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2008 Vital Ministries supported by the Centralia United Methodist Church

The Vital Ministries task force recommended out of a group of 28 ministries, that the Centralia UMC support the following for 2008: 

If you have a ministry you would like to have the church support in 2009, please give the name of the organization to Pastor Sandy.  
 

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Oil Change Ministry
Do you need an oil change or know of someone who does?  CUMC has a new ministry that provides free oil changes to those in our community who cannot afford them.  We fund this ministry with our noisy offerings.  If you've never seen a noisy offering, you must come join us on Sunday mornings.  A big old oil can is passed around and we dig through our pockets for loose change.  We make sure that we shake the can so that it makes a lot of noise.

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Centralia United Methodist Church is helping support the PET Project
(Personal Energy Transportation)

"The Gift of Mobility"

PET is a faith based ecumenical group that started in West's Columbia garage in  1994. Today, seven states, Mexico , Zambia and South Africa now assemble or make parts for the PET. In an unassuming old warehouse on Hereford Road sits a global phenomenon that now reaches people everywhere from Nigeria to Bolivia, in more than 60 countries worldwide.

The PET Project has rolled off more than ten-thousand personal energy transportation units, or PET.

 According to PET designer, Earl Miner, a retired airplane mechanic, "You're not designing something to make money or to get recognition. You're designing for that person you don't know and will never see."

PET Project has outgrown their old facilities.  They have moved to a new building at 1908 Heriford, Columbia.  Production in the new facility has been increased to 22 units per day.  This can be increased with added dollars and volunteers. 

This gift of mobility project has many needs in addition to contributions.

For more information on the PET Project, click on their website at www.giftofmobility.org

  

BELOW: While few of us will ever have the opportunity to experience the joy that comes from seeing somewhat in need receive their own PET (Personal Energy Transportation), I came close to that during the Centralia Anchor Fest. A young boy asked if he could ride in one of the PETs. He was temporarily unable to use his legs in the normal fashion. Bob Green had to help him in and out of the PET. I believe that the photo below says it all. --Charlie Popeck BELOW:  A child-size PET ridden during the Centralia Anchor Fest.
  
  
 
"Gift of Mobolity - PET Fundraiser
     On March 2, The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Centralia United Methodist Church held a fundraiser to benefit the "Gift of Mobility - PET Project" at our church.  We had delicious chili and home-made vegetable soup.  We served lunch to 186 people and raised $1,806 which will be used to buy lumber to make PETs.  It was a big success and thanks to all the people from both churches who made it happen.  Everything ran smoothly, except we ran out of chili and soup.  We're already planning the next fundraiser for PET.  Here are some pictures from the event.

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PET Parts Party
Volunteers from our church and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church gathered on March 29 th make sawdust.  Well, in reality, they were making parts for PETS.  The money from the joint fundraiser was sufficient to purchase lumber for 360 personal energy transport devices.  Many thanks to our volunteers and helpers including the following:  Russ Greene, Keith and Ann Davis, Charlie and Sally Palmer, Ted Lorts, Gene Timmerberg, Bob Green and Ed Dunstan for his photography.  Thanks to Tony Sander for the use of his video camera and Bob Trask for the use of his power saw.  Here are some picture of the fun:


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Food Bank Ministry
CUMC will be contributing to the food bank ministry that has been started by the Assembly of God Church here in Centralia.  Our participation will be a part of our continuing commitment to the Ministerial Alliance of Centralia to provide assistance to our community.  We will make contributions of food and money to this important new ministry.  So open your cupboards and see what you might bring on Sunday!

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Centralia United Methodist Church partners in the Mozambique Initiative

The Mozambique Initiative is a Missouri Conference ministry that partners churches, groups and individuals of the UMC in Missouri with congregations and districts of The United Methodist Church in Mozambique. These partnerships strengthen the church in Mozambique and are the backbone of Missouri's mission and ministry. The covenants have literally saved lives by putting food on the table and building shelter for pastor families.

The Mozambique Initiative provides many other opportunities for ministry such as leadership development, assisting retired pastors, drilling wells and supporting health care.  For more information there is a link on the "Links" tab above

 

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NOTHING BUT NETS...Malaria kills!  Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria.  The United States has been trying to fight malaria for years.  The disease is especially virulent in Africa where it is more chiefly spread by mosquitoes.  Especially in Sub-Saharan Africa it is commonplace for people to sleep in the open or in homes where there are no screened windows.  The best way to prevent malaria is through the use of a sleeping net.  The cost?  TEN DOLLARS!  For a mere ten dollars per net, the world would significantly reduce malaria.  The elimination of malaria is possible.

The UN limped along in its effort for years.  That was until Rick Reilly wrote about the problem in Sports Illustrated.  The grassroots movement was born.  Sports Illustrated, the United Nations, the National Basketball Association and the United Methodist Church has partnered to make this dream a reality.

Centralia United Methodist Church has made a small pledge of $150 toward this goal.  Won't you take a moment to write your check for $10?  Don't forget to write "Nothing But Nets" on the memo section of the check.  We'd  also like to issue the "Ten Dollar Challenge" to the small groups of the church and anyone who would like to make a contribution to this very important project.

If you'd like more information, there are a number of web sites.  Here are two, log on to www.umc.org and click on initiatives of the church or www.nothingbutnets.org .