Nov. 12, 2021
Holiday Gift Giving
In her latest newsletter, Tammy Kuntz, our North Central Jurisdiction United Methodist Volunteers in Mission coordinator, ponders the media’s messaging about a possible holiday gift shortage, and encourages us to think in a new way. Quoting author Anne Lappe, she reminds us that “every time we spend money, we are also casting a vote for the kind of world we want.” We can choose to shop local, support artisans, or give experiences—i.e. music or art lessons, family trips to the theatre, or a concert. Our money can be used to nurture community, invest in entrepreneurship, and support worthwhile local charities, or a mission project across the ocean.
If you’re interested in thinking in a new way about your holiday gift giving, here’s a few ideas:
- Support your local food shelf. Almost all of them are down right now and need extra food. Food donations are good. Cash donations are better. Many are also short of volunteers. Think about scoring a triple by donating food and cash, and volunteering with family or friends.
- Support a local domestic shelter or center for transitional housing. Most keep a wish list on hand of simple items like shampoo, bedding, towels and wash clothes, disinfectant wipes, etc. If there isn’t one around you, check out NUMAS HAUS in New Ulm, Harbor House Crisis Shelter in Superior, the Dignity Center in Minneapolis, or Emma Norton Services, all Minnesota Conference approved ministries.
- Support refugee assistance. Refugee Services, part of the Minnesota Council of Churches, is urgently seeking donations of household items as they welcome families into new communities, creating hope and opportunities as they continue on their path toward self-sufficiency.
- Offer to help women in Laos start small businesses through the Seed Project.
- Donate a goat, pig, cow, sheep or a flock of ducks to a family in the developing world through Heifer International.
- Support the construction of a well, providing clean water to a village in Liberia through United Methodist Water for Life.
Journey to the Holy Land During Advent
Why not take time during your Christmas shopping and family gatherings to virtually visit the Holy Land? On the four Saturdays in Advent, you will have the opportunity to hear from United Methodists on the ground living and working in Palestine. Leaders from General Board of Global Ministries mission projects will share information about their ministries, including:
Each will also bring a brief devotion centered around the themes of prophecy, justice, covenant and the journey to Bethlehem. Gather with your family, church friends and others around the world throughout the United Methodist connection 10-11:30 a.m. on Nov.27, and Dec. 4, 11, and 18. Register here.
Post-Holiday Hands-On Mission Opportunities
Long-term recovery teams are needed in California in response to the deadly and destructive fires where, tragically, dozens of people died and more than 18,000 structures burned to the ground. After a massive two-year cleanup and debris removal, rebuilding has begun in earnest. Partnering with the Hope Crisis Response Network in Paradise, Magalia and Butte Creek, the California/Nevada United Methodist Volunteers in Mission committee is helping to lead the scale up of efforts to assist low-income survivors with construction of new homes.
Contact Steve Elliot (umvimcoordinator@calnevumc.org) for more information. It’s not too early to start making plans for spring and summer!
In Ministry Together,
Lyndy Zabel
Director of Community Development
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
