Innovative Ministries Receive Support from Sparkathon, Ministry With Grants

Members of Holy Covenant UMC participate in Be the Church Sunday.

A total of $15,500 given to five churches to help bring ideas to life 

In an effort to foster creativity and innovation in ministry, the Center for Church Development held Sparkathon in early spring. This innovation lab served as a space for leaders to brainstorm and develop new ministry ideas. Energized by the ideas generated at Sparkathon, the Center for Missional Outreach was thrilled to award four Ministry With grants to the following ministries: 

• Navigator Korean Gathering: Lake Cities UMC ($1,000) offers support and guidance to newcomers from South Korea. They share knowledge and resources to help them adjust to life in the United States. By welcoming new immigrants, the ministry also encourages Lake Cities members to participate in receiving and nurturing these new community members.
• Be the Church Sunday: Holy Covenant UMC ($1,000) hosts Be the Church Sunday, a service ministry where members put their faith into action by volunteering with local organizations and schools instead of attending a regular church service. Through projects like making hygiene kits for seniors and assisting Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD campuses, participants serve those in need within the community. This ministry also seeks to build stronger relationships with local partners. 
• Community VBS: Community UMC in Krum ($2,500) is serving young families with children by offering a free Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer.  Knowing Krum's demographics and lack of community spaces for young families, the ministry aims to fill this gap by providing a safe and fun environment for children to explore faith while building relationships with parents and growing their church presence.
• The Filling Station: Wheatland UMC ($10,000) fights hunger with a comprehensive approach. Providing nutritious meals and creating a loving community, the ministry offers resources like job training to empower individuals and collaborate with other organizations to create a lasting impact on the community.
• Adulting 101: Lovers Lane UMC-Walnut Hill ($1,000) champions students who are experiencing homelessness alongside the staff at Jefferson High School by offering support for basic adulting skills such as personal banking, filing taxes, obtaining state ID’s and driver’s licenses, personal budgeting, credit cards, shopping, cooking and eating healthy, obtaining insurance, etc. 

The Ministry With grant cycle returns this fall, offering exciting opportunities to bring your ministry vision to life. This grant program empowers new efforts or efforts that expand existing ministries with particular emphasis on ministry with our neighbors. Stay tuned for more details about the application process and deadlines in the coming months! 

Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2024