UM Men on a Mission in Mississippi

GOD AND COUNTRY PROGRAM

MISSION STATEMENT:

The purpose of the United Methodist Men is to give every man the opportunity to share in the Evangelism, Mission, and Spiritual Life ministries of the United Methodist Church.

United Methodist Men simply means ALL men of the church. It is open to ALL men; there are no forms to fill out or other joining requirements. However some men choose to also be part of EMS which further connects them to the national organization of men. In addition, the UMM group of FUMC is chartered each year as an official United Methodist Men unit.

Methodist Men are involved in many aspects of the church and its mission:

GATHERING:

Breakfast meetings are held in Wesley Hall the first Saturday of each month.

Conversation & coffee begin at 7:15 a.m., followeed by a short devotion and breakfast.
Meeting includes a very short business meeting, an interview with the Man of the Month; an attendee who agreed in advance to answer questions so all can learn more about him. This is followed by a guest speaker or other informational presentation with conclusion by 9 a.m. Volunteers are always needed to prepare meals or to assist with the guest speaker program.  Please contact Jim Nelson if you are interested.

Twice each year men attend a district event that marks the beginning of Advent or Lent. These Saturday morning events center on Worship service, breakfast, and a short district meeting. Our own church is a frequent host for these events.

WORK OPPORTUNITIES to PROVIDE SERVICE:

The major fundraiser of our UMM group continues to be helping set-up for the UMW rummage sale twice each year, and sometimes to help with take-down.  The money that is received has been passed back through donations to different missions, Boy Scout Troop 158, the youth religious award programs, the Jerry Fielding Memorial College Scholarship, Strength for Service UMM/Eagle Scout program and others.

There are a number of work opportunities such as the weekend project in Spring 2008 to put an addition on the back of the Wesley Woods (Methodist) Retreat Center's kitchen building. Over 15 men participated in all or part of that 3-day project. Projects like this will continue with notices in the church’s publications several weeks prior to the event.

In October 2007 six men went to Laurel MS to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and again in October 2008 nine men went to Vancleave MS to do the same for a week-long project. Men who went had a variety of backgrounds that went from construction experts to those only knowing how to hammer a nail. With an understanding to "be flexible," the men broke into teams to do repairs that encompassed concrete replacement, drywall installation and finishing, painting, bathroom renovation, and electrical work. The people who were helped sincerely appreciated the help and provided wonderful feedback to the men who knew that they were doing the work that God wants them to.

The damage was great and years after the disaster there are still many people waiting to move back into their homes. A third trip is planned for October 2009 to Vancleave MS.

Men are often involved in the opportunities to feed the hungry by participation in Gleaning Events. These are held sporadically at appropriate harvest time; men go into the fields to retrieve edible food that has been neglected by food processors during their harvest.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT:

In September of each year all men are invited to attend the Northern Illinois Conference Spiritual Congress at Conference Point on Lake Geneva. A sizable number of men from this church usually attend to hear such dynamic speakers as nationally known author Tony Campolo in 2005. In 2009 this spiritual event will take place September 18 -20. The location at scenic and historic Conference Point adds to a meaningful experience. The First UMC Praise singers have been an important part of the Music program at the Spiritual Congress.

Every fourth year there is a national gathering of Methodist Men from throughout the country. This spiritually enriching weekend traditionally has been held at Purdue University in Indiana; in July of 2005, four men from our church attended this exciting, large scale event. Contact:  Chairperson