Mission Focus
Third Quarter Mission Focus: Habitat for Humanity Kosciusko County
We Build Hope, Lives, Houses.
A few myths about Habitat . . .
- MYTH: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people. FACT: Habitat offers homeownership to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. This generally includes those whose income is 30-50% of the area’s median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $750 down payment. In addition, they contribute 250 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Mortgage payments are kept affordable because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor.
- MYTH: Only those belonging to minority populations get Habitat for Humanity homes. FACT: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria – need, ability to repay the mortgage, and a willingness to partner with Habitat.
- MYTH: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner. FACT: While Habitat is a Christian organization, Habitat homeowners are selected without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide.
- MYTH: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization. FACT: Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant. Volunteers generally are local and the majority of money is raised locally.
(Source: www.kosciuskohabitat.org)
Here are some ways you can support Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County:
- Sunday coin and mission offerings during the 3rd quarter of 2021 will help to meet Habitat’s need for $40,000 to start the next build in Warsaw
- Donate items to the Habitat ReSale Outlet located at 3970 Corridor Drive, Warsaw, and shop there! (more info at kosciuskohabitat.org/resale/)
- VOLUNTEER . . . There are SO MANY ways you can help! The opportunities to volunteer with Habitat are countless, from office help to working with families to pounding nails. (Check out kosciuskohabitat.org/volunteer/ or call Habitat at 574.269.4104 or the ReSale Outlet at 574.314.6603)
Community Kitchen & Closet
Drive-thru Service until further notice
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.
Women's Group – Deborah Circle
We are currently collecting recipes for our Recipes for Life Cookbook! Please visit the link below before August 1st using the log-in Deborah Circle and the password is whisk008
You can log onto this link and enter your most beloved family recipes into the site to submit for consideration for the cookbook!
Pre-order your cookbook today by emailing Maureen at maureenmauzy@gmail.com - cookbooks are only $10 and will make great gifts!
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
