An Invitation to TUMC Ministries
by Linda L. Petty

Most of us are very privileged to have plenty of food to eat, regular income, and many extras in our lives. However, in the Las Vegas area there are hundreds of families who are not nearly as fortunate. We, at Trinity, are blessed to have 2 opportunities to minister to the poor families in our Las Vegas community. We have our own Society of St. Stephen as well as an affiliation through United Methodist Social Ministries to WEAP (Weekend Emergency Assistance Program).

Our congregation is generous in their giving of food staples, during alternating months, to both ministries and that giving is greatly appreciated! (REMINDER: October's food donations will go to Society of St. Stephen; watch for needs on bulletin inserts.)

In addition to the food donations, BOTH outreach programs desperately need volunteers to implement that outreach EACH TIME they are open. Did you know that ideally each location needs 3-5 volunteers EACH TIME they are open? Volunteers are needed to interview and screen the clients, fill food boxes or bags, locate other agency information that might be helpful to them in their time of need, locate clothing from the closet that could be worn for job interviews, enter information into the computer as well as other needs that come up on an individual basis. In addition this is an opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs and to help them locate a church home.

Many of you do not know that I was asked last fall by our District Superintendent, Rev. David Devereaux, to serve on the Board of Directors of UMSM. After prayer and with much hesitation (since I do have a job at Trinity that keeps me very busy), I accepted on a trial basis for a few months (It just didn't seem right to turn down the D.S.!) I was officially elected in January. Part of the responsibility of being a Board member is to serve at WEAP when possible. I have served 2 Saturdays in the last several months.

I have discovered, first hand, the absolute need for numerous volunteers to be available when WEAP is open! Some times all we do is fill boxes of food! One Saturday from 9 am -1 pm we ministered to 5 families of 7 & 8, 12 families of 4-6 and 20 families of 2. The two of us who were filling boxes were kept very busy! The other volunteers were interviewing clients, finding clothing and entering information in the computer. What a blessing to be involved in a ministry of helping poor families! Both times I have come away tired but fulfilled and uplifted! I will be going more often beause it was a very rewarding experience for me!

Our Society of St. Stephen operates in a similar manner. Currently we are a much smaller, though growing, ministry but can also be very busy serving and need numerous volunteers to operate efficiently. Gary McCallister and Pat Hardouin work so very hard at promoting the ministry and inviting volunteers to participate. God bless them!

My prayer is that each of you will prayerfully consider not IF but WHEN you will volunteer to minister at Society of St. Stephen (open Mondays & Fridays 10 am - 2 pm and Wednesdays 4 - 6 pm) or WEAP (open Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm or Sundays 1 pm - 4 pm). One of these times once per month, every other month, or every few months must fit almost everyone's schedule. How about your family, small group, class, co-workers or others signing up to volunteer as a group?

Each volunteer who is all ready giving of their time in either of these ministries is greatly appreciated! We just need MORE!

We are called to reach out to God's children. Doing this in a personal, hands on way is very rewarding. There is no need to be afraid. Both ministry areas are safe and secure. Training is given. All supplies are furnished. So why aren't more of us involved with hands on in these ministries? Is God calling you? Are you feeling uneasy? Do you need more information?

If this article is making you feel uncomfortable or you want to talk about your concerns with these ministries please call me at 870-4747.

May God nudge each of us into one or both of these hands on ministries to help those who are less fortunate than we are! Each will be blessed in new ways, I promise.

In His service, Linda Petty