May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. ~ 1Peter 1:3
“You have been born anew into a living hope…” What powerful words for describing the blessings we all received through Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
And how appropriate it is for our Easter Offering to highlight four transformative ministries that also have the potential for giving adults and children a chance at a new beginning with “living hope.” Living hope is explained as “hope that has power and produces changes in life.”
Dementia Friendly Fort Worth has been serving our community since 2018. DFFW is improving quality of life for those living with dementia by implementing a dementia awareness and education initiative for all sectors of the community. To help alleviate the stigma tied to dementia, they provide an array of educational and simulation experiences and advocate for appropriate practices and opportunities for persons living with dementia and their care partners. Their innovative work creates engaging activities for older adults who are impacted by this disorder and socially isolated. Many of these are underserved individuals who have little to no family or social connections. In a non-judgmental environment DFFW creates a place where these individuals feel connected, valued, and included. One participant said it best, “I belong.” Such innovative thinking is highlighted through the GrandPad Project which connects solitary clients to DFFW virtual programs like the pet therapy program, “Pets are Practical,” and the project also makes it possible for the clients to connect virtually with family and friends. Aided by several volunteers, DFFW’s small staff, all who have experienced dementia on a personal level, interacted with more than 2,000 unique individuals through the following specialized activities:
• 4 Eight-hour Police Cadet Dementia Awareness Trainings
• 6 in-person 5th Street Café where clients and care partners came together in an informal social club setting
• 23 Dementia Awareness Presentations & Trainings for businesses, professionals, and community groups.
• 40+ Family Consultations for families facing crisis with their loved one who has dementia with more than 12% of these being families connected to First Church
• 52 Dementia Friendly Chapel Services recorded weekly and available on YouTube
• 810 Virtual Activity Programs which can be accessed through a Zoom channel and on YouTube.
First Street Methodist Mission has been serving our community since the 1950s. Devoted to serving the most vulnerable people in Tarrant County who find themselves in insurmountable living environments and, in some instances, life-threatening situations, FSMM provides emergency food, clothing, infant formula, limited financial assistance, case management, and advocacy in a holistic approach that also meets their social, emotional, spiritual and financial needs of all who walk in their doors. Led by an extremely competent staff of four, 168 volunteers donated 12,288 hours in 2022 making possible the following:
• 3,659 households/13,121 individuals received food and household supplies that met the basic needs for their family;
• 431 households made 1,731 visits to the Mission to receive much-needed diapers and baby formula;
• 311 households were provided financial assistance so that they would not be evicted or have utilities cut off;
• 1,106 individuals who found themselves living on the streets enjoyed a sack lunch which was possibly their only nourishment on that particular day. A total of 6,361 sack lunches were distributed in 2022.
• 275 food-disadvantaged youngsters carried home a bag of healthy food on Fridays to sustain them through the weekend.
Methodist Justice Ministries has been in the community since 2006 and has provided light and hope to 1,039 adult victims and 1,919 children victims of traumatic domestic violence and neglect. By providing free legal representation and ongoing support, MJM rescues victims of abuse and violence and gives them the opportunity for safe, nurturing, and productive new lives. The professional staff includes four highly qualified attorneys and an outstanding support team of three. By combining the power of the courts and the strength of available resources, MJM provides the necessary legal expertise along with the equally essential counseling and financial assistance so to address clients’ social, emotional, spiritual and financial needs. A glance at MJM’s life-changing mission in action during 2022 shows:
• MJM filed 91 new lawsuits in Tarrant and Johnson Counites.
• 844 counseling sessions were provided to current and former MJM clients.
• 93 MJM families received emergency financial assistance in the way of rent and utilities through the Safe Home Program.
• School supplies were given to 97 MJM children.
• 196 MJM children and youth enjoyed an extra special Christmas thanks to Secret Santas.
UMCOR is the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church that assists United Methodists and churches become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable. UMCOR provides relief, response and long-term recovery grants when events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on their own. UMCOR also provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery, and long-term health and development. Recent areas of service include the war in Ukraine, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the Florida hurricane and the extreme flooding in Kentucky.
I hope you will express your appreciation for these “living hope” ministries by making a 2023 Easter Offering. In the next few days, you will receive a letter from Pastor Lance giving you the opportunity to make such a gift. Easter Offering envelopes will also be available in the church pews making it easy to drop them in the offering plate. Giving online is another option. Just click the button below.
However you choose to give, your Easter gift will impact thousands of lives through these special ministries.
As always, I thank you for being such a caring community of disciples.
Together through Christ,
Nancy Fisher
Director of Stewardship
Click the button to give online now. Choose Easter Offering in the dropdown menu.
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