The Caring Closet

Read this Patriot News article on the Caring Closet and for contact information.

General Conference

Every four years United Methodists delegates from all around the world meet to discuss the legislation and direction of the denomination. The people at the conference vote on official matters for the 13 million member United Methodist church.Today, I spoke with Gere Reist, Secretary of the General Conference about the importance of the conference and what it means to be a global church.

General Conference used to meet for a month-long session to decide upon church issues. At that time only 200 people attended and they were all white, American males. Today, General Conference meets with roughly 1,000 delegates of women and men from all across the globe. Yet, they only meet for ten days. It is difficult to discuss all of the issues in such a short time and for everyone to feel that they had a chance to voice their opinion, he said. Yet, even if large structural and social changes do not get passed, General Conference is still a success he said. It is the only time that members of the United Methodist church from all parts of the world get together and exchange ideas. That in itself holds a lot of value.

Stay tuned for more insights from the Secretary of the General Conference in an upcoming Susquehanna Xpress.

Trucker/Traveler Ministry

To learn more about trucker/traveler ministry's contact Bruce at maxwell.bruce@gatewaytravelplaza.com

Shoe Bank Ministry

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but some children don't have any sneakers to wear.
Juniata UMC in Altoona began a shoe bank ministry to help out kids in need..

To learn more about show bank missions contact the church at juniataumc@atlancticbbn.net

Altoona HUB

Mission Central has several smaller "HUBS" that allows volunteers to have more local opportunities to serve and provides faster disaster response to local areas. Above is an interview with women from the Altoona Hub.

Find a hub near you by viewing this map. Also visit the Altoona Hub Facebook page here: 

ROCK ministry

Reaching Out for Christ's Kids, an after-school program in Altoona.Click Here to learn more about Danny and the ministry.

The ROCK meets each Wednesday night from 4:30PM-7:00PM during the school year.

The Caring Closet

"It's not just giving clothes. It is giving emotional and biblical support," said Jeannie Ashenfelder about Bethany UMC's outreach mission.

On the last Saturday of every month except December, Bethany UMC opens its doors for people in the community to shop for free clothing and household items. The church had considered pricing everything at ten cents to raise funds but decided instead to simply provide the items no cost. "It's really become like a family" said Ashendfelder. "Some of the people who started as shoppers, now help out as volunteers. They're so appreciative and want to give back."

The program not only helps guests financially but also spiritually. Shoppers may submit written prayer requests on the prayer wall. "Often times we see a volunteer and a few shoppers in a circle in the back of the room praying together," said Ashenfelder.

The mission started small, but spread by word of mouth. "We currently serve about 80 people on a Saturday, "said Ashenfelder. The church has also begun adding a food component to the ministry. In the summer the church grilled hot dogs in the pavilion for guests. Throughout the winter the church will provide packaged home cooked meals for the shoppers to re-heat at home.

The ministry serves the community's needs in many ways. "Word has spread beyond Marysville to many surrounding locations," said Ashenfelder. Eventually the church hopes to have a separate building for the Caring Closet so that it can be more accessible to the community. It will happen with God's timing. It's amazing to see how often things just come together. God surely is in control, said Ashenfelder.