Volunteers In Mission - Nuevo Progreso, MX

“What I learned from this trip is that when you bring helping hands together and the love of God, great things can happen.” -Tasha Ruth, regarding her recent trip to Nuevo Progreso

Have you ever considered participating in a foreign mission? Trinity is offering an opportunity to volunteer time and talents in Nuevo Progreso, MX in January. The trip, coordinated by Volunteers in Mission (VIM), will be from January 15th - January 19th which is also the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome and encouraged to join the Trinity team on this adventure, especially those in the medical profession. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Passports are needed. The team will be staying at First United Methodist Church in Mercedes, TX and will be traveling over the border to Nuevo Progreso each day, a 5 mile trip.

As a group, we will be flying out of Columbus (CMH) and into McAllen, TX (MFE) most likely with United Airlines. We will be working with Manos Juntas Clinic and Ministries. Set up for the Clinic will take place on Thursday. The Clinic works out of The Church of the Good Shepherd in the Francisco Madera colonia within Nuevo Progreso on Friday, and out of the Nuevo Progreso City Hall on Saturday. More information on Manos Juntas can be found on their website at http://www.manosjuntas.com/Free%20Medical%20Clinic.html.

The total cost of the trip will be approximately $700-750. This will include: $250 for the trip fee, about $455 in airfare, and $45 in 'extras' - food, souvenirs, etc. that you may spend while in Mexico. Covered in the $250 trip fee is ground transportation, lodging, and all meals. A non-refundable deposit of $100, made payable to the West Ohio Conference, is required when you agree to come on the trip.

We will be fundraising support for our trip to cover the cost of the clinic fee and medical supplies, in the amount of about $4,000 (total, not per person). Please expect to participate in team fundraising initiatives (letter-writing, etc.)

VIM is overseen by The West Ohio Conference of United Methodist Churches (WOC). WOC has committed to partnering with Mexico, specifically Manos Juntas and the House of Mercy Orphanage. WOC also partners with The Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, and Southeast Asia. The Conference committed to 6 trips a year to assist Manos Juntas. A church is then selected to coordinate a specific trip, both in terms of volunteers and fundraising. Trinity intends to sponsor the January Manos Juntas trip each year, so keep this in mind if you cannot join us in 2014! For more information on WOC’s take on VIM and how WOC sees this as “more than just a trip”, please visit this site: http://www.westohioumc.org/conference/news/vim-more-just-trip

The need in the area we are visiting is overwhelming. When asked about the living conditions for the colonia residents and the work the team did on her recent non-medical trip, Tasha Ruth shared this anecdote- “The families that live in the colonias are very poor. They have no electricity, no running water (so they cannot grow any food), no toilets, no cars, and no medical care. Their homes are made out of whatever scraps they can find and nail down. On our first day there, I heard one of the children say to the mom that he was hungry. She had two carrots (wilted and rubbery) sitting on a makeshift table. She cut the carrots up into enough pieces for the five children. Even though the husband was employed as a city garbage collector, I assume his pay was low and it was difficult for him to find rides to get to work. The family shared two beds. The father’s main concern was that the children were getting older and he did not want the girls having to sleep in the same bed as the boys. The new addition that we built will provide separate sleeping quarters for the children.”

Tasha also shared what she learned from the trip. “When I thought about the word “mas” (translations: “more”) I thought about a familiar phrase – “more is better.” As I looked around at the bleak, barren surroundings and saw poverty like I had never seen before I saw something else - children laughing, running, playing with their siblings, and standing side by side to slop paint onto the wood slats. I saw their parents smiling admiringly at the wall they had just constructed together – she bringing him bricks and he buttering them before carefully laying them into place. I saw a happy family, just being thankful in the moment for what they had and the blessing of a new home. I saw people who were not looking for more, but were thankful to know that God had provided this opportunity. I reflected on my own tendency to want “mas” of everything (especially shoes!). This trip reminded me that while we might think we need more of X, Y, and Z and won’t be satisfied until we get it, God already knows what we need and through Him we are fulfilled.”

In terms of specific roles we would like to fill, we need the following: doctors (2+), nurses (3+), pharmacists (1+), medical clinic helping hands (3+), medical translators (2+), and team cooks (1+). All others with specialized medical skills (physician's assistants, optometrists, dentists, etc.) are welcome!

If you cannot join us on our trip, please consider donating to our cause. Donations can be submitted by visiting http://www.trinityumchurch.com/donate.htm and entering “VIM Mission Trip, January 15-19, 2014” in the purpose for your donation.

If you are still considering, please consider the following perspectives:

Rev. Katy Wheat: “This trip will be a wonderful way to get to know your neighbors in Mexico, and will provide much-needed medical service to the people of the colonias. Most importantly, it will be a wonderful way to put God's love in action while using the gifts God has given you.”

Tasha Ruth: “If you have never thought of participating in a foreign mission trip before, you should definitely consider it now. There is so much to be gained. You will learn so much about yourself and challenge yourself in ways you may have never imagined before. It will fulfill your heart, mind, body, and soul beyond your expectations. I will admit I was very nervous about taking my first trip. However, I felt very safe the entire time. The people you will meet, the relationships you will form, and the Spirit that will fill your heart are worth making this trip.”

This trip is a true opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and place your trust in God. I ask you to prayerfully consider joining this team, for the betterment of the people of Nuevo Progreso, our congregation, and ourselves.

Great Day of Service: The Church has Left the Building

Have you heard about Trinity’s First Annual Great Day of Service? On Saturday October 26^th, Trinity members, friends and family will be heading into the community to be the very visible hands and feet of God, serving the Lord as we help our neighbors.  We invite you to join us in one of our many opportunities to volunteer your time and talents while making friends with Trinity members. Our main goal in offering this unique, once-a-year chance is to engage Trinity members who may have not volunteered with us in the past. We offer many options, in terms of time, age, and abilities. Commitments range from donations to on site volunteerism from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. We would also like to point out that October 26^th is an OSU night game against Penn State, so you will have plenty of time to support your volunteering spirit before you support your Buckeyes!

If you are interested in signing up, you have two options- online or at church. To sign up in person at church, look for the Great Day of Service table outside of your service. Someone will be waiting there to help you and answer any questions before and after each service. You also have the option to register online at http://www.trinityumchurch.com/oneday.htm. 

On October 26^th, the volunteer teams will meet at the church. Registration will open at 7:45 AM, and all volunteers should plan on arriving at the church no later than 8:20 AM. At this time, we will have a brief sending off blessing. At 8:30 AM, we will head to our sites and begin our work! Volunteers should plan to stay at their sites until 12:30 PM at the latest, unless other arrangements have been made or you hear differently from your team leader. When the date approaches, volunteers will be contacted by their team leaders regarding carpooling and other details for the day of.

Below, you will find small descriptions of each opportunity including age requirements, expectations and more. More information regarding each mission can be found on the registration website.

Broad Street Food Pantry – Volunteers signed up for this opportunity will assist neighbors in shopping within the pantry. Additionally, volunteers may help with entering new neighbors into the Pantry’s database and stocking the shelves with new donations. While there is no age limit to this opportunity, anyone under 17 must have a signed permission slip to join us in volunteering.

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center- This option will have teams at both Trinity and the Resource Center. The Resource Center option is wonderful for families with small children since we will be helping run a pumpkin patch! This team will be assisting as community members bring in canned goods in exchange for a pumpkin, in addition to many other fun fall activities for the community. The Trinity option is wonderful for volunteers with limited mobility or strength, considering we will be packing non perishable food sack lunches and creating lap blankets for older adults.

Community Kitchen Inc. – This opportunity is available for adults and families with children over 13. We will be preparing, serving and cleaning up after breakfast for our Columbus neighbors. We will also be assisting with lunch preparations.

Drive In, Drop Off, Drive On- For those who have other commitments on the 26^th, we encourage you to make donations instead. We are looking for both donations and volunteers to sort these donations on the 26^th. A list of donation items we are looking for can be found on the volunteer website, and will be going to NNEMAP, Volunteers in Mexico Mission, New Life Clothing Room, and the YWCA Family Center. We will also need plenty of volunteers at the church to assist in sorting and packing the donations. This is another wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and ability levels.

First Community Village - This volunteer opportunity is looking for people of all ages to visit with and brighten the days of the residents at First Community Village. The residents especially love children!

Four Seasons City Farm - Do you like getting your hands dirty? This opportunity may be a great option for you! Four seasons is looking for a large group of volunteers to assist with late fall crops and general garden maintenance. Children are welcome, though suggested age is 10 and older.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – ReStore is a discount home improvement store that supports the Habitat for Humanity effort. Volunteers will be processing donations, organizing store displays, and working with customers. Anyone over 16 is invited to join in this opportunity.

Harmon Avenue Kitchen -  Harmon Avenue Kitchen is a hub for Meals on Wheels. This team will be portioning food, packaging meals, cleaning, and generally helping with the preparation for delivery process. Anyone over 16 is invited to join in this opportunity.

New Life UMC – New Life volunteers will be helping with a deep clean of the New Life Kitchen. Because this is a kitchen environment, those over 16 will are invited to join us.

NNEMAP – Trinity volunteers will be assisting in with many aspects of NNEMAPs food pantry. Jobs include stocking the pantry shelves, painting and cleaning the Pantry, and work in the Pantry’s Community Garden. We invite those over 10, but special accommodations may be made for younger children with advance notice.

Sunrise on The Scioto – Sunrise is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages (especially children!) to interact with our elderly neighbors. We will be spending time with the residents and providing an engaging activity.

The Great Pumpkin Run –The Great Pumpkin Run is a 5K help right in our own Grandview / Marble Cliffs area! This volunteer time will be helping at a water station, cheering on the runners, and helping with the cleanup after the event ends. Children will have a blast cheering on athletes. Please note, those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Wesley Glen – The Wesley Glen team will be visiting with our elderly neighbors, as well as assisting with minor jobs around the grounds such as cleaning out garden beds. People of all ages are invited to join in this opportunity.

Westgate UMC – Westgate UMC has recently begin a Celebrate Recovery program from those overcoming any kind of addiction, and is eager to have volunteers help with church beautification. This opportunity will include jobs such as painting and landscaping.

YWCA Family Center – The YWCA team will be assisting with sorting and categorizing sizable amounts of donations the shelter receives for its families. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.  

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us on what will be a wonderful day of fellowship and giving, regardless of your abilities or age! We would love to have you with us to show the community how much Trinity cares!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace
-1 Peter 4:10

YWCA Family Center

Welcome to the newest addition to the Trinity Blog. This segment, published monthly on Wednesdays, will focus on Trinity’s missions.

My name is Stephanie Host, and I have had the honor of being a part of a few missions, though I look forward to exploring more for the benefit of everyone in the Trinity family. Our hope is to give you a better idea of the missions Trinity Church partners with, and how we as members of the Body of Christ can offer our time, talents and treasure for the transformation of our community, and the world.

This month, we’ll be sharing about the YWCA Family Center. Located here in Columbus, the Family Center is one of very few temporary residential programs across the country that takes in entire families in need.* It assists residents in job training, job searching, childcare, and applying for benefits. The program limits residence to one month in the Center, unless there are mitigating circumstances. This means that there is an incredibly strong focus on working with residents to gain independence and recover from problem situations.

Carrie Glaeden, the mission shepherd for YWCA**, shared her thoughts on how this mission is rewarding to a volunteer: ”What I find most rewarding is the genuine thanks that the residents express to those who serve at the Center and the opportunity to hear from them about their experiences at the Family Center and hear about their excitement when it is their last meal at the Family Center because they have found permanent housing,” she said. I have also constantly been impressed with the resident’s heartfelt thanks for both the meal and our time. The parents are grateful and the children constantly bring a smile to my face. Additionally, the volunteer opportunity allows you to bond with other Trinity members while giving back to the community. I have made more than one friend while spooning taco meat into bowls!

The Family Center is in need of our time. Trinity serves dinner to the families of the center on the fourth Wednesday of each month as well as a Sunday night every other month. Please see the Trinity Missions Calendar for upcoming YWCA dates.  Wednesday evenings are coordinated by shepherd Carried Glaeden and Sunday evenings are coordinated by shepherd Nathan Wymer. Wednesday night volunteer sign-ups are made through Perfect Potluck; coordinator last name is Glaeden (as in Carrie Glaeden, the mission shepherd), and the password is Trinity. This website allows you to volunteer for the transportation, preparation, serving, or donation of food. Prior to the day you volunteer, you will receive an email with more directions including proper attire and details on the volunteer process. Please take note, no one under 15 is allowed in the kitchen per OSHA regulations.

The Family Center is also in need of our treasure. Volunteers drop off food donations to Trinity Church in the Chapelside Parlor by 3 PM on the Wednesday of the dinner hosting. The food is then transported by volunteers to the Center no later than 5 PM. There are several volunteer ‘rotations’ available each time we serve at the Center: preparation, dinner service 1, dinner service 2, and cleanup. Meal preparation of the taco salads begins at 5 PM with cooking of ground beef, tearing lettuce into bite-sized pieces, preparing salad toppings, setting tables, and enjoying the company of other Trinity volunteers. Servers arrive at 6 PM as the preparation team leaves, and the first serving begins. Families are directed to tables by YWCA staff, and bowls of meat are delivered by our volunteers. We continue to refill toppings, meat, chips, and water pitchers as needed and offer bananas to families as a healthy dessert.  Around 6:30-6:45 PM, the first group of families cleans up and leaves. We reset and begin again at 7 PM with the second group of families. Normally, we are finished with serving and have the kitchen cleaned up and are out the door by 8 PM. The final opportunity is washing and putting away dishes, and requires a time commitment from about 6:30 -  8:15 PM.

And if you're interested in hosting your own dinner at the Family Center, they currently have available some extra dates for volunteer teams to prepare and serve dinner for the residents. These are: September 2 and 28; October 31 (servers only needed); November 4, 23, 29, and 30; December 23, 26, 29, 30, and 31.

“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” – So says the book of Deutoronomy*** in scripture. I find this verse enlightening as I reflect on serving with the Family Center. We are asked by God to give to those less fortunate, but we gain tenfold in return for our service. Certainly, without dedicated volunteers like those in our Trinity team, the work of the Family Center would not be possible. We help to provide the necessary nourishment and support for countless families. But I ask, what do we as volunteers gain in return? You will understand when you see the smiles of the families, when you receive their gratitude, and when you run into your new Trinity friends on Sunday mornings at church. A friendship created through service – with both residents and fellow volunteers – is a friendship unlike many others. It is a friendship without expectation based purely on time spent helping others. I urge you to volunteer, not only for those in need, but also to find friendships you may not find anywhere else.

Questions or comments can be submitted through the blog comment section, or you can reach out to mission shepherds Carrie Glaeden and Nathan Wymer. Please consider joining the YWCA mission team. We are the hands and feet of Christ, let us serve as He would!

*Most shelters will take either men OR women and children. It’s difficult to find a safe space for the whole family.

** At Trinity, our Mission shepherds are the ‘leaders’, ‘guides’, and ‘contacts’ for each individual mission. They’re members of the congregation who make sure that essential ministry happens!

*** Deuteronomy 15:10, New International Version (NIV)