Mission Focus
First Quarter Mission Focus: Bashor Children’s Home began nearly 100 years ago as the Bashor Deaconess Orphanage for boys near Goshen, Indiana, on land donated to the Methodist Episcopal Church by John and Emaline Bashor. Around 1970, Bashor evolved from a traditional orphanage to a provider of professional residential treatment services. In 1974, Bashor began admitting girls into residential care. While continuing the affiliation with the United Methodist Church, Bashor has expanded services over the years to provide “Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow” to troubled children and their families in collaboration with a number of agencies and through a variety of programs including education, residential treatment, community based services and therapeutic foster care. Most recently, Bashor began the construction of a facility that will provide shelter and care for up to 34 girls rescued from human trafficking. The hope is to have the building, program and staff ready by July or August of 2021. Mission funds (including any coin offerings) collected during the 1st quarter will support Bashor’s programs. Learn more about Bashor Children’s Home at their website and Facebook page.
Donate here and select the MISSIONS fund. Your generous support is greatly appreciated!
Community Kitchen & Closet
Community Kitchen Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Community Closet Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (closed 1st Wednesday)
The Community Kitchen and Closet has been changed to a drive-through service. Patrons should arrive between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each Wednesday and remain in their vehicles. Pull into the alleyway between the church and Lake City Bank. Please come from S Indiana St into the ONE WAY alley. A helper will greet you there at your car and provide you with one sack lunch per person and closet supplies for your household. Please stay in your car and we will serve you curbside!
First United Methodist Church has a long history of serving a soup kitchen out of the Fellowship Hall at our downtown campus. For many years, that meal was served on the last two business days of each month. In early 2009, we discerned a change in the needs of the community and began serving every Wednesday. We have a number of other churches and community groups who partner with us to make these meals possible.
The Community Closet was opened in the fall of 2009. Items that are not covered by food stamps (toiletries and cleaning products) are offered as they are available. Contact the Church Office if you are interested in supporting this ministry with your time or donations. Cash donations may be made at the Church office.
A New Women's Group – Deborah Circle
Next Meeting: 
Deborah Circle Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00. To join simply click the link below:
A new UMW group is offering opportunities for spiritual growth, mission giving, social action and vital discipleship during these difficult times. Our community of women’s purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. We strive for love of God and neighbors. All are welcome; it is not necessary to be a member of United Methodist Church. Monthly digital meetings, until further notice. Interested?
Please contact Kathie Votra (260) 568-0977 or kvotra1@gmail.com
