news article
Lincoln Memorial UMC feels the power of the Connection
March 8, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lincoln Memorial UMC’s food pantry serves dozens of members in their community every week. They now have reusable bags thanks to the help of Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, securing the donation of 2,500 bags from United Methodist Communications (UMCOM).
On March 5, Kristina attended Lincoln Memorial’s Sunday morning service.
“She didn’t come to see us. She came to see God,” Rev. George Nicholas, pastor of Lincoln Memorial UMC, said during Sunday’s sermon in response to Kristina’s presence.
Kristina said, “Yes, I was there to present the incredible donation from UMCOM of 2,500 reusable shopping bags for Lincoln Memorial’s Food Pantry and a check from the Blizzard Response Fund. But I was really there to feel God’s presence and to see God move in that room as those gathered that day realized how deeply loved and cared for they are by God’s children in the UMC Connection.”
The UMCOM donation was a result of the question Kristina asked impacted communities after the Christmas Blizzard, "How else can we support you besides fixing the building?"
Kristina asked this not because she felt that she can do everything for every community, but because she believes a lot can be done through the abundance of the UMC Connection.
Kristina said, “I am confident that God has provided what we need right here. That there is enough to go around. But, as people of faith, we must do the work of being the connection by literally connecting! Connecting the resources, our ministries, and our unique gifts and graces to be used to build God’s Kingdom in our communities.”
And Lincoln UMC felt the grace of God through the UMC Connection. Rev. Nicholas said to Kristina, “Your ministry has made our claim of connection become a reality.”