SERVICE

FOODS RESOURCE BANK

Each year St Johns UCC and local farmers partner with Columbia United Church of Christ and in Kansas City. Seeds are purchased and local farmers grow crops. When the harvest is gathered the proceeds from the crop go to support agricultural development, equipment, and training in developing countries.

In 2011, our 8th year of participation, our growing project is a double crop of beans which have been planted on land donated by Linda Burnett located the west of Route 5 near the church. In 2010, over $12,000 was sent to the Central African Republic for agricultural development and training.

FRB’s mission is to alleviate world hunger by globally connecting local communities through agriculture. FRB empowers people to support food security by combining funding and awareness. FRB is creating a global community of people connected through agriculture. Learn more at www.foodsresourcebank.org

QUESTIONS? Please contact Laura Grathwohl.

Dedication of the Seed 2011

St. Johns farmers give of their time and resources.

Service to others is service to God

PENNY SUNDAY
One Sunday each month the chidlren collect pennys during worship. We send this collection to the Evangelical Children's home. Currently we are sponsoring a child at ECH named G'marr. Learn more about ECH at www.everychildshope.org

The UCC has partnered with ECH for over 150 years to support their mission:

"Partnering with the community to assist children, youth and their families in their individual quest for health and wholeness through quality, faithful, professional services."

Operation Christmas Child
Shoebox Drop Off - Nov. 7, 2010

For many years St. Johns has been making up and sending shoe boxes full of gifts and the story of God's love. We participate in a program sponsored by Samraitan's Purse. You can go to their website for more info - but here's what you need:
Step 1: get a shoebox!
Step 2: Will your gift be for a girl or a boy? Put a label on top with the gender and age group (2-4, 5-9, or 10-14).
Step 3: Fill your shoebox! Toys, school supplies, personal hygene items, candy, hair clips, etc. and a personal note with your name and address.

If you have questions about your shoebox or this program, please call Marge Scott.
Click here to go to the Samaritan's Purse website.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
BLANKETS

Sponsored by our Women's Guild, St. Johns participates in the Blankets+ program by CWS. Blankets+ is a special mission opportunity for all ages. Some 8,000 congregations and groups across the U.S. hold CWS Blankets+ events, providing funds to help people in need around the world, including the U.S.

FESTIVAL OF SHARING
This year we have prepared Health Kits for the Festival of Sharing in Sedalia on October 20th. Several folks will be going to the Festival together, so call Pastor Christine if you are interested in car-pooling.

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY
We are always collecting non-perishable food for our local food pantry. Place all donations in the box in the hall outside the chapel. Food will be taken weekly to the food pantry on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.

OUR CHURCH IS 5 FOR 5!

St. Johns fully supports Our Church's Wider Mission, meaning we give to Basic Support as well as all 4 special mission offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, Strengthen the Church and the Christmas Fund.

FESTIVAL OF SHARING

Oct. 15, 2011
MO State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO
An interfaith in-gathering for hands on mission. Over 3,000 persons from churches all over the state attend, bringing their collected cash and material goods for ministry projects. The event includes a quilt auction, church food booths, sacking of beans, rice and potatoes, informational displays, sales of crafts and fresh breads, YouthFest, KidFest, worship, and the collection, packing, and distribution of material resources.

Our Women's Guild organizes the collection of personal hygiene kits each year and sends them to the Festival with our youth who go to pack beans and rice.