The Missions Committee met in January for the first time since October and hit the ground running.  We have set our Kettle Offering calendar for 2012 and we are already talking about the summer fund raising event.  Stay tuned for more information as our plans develop.

Thank you to all who donated to the Area 9 Meals Trust Fund in January.  We are pleased to help reach out to the elderly here in Wayne County that are unable to pay for their meals.

Our Kettle Offering on February 12th will be for UMCOR Philippines.  In December just days before Christmas, Typhoon Sendong hit the cities of Cagayan De Oro and Ligan City leaving the residents to find shelter.  UMCOR was there to help on December 22nd with supplies purchased with money given by Methodist Churches world wide.  This tragedy hits very close to home for us at First Church, because Michael  Stephen's wife, Nilfee, lives in Ligan City.  Her Church is serving as a shelter for many and she is trying to feed, clothe and get medical help for all that come to her.  More than 1,000 people were killed by the flash floods that hit the region and more are missing.  The number continues to grow.  One of the big problems is disease due to the contaminated water and lack of medical supplies.

In March our Kettle Offering will be for the Sylvan Nook Soap Pantry.  We will accept donations of any kind of soap product for cleaning, bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, diapers and personal hygiene products for women during the month of March.  The money from the Kettle Offering will be sent to the Soap Pantry to buy bulk other items needed.  The Missions Committee will purchase a case of tiolet paper to donate from our fund.

Submitted by Elaine Turner, Chairperson