ShareFest 2012

What an awesome God we serve! Today I was blessed to see people of all races and ages working hand in hand to bring about change at Brown Elementary.

ShareFest 2012 began on Sunday evening in the Family Life Center when 20 young people gathered to share ideas on how they could work together to improve the Mid-town area. Monday began with the Dr. Martin Luther King prayer breakfast at New Hope Baptist Church. The message was brought by Rev. Marcus Cheeks, Pastor of True Light Baptist Church, Jackson. Our own Pastor, Rev. Stephen Cook, led us in the grace and closing prayer. After a delicious breakfast, we were off to Brown Elementary to complete our day of service.

Our group had now grown to 32 youth and 10 adults and we were eager to tackle today's projects. Thanks to the generosity of the members of Central United Methodist Church, Leadership Jackson and A1 Pallet Company we were able to purchase all of the materials needed to build 3 compost bins, 12 garden beds, and an outdoor classroom. The total number of volunteers for ShareFest 2012 was close to 100, hailing from Leadership Jackson, Central UMC, Americorps Read Across America and Foodcorps. We were even fortunate to have several political candidates roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty on behalf of Brown Elementary. Our own Joyce Jackson, candidate for City Council Ward 3, led the way.

The generosity did not stop with supplies and manpower, but also included delicious coffee and warm cookies from Hilton Garden Inn (King Edward Hotel) and lunch from the Mid-Town partners.

Thank you to all who donated money and shared your time with us today. Our young people learned valuable lessons in community, teamwork and friendship.

Michelle Henry,
Family Life Center Director
Central United Methodist Church

ShareFest 2012

Central United Methodist Church is partnering with Leadership Jackson to beautify the grounds of Brown Elementary. Our focus will be on the playground area, the sidewalk and the area between Brown and Rowan. Join us January 16 for ShareFest 2012. ShareFest 2012 - "A Day On, Not A Day Off." For more information, please contact the church office at 601.355.7858.

CUMC Youth in Action

Some of Central's youth will be participating in Galloway United Methodist Church's MissionFest June 7 - 9, 2010. I was asked if I had any pictures of the youth doing different activities this year. I decided to put together a video showing their activities.



Take a moment and encourage the children and youth of our church. There are plenty of other places that they could be and yet they have chosen to be active members of Central United Methodist Church. Please let them know just how much you appreciate them bearing the cross and keeping the flame going.



As Family Life Center Director, I have been fortunate enough to see the youth as they prepare to represent Central United Methodist Church at various functions throughout the city. I am very proud of them and hope that my pride comes through in this video.



Michelle

Souper Bowl I

In an effort to eradicate hunger and promote education in the Farish Street district, the Outreach Committee of Central United Methodist Church, through the office of the Family Life Center will host Souper Bowl I on Saturday, February 6. We will serve soup to homeless and indigent residents of the district as well as persons who enter our Family Life Center beginning at 3 PM. We have invited youth from across the city to join us in this service project.

There will also be a Souper Bowl Dance beginning at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. We are asking for two school supply items as admission. The items will be donated to Brown Elementary School. Concessions will be available.

Join us for this worthwhile event!