Our stories

These are stories of joy, hope and inspiration. Do you have a story to tell about a Community ministry's activity? Send your story to stories@communityumc.net. Questions about submitting your story? Click here to read story guidelines.


Vacation Bible School wrap-up

(Wednesday, July 27, 2022)

Food Truck Party Vacation Bible School took place July 17-21. A total of 100 children and tweens from the church and community participated, with 43 volunteers helping out. They raised $531.19 for the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. Everyone was reminded each night that God is great and God is good.


Voluntary Action Center thank-yous for 2021

(Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021)

Community United Methodist Church families provided Christmas gifts for families in need during the Christmas season.


And many of these families responded with heartfelt thanks, including:


“Thank you so much for your help. It’s been a blessing. Happy Holidays to you and your family.”


“Thank you for all you do.”


“Thank you very much for this beautiful gesture… may the Lord bless your lives.”


“Blessings to you and your family. May God bless you abundantly.”


“Thank you so much for your kindness this Holiday Season. My son and I are very grateful for this opportunity.”


“You are a great example of everything that’s right with the world. We thank you for everything. May God bless you.”


“Thank you so very much for blessing me at Christmas time with your kindness and thoughtfulness. God bless you!”


“I love the gifts. Thank you!”


“Thanks for making Christmas good for me!”


“You gifted me with a baby doll for my granddaughter. You also gave me soap products which were unexpected and sweet! My little grandbaby held her dolly all day and into the night. She was thrilled! It was so special that I had a present that great under the tree for her. Words cannot express how thankful I am for your help. I’m grateful for you and others like you who make it their mission to help people like me.”


“I am on a fixed income. This is the way I get to have a Christmas. I appreciate your kindness. Thank you.”


“This is my only Christmas. This means so much to me and I really appreciate it. Thank you.”


“Thank you so much. Without you, I would not have been able to get anything for my kids.”

 

"My family and I would like to say thank you so much for blessing our family to be able to have a great Christmas. We are greatly appreciative and may God bless you so much.”


“Thank you for all you have done for us!”


“Thank you. I am writing this letter with much appreciation. It was never my wish to become a single mother, but in life these days, we roll with the punches! At a young age, my kids understand the need of prioritizing. So we stopped celebrating holidays as much unless I had extra money to do something. My little troopers didn’t get mad because they know Mom works hard and does what she can. Programs like this put the joy back in our holidays Although it’s not about the gifts, it’s always great to see those little faces light up knowing that someone other than Mom cares. I have awesome children and the appreciate every little think because they know it could be less and it could be worse. Thank you so much!” 


“I want to take this time to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Words can’t describe the overwhelming sense of happiness your family has given to my family. We hope and pray that you all have a very, very, very, very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”



Voluntary Action Center thank-yous

(Monday, Feb. 3, 2020)

Community United Methodist Church families provided Christmas gifts for families in need during the Christmas season.


And many of these families responded with heartfelt thanks, including:


"Thank you all very much. We will always be grateful.”


“Thank you for sharing.”


“Thank you so much for allowing my child and I to have Christmas this year. I appreciate everything you have taken you time to select. This means more than you will probably ever know.”


“Thank you for helping us out for Christmas and have a blessed New Year.”


“Thank you for the presents and for adopting our family.”


“We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity during the holidays.”


“Thank you so much for helping my family out. We are so thankful and appreciative. May God continue to bless you.”


“Thank you so much for picking my family and I for your Christmas program because I tell you we had one heckuva year, so I thank you so much.”


“Thank you for everything. Happy New Year.”


“I’d like to thank you, dear sponsor, for helping me and my son to have a nice Christmas.”


Craft show raised thousands for missions

(Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019)

The Community United Methodist Church Show raised almost $4,000 for seven missions that impact children’s education locally, in other states and worldwide. 


The Nov. 2 show’s total proceeds were $3,960.46, which includes the bake sale and Christmas Treasures sale. Aside from $60.46 set aside as start-up for next year’s show, disbursements have been awarded to:

  • Columbia Square Reading Program
  • Children's Grove, Columbia
  • Native American Children's Fund, United Methodist Church Oklahoma Annual Conference
  • Project Transformation, Nashville, Tenn.
  • Carolyn Belshe Orphanage Center, Mozambique
  • Rainbow Network for children in Santa Carmela and Casa Blanco, Nicaragua
  • Women United for Life Scholarship Program, La Espernaza, Guatamala

Click here to read about each organization. 


Additionally, other funds were raised by the following groups for missions:

  • $281.22, United Methodist Women
  • $3,161, Global Market
  • $2,408, Compass Evangelical Free Church Missions

Total proceeds for missions: $9,750.22


Thank you to all the volunteers that helped with this event. The planning, organizing, baking, working at the event, and praying for this event were priceless. The Craft Show would not have been possible without this large group effort.


Puerto Rico fundraiser total

(Sunday, March 17, 2019)

The St. Patrick Day's fundraiser on March 17 raised a total of $1,875 to support the Puerto Rico mission trip. Many thanks to the band members who played for the concert, those who prepared potatoes and served at the dinner, and guests who attended the event.


Annual Craft Show raised funds for missions

(Monday, Jan. 7, 2019)

The recent Community United Methodist Craft Show raised $3,985.42 for children’s education, locally and worldwide. The show was held Nov. 3, 2018, and was sponsored by a group of Community volunteers.


The proceeds include a bake sale and Christmas Treasures. The money was divided between nine missions that impact children's education, plus $85.42 in start-up funds for next year.


Disbursements have been awarded to:

  • Day Dreams Foundation, Columbia, Missouri
  • Columbia Square Reading Program
  • Children's Grove, Columbia
  • Red Bird Christian School, Kentucky
  • Native American Children's Fund, United Methodist Church Oklahoma Annual Conference
  • Project Transformation – Nashville, Tennessee
  • Carolyn Belshe Orphanage Center, Mozambique
  • Women United for Life Scholarship Program, La Espernaza, Guatamala
  • Rainbow Network – Santa-Carmela-Casa Blanco children, Nicaragua

Click here to read about each organization.


Additionally, other funds were raised by the following groups for missions: 

  • $357.86, United Methodist Women
  • $2,393.50, Global Market
  • $1,500, Compass Evangelical Free Church Missions

Total proceeds for missions: $8.151.36


Thank you to all the volunteers that helped with this event. The planning, organizing, baking, working at the event, and praying for this event were priceless. The Craft Show would not have been possible without this large group effort.


UMCOR Sunday results

(Tuesday, March 20, 2018)

The United Methodist Committee on Relief does incredible work in times of crisis. Your generous gift of $2,677 on Sunday, March 18, covers many of the operating costs for UMCOR. If you would still like to donate, go to umcgiving.org or text 573-238-8586 and include the letters UMCOR after the amount.


Seven new members joining Community

(March 18, 2018)

Seven adults joined Community United Methodist Church during the 8 a.m. worship service. Pictured (from left) are Sarah Aplin (group leader), Anne-Leith and Brian Matlock, Barry Mitchel, Karina Neumaier, Sandy Bacon, Jennifer Carlyle (member reaffirmation), Val and Jon Rastede.

Christmas Dinner success

(Jan. 9, 2018)

The seventh annual Christmas Dinner at St. Luke United Methodist Church was a success - about 160 people were served, including guests at Room at the Inn who received a carry-out meal. Clothes, hats, socks, and gloves were made available for those in need. Thanks to Kaye Thompson for organizing the event, and thanks to all the volunteers who served, donated money, and provided food for this special meal.


Brighter Christmas for families

(Dec. 17, 2017)

Thanks to Community's big hearts who contributed more than 150 presents and $1,200 to make Christmas extra special this year for the families of Voluntary Action Center. The generosity of the youth group, Sunday school classes and small groups, along with so many other church attenders, not only supported our 10 families adopted by the church but also many other VAC families. Thank you for spreading God's love in Columbia this holiday season!


Mobile Camp update

(Aug. 8, 2017)

Mobile Camp (July 31-Aug. 4) included 133 campers, five crew, 21 counselors, six host families, more than 15 volunteers and many who donated to the scholarship fund. A big thank you to everyone who helped make the week a success. The children participated in Bible study, group activities, and outdoor play. Each day was full of excitement and energy. 


Heartfelt thanks for service and support

(Jan. 3, 2017)

Thanks to all the volunteers at Community as well as those at St. Luke United Methodist Church who donated food or money, and helped to welcome, serve guests and sort clothes at the sixth annual Christmas Dinner.


Approximately 250 dinners were served, which was a considerably larger number than last year. Everyone enjoyed the celebration and the guests received a wonderful meal. We delivered about 60 meals to people who could not make it as well as those staying at Room at the Inn.

-Jim Williams


Gift ministry update

(Jan. 3, 2017)

Community United Methodist Church provided 38 gifts to 19 children through Prison Ministry's Angel Tree. We also provided gifts for five families, two elderly and 10 disabled individuals through Volunteer Action Center.


Each individual and family received at least two gifts along with a food voucher. Thank you for your support.

-Cindy Brown


Blue barrel collection results

(Nov. 21, 2016)

The Warm Up Columbia blue barrel collection for October resulted in: 65 coats, 14 jackets,16 blankets, 32 sweatshirts, 109 pairs of socks, 43 scarves, 32 hats, 22 pairs of gloves/mittens, six ski/snow pants and two heavy vests, with 341 items total. Many people will be blessed, as are we.

-Connectional Ministries Team


Community children involved in mission work

(Oct. 3, 2016)

The children at Community have been very involved in mission work.


They decided to collect their Sunday school offering for the summer and donate it to Loaves and Fishes. The final total came to $25.25. On Sunday, Sept. 4, the children helped package 157 school kits. These kits will go to children in Missouri who need school supplies. Another project the children were involved in was the packaging of beans. They packaged 250 pounds of beans for the Festival of Sharing. These beans will go to individuals and families who need something to eat.


The children enjoy doing these projects, knowing that they are helping someone else. We are looking forward to more projects and thank everyone who has helped us with these projects.


Vacation Bible School update

(Aug. 23, 2016)

We extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported Vacation Bible School at Community this summer. Your prayers, volunteering, food donations and enthusiasm are truly appreciated. The lives of many children in our community were impacted by your generosity.


The final numbers of VBS are:

  • 196 children registered (ages 3 years-eighth grade)
  • More than 90 adults and youth volunteered their time
  • 1,242 meals were served in the Community Café
  • $1,072 was raised for Buddy Packs for the Central Missouri Food Bank


Columbia Square ministry 2016

(Aug. 16, 2016)

Once again this summer, volunteers from Community United Methodist Church served lunches to children and families that reside at Columbia Square.


Between July 22 and Aug. 4, a total of 584 lunches were served by 28 individual volunteers. This is an increase of 45 lunches over the same 19-day period in 2015.


Thank you to all who volunteered, made desserts and prayed for this ministry. To God we give all the glory, and we are thankful to be able to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.


Kits for the homeless

(May 31, 2016)

Thank you to everyone who contributed items for the homeless kits. The Community United Methodist Church confirmation students and the Aktion Club (a Kiwanis club for adults with special needs) assembled 150 kits. These were then placed in the Welcome Center for worshipers to take to pass out to the homeless they encounter around our community.


There were also numerous items donated that were too big for the one-gallon bags, but items the homeless could use. These items were donated to the Turning Point homeless ministry at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church.

 

Confirmation 2016

(May 31, 2016)

Congratulations to the 2016 confirmand class. They are Allison Bell, Jeremy Camper, Patti Camper, Kate Endersby, Alex Fritschi, Eric Fritschi, Jacob Hall, Chase Sumowski and Thomas Wood.


Many thanks to their sponsors/teachers: Jim Hogan, Mike Hendren, Bev Smull and Barb Townsend.


Spring Fling success

(May 18, 2016)

The United Methodist Women's Spring Fling that featured great food, entertainment and fellowship generated more than $300 for missions.


We received $563 from our donations and ticket sales; less expenses, we netted $358.50 for mission projects.


Generations enjoy celebration

(April 10, 2016)

Community Kids hosted the annual Generation Celebration April 10 in the Children’s area. Parents, grandparents, and older adults enjoyed entertainment, fun conversation and refreshments.


Entertainment included performances by the Community Kids Choir, the Chimers, and piano and harp solos. This celebration has become something to look forward to each year.


Annual craft show raises $2,400

(Nov. 7, 2015)

The Community Craft Fair raised $2,482.30 for children's education locally and worldwide. The Nov. 7 event's funds was divided among six missions, awarding $400 each to:

  • Fun City Summer Program, Columbia
  • Columbia Square Reading Program
  • United Methodist Church Project Transformation, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Festival of Sharing (school supplies), Missouri
  • Women United for Life children's school scholarships, Guatemala
  • School desks, Nicaragua

Additionally, other funds were raised by the following groups for missions:

  • Global Market, $3,873.55
  • Compass Evangelical Free Church Missions, $1,670
  • United Methodist Women, $265
  • Connectional ministries, $215
  • Total proceeds for missions, $8,505.85

Thank you to all the volunteers that helped with this event, giving glory to God for the blessings we were able to share with the children of the world. The planning, organizing, baking, working at the event and praying for this event were priceless. The Craft Show would not have been possible without this large group effort.