MISSIONS
In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says; ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ At Belleville First UMC, we offer everyone a chance to participate in providing for those in need through both giving and serving. The Missions Team has three separate focus areas: local: (our Emergency Food Closet and Little Free Pantry), regional: (Feeding and Clothing the Homeless in Metro Detroit), and global: (Support of our United Methodist partners in Liberia at Garjay School and John Dean Town). In addition, there are regular opportunities for UM Volunteers In Missions trips, Appalachia Service Project, local construction missions, and for the support of missionaries in the U.S. and in Liberia. Whatever your interest or passion, there is something in the Missions field that will allow you to put your gifts and faith into practice helping others.
Helping the Homeless
Our church delivers fresh fruit, hand-warmers, gloves, etc. to 20-40 people in need each day both on the street & at the NSO shelter. We also deliver "Winter Care Kits" during the colder months each year. There is a tote in the narthex to collect the items needed. You can include the following items in trial size: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, tooth brush, mouth wash, toothpaste in a one gallon ziploc bag. Other items needed are: knitted hats, gloves, white crew socks, and hand-warmers. You may also add: individual sizes of hand sanitizers & kleenex. We especially need hand-warmers. Contact Mike Skelton at 734-776-3630 or the church office to find out how you can help.
N.O.A.H. Project
This service activity provides lunches for the homeless in support of the N.O.A.H. project. The N.O.A.H project is located in Central United Methodist Church in Detroit. We make 300 sandwiches plus 300 brown bag lunches and deliver & serve them at the project. For more information, contact Mark Groeneweg or the church office. See more about the N.O.A.H. project by viewing this video.
Our group headed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana from Feb. 11th-14th, 2019. This group did reconstruction work on homes damaged by flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Great mission! For more information contact Mike Skelton at 734-697-8915
LIBERIA
Rev Jacob Nathan and Zacchaeus Garjay School
Belleville First UMC has been working with Rev. Jacob Nathan in Liberia since 2008. Currently, Jacob is the principal of Zacchaeus Garjay School and pastor of Mt Galilee UMC in Grand Bassa County Liberia. Jacob has a special interest in helping the youth to overcome the lingering effects of civil war and ebola. There are many chances to help Jacob in his ministry . Belleville First UMC continues to support students at Zacchaeus Garjay School. In 2019 our $500.00 donation allowed 12 children to attend school who otherwise would not have this chance for education.
Belleville First UMC continues to support students at Zacchaeus Garjay School. In 2019 our $500.00 donation allowed 12 children to attend school who otherwise would not have this chance for education. Here are their thank you letters. (slideshow-click arrow at right to see them all)(click each to enlarge)
John Dean Town Liberia
John Dean Town is a United Methodist Mission station located in a very rural part of Grand Bassa County Liberia. The station includes a UM Clinic, the Gretta Moffat school and Brumskine UMC. The school and clinic provide the only education and healthcare to the all the surrounding villages. Annually we provide scholarship money for students at the school. In the past we participated in a project health of mothers and children. Wells have been constructed for many villages, and the training of the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA’s) as public health workers is ongoing. Mother and infant mortality has been reduced and the clean drinking water has improved the general health of the area. In 2021 Belleville First UMC was able to provide salary support for Comfort Flomo the only nurse in John Dean Town Clinic. Opportunities exist to further support health initiatives and to sponsor more students at Gretta Moffat School.
For More Information, Contact Mark Groeneweg: HERE