news article
UNY UMM hosting a Work Day at the UNY Mission Central HUB
September 23, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Save the date of Saturday Nov. 9, 2019 to join the Upper New York United Methodist Men (UNYUMM) for a “Sharing the Blessings” work day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The main project for this work day will be constructing wooden blessing boxes. Pizza will be served for lunch. Men, women, and children welcomed as are those with all levels of experience.
Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Mike Block, also a member of UNY UMM, explained that he and Mark Jones, UNY UMM President were brainstorming ideas of how UNY UMM can increase missional engagement when the idea of a work day came to mind.
Mike said, “Blessing boxes are a great way to support those in need. We will build the boxes and distribute them to churches to post outside and congregations can decide how to fill them.”
If you are unfamiliar, a Blessing Box acts primarily as a 24/7 food pantry and is often branded with the phrase, “Take what need, leave some for others, and be blessed.” Initially sponsored by CNY Uniform Plus and True Care Connections. Dozens of these boxes have been installed throughout Central New York. Click here to see many examples of these boxes.
United Methodist Churches have a history of installing Blessing Boxes. Lakewood UMC in the Cornerstone District recently installed a Blessing Box. They call it a Blessing Cupboard.
“When you come up to this blessing cupboard, you will never know what items may be inside,” said Lakewood UMC pastor, the Rev. Michael Childs. “There are some food items, paper products, cleaning supplies, and miscellaneous. And the items will vary over time. If you need an item, please take it with God’s blessing! If you find that you have extra to share – you can drop off the item at any time.”
Mark Jones mentioned how useful blessing boxes are during the holidays and long holiday weekends. Mark, who has worked with Emergency Food Services, said, “The majority of food banks aren’t open during the holidays. Blessing boxes can help serve those with emergency needs.”
Let’s see how many blessing boxes can be made on this work day! Preregister for this event by Monday Oct. 28 by contacting Mike Block at 315-898-2066 or mikeblock@unyumc.org OR Mark Jones at 315-749-3700 or msjwelshman@yahoo.com.