Encourage one another and build each other up.
I Thessalonians 5:11

Outreach

     The members of Bashford UMC believe strongly in helping those in need. We support worthy projects at the local, state, national and international levels.

One parishioner said, “Special Sundays are an opportunity for me to walk the talk. My world is so small, and by participating in these offerings, I help people who are beyond my limited reach.”

“Be generous,” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (The Message) advises. “Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. . . . Be a blessing to others.” God has blessed us, and through churchwide Special Sundays we can pass on those blessings to others.

“God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” --2 Corinthians 9:7-8, The Message

Quarterly Missions

January, Febuary & March 2012 Mission Projects

    The Missions committee is asking you to donate money to these mission projects. Please call the church office for information regarding a donation at 608-249-9222 or submit your donation in an envelope into the offering plate during worship. Offerings may be designated to go to one of these missions specifically by marking your envelope with "Bashford's Home Visitation Ministry", "Bashford's Bus Ministry" or "Homeless Shelter." Otherwise, envelopes marked "Missions" or offerings of spare change in the offering plate during worship services will be divided equally amongst these missions.

Bashford's Home Visitation Ministry —

    About 20 years ago, Bashford recognized the need to minister to members of the congregation who no longer are able to come to church, and the Home Visitation Ministry was organized. There are several volunteers who visit these members six times a year. Each time they visit, they bring a bag that has been decorated for the season and include fruit, cookies, treats, and something special for the season. They also send cards to those who are too far away to visit. Rev. Brenda Wingfield visits as well and offers prayer and communion. These visits are very important to our shut-ins, and it isn't just the goodie bags they look forward to but the company and the conversation as well and knowing that Bashford cares about them.

Bashford's Bus Ministry —

     We also serve church members who cannot drive to church. You may have seen the Bashford bus in the parking lot by the door. This means the drivers and riders have arrived. Our Bus Ministry allows people to attend weekly services and take part in the entire experience, the sermon, prayers, music and communion. There are always expenses with a vehicle -- not only the fuel, but scheduled oil changes, routine maintenance, tires, and unfortunately unscheduled maintenance as well. There is also a need for drivers. If you are interested in serving this way, please contact the church office.

Homeless Shelter —

    Bashford has been a part of the Men's Drop In Shelter since it began back in 1980. This shelter is located at Grace Episcopal Church on the capitol square. On the fourth Friday of each month, Bashford prepares and serves a hot evening meal and provides a breakfast and cold lunch for the following day. We also provide shampoo, various clothing items and other personal care items. The number of homeless men served varies, but it can range from 50 to 150 men. You can help with the tasks of cooking or serving or by donating money. It costs Bashford approximately $100 a month to purchase this food. Please support the Homeless Shelter Ministry with your gifts and prayers.

Sunday School Mission Project - Heifer International

Heifer International is committed to help build a bountiful, just and sustainable world. The 9.2 million families around the globe whom Heifer has empowered through gifts of livestock and agricultural training are evidence that a concentrated effort can make a difference. Hunger and poverty can be eliminated, forever. But livestock is just one part of the solution. Animals could not have impacted so many lives without the support of caring people like you. This is why Heifer believes that educating the public in developed countries about hunger, poverty and sustainability is so important. Heifer International offers extraordinary opportunities for those here in our society to learn important lessons and be inspired to help end world hunger.

Please contact the church office to inquire about joining a Fellowship Group at 608-249-9222 or email bashford@tds.net

• United Methodist Women (Three Circle Groups)

• Visitor Ministry

• Theater & Sports Trips

• HandyMen

• Dartball

• UM Youth Fellowship Events

• Family Ministries

• Mission Sewing

• Knitters / Crochet Group

• Scrapbooking