference;
- Circulate VIM promotional materials;
- Make a cash contribution for VIM support;
- Observe VIM Awareness Day in your church each February.
If you would like to help one or more of these organizations with a monetary donation for Celebration of Mission Event (C.O.M.E.), please write out your check to the specific organization you would like to support, i.e. Heart and Hand House, Scott’s Run Settlement House, Volunteers in Mission, with Celebration of Mission Event in the memo line. Checks can be dropped off or mailed to Christ United Methodist Church, 1232 National Rd., Wheeling, WV 26003.