news article

Shenendehowa UMC’s Mission Possible 3 a success

December 5, 2017 / By Michele Carlson, Shenendehowa UMC

For the past three years, Shenendehowa United Methodist Church has hosted a “Mission Possible” day. This outreach event reaches out through the church to the community and the world through service. The theme this year for Mission Possible 3 was “Better together.”

Due to the recent natural disasters, two of the focuses were flood buckets and health kits to help replenish UMCOR’s supply. The Mission Possible team discussed what the goal should be for the number of buckets filled. A realistic number of 50 was presented. After conversation, it was decided that we as a church could do 50, but with God’s help, they set the goal at 100! This was 100 flood buckets AND 100 health kits!

On October 22, 2017, the event kicked off with many different assignments. They included a trunk or treat/pumpkin painting party at a center located in a low income area (taking the church to the community), 14 teams sent out to assist local senior citizens who needed help with yard and home repairs (service to those in need), a visit and activity at a local nursing home (encouraging the aged), the bucket brigade, and the health kit team (mission outreach). After four hours and tons of behind-the-scenes preparation, SUMC was able to make an impact in the following areas:

• 124 children, youth, and adult volunteers were involved in the success of the event
• 100 flood buckets were filled
• 100 health kits were created
• 14 senior citizens were assisted with yardwork and home repairs
• 30+ nursing home residents enjoyed music and crafts for the afternoon
• 80+ kids and their families experienced trunk or treat (14 stops), crafts, balloon art, and snacks
• $6,000 was donated to fill the buckets and health kits

The day ended with a soup and sandwich dinner for the volunteers and any of the residents who were helped. None of this would have been possible without God’s grace and the outstanding efforts of the SUMC Mission Possible team. We can’t wait to see what Mission Possible IV brings! We truly are “Better Together!”