The Missions Team at Montavilla have been involved in a variety of support and services. They meet once a month on Zoom. If you are interested in being part of the Missions Team contact the church office for more information.
Hurricane Helene Update
As countless families and communities face the overwhelming aftermath of this storm, UMCOR is supporting the efforts of conference disaster response ministries across the region. Cleaning and hygiene kits are being delivered. Early Response Teams are removing debris, tarping roofs and cleaning homes. Pray for all those impacted by this disaster, as well as first responders and volunteers. The road to recovery will be long, but together, we can bring hope and healing.
Support relief and recovery efforts by donating to UMCOR umcmission.org
100% of your donation will go to relief and recovery!
Online bit.ly/umcorusdr
By Phone 1-888-252-6174
By Mail By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #901670-Helene” written on the memo line and mailed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, PO Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068
Offering Plate Check or cash in an envelope labeled “UMCOR-Helene”
Family Promise
Family Promise of Metro East helps families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable housing and independence through a rotational shelter network – congregations and organizations coming together to provide shelter for homeless children and their families. Some of the volunteer opportunities are making meals, serving meals, onsite support, transportation, special events, activities, etc. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, contact Elissa (montavillaumchurch@gmail.com). More information:
Family Promise of Metro East Volunteer Virtual Training
Training Link
Healthcare for all Oregon
Montavilla is a member of Healthcare for all Oregon. HCAO educates about and advocates for an equitable, affordable, comprehensive, high-quality publicly funded universal healthcare system that will improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across Oregon and throughout the United States.
Mission Activity for Blanchet House
Blanchet House is a social services organization based in Portland’s Old Town which was founded in 1952. Among other services, they provide bagged lunches and indoor meals for those in need. They appreciate receiving bags that have been decorated with pretty drawings and words of hope. So far we have decorated over 80 bags! If you would like to decorate lunch bags at home either by bringing them home from church or having them delivered to your home, please let Sherry Hanrahan know.
Thank you to everyone who is participating! More information available at https://blanchethouse.org/sack-lunches/
Nan McCurdy – Selected by Mission Committee for Covenant Partner Relationship
The Mission Committee at their November meeting selected Nan McCurdy as the missionary with whom Montavilla United Methodist Church would be in a Covenant Partner Relationship. Nan is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries. She and her missionary husband, Miguel Mairena, serve with Give Ye Them to Eat in Puebla, Mexico, a program that strengthens “the capabilities of marginalized people and communities to meet their basic needs…” Training in appropriate technologies and programs aimed at sustainable agriculture and health are key to their missional work which includes a farm and training center in Tlancualpican. To be in covenant is significant for a congregation. Quarterly our church contributes to an Advance Special supporting Nan’s service in Mexico. In the future when she itinerates in the United States, Montavilla UMC may have the opportunity to host her. In fact, she and Miguel on an earlier itineration toured the Montavilla neighborhood, Vestal Elementary School and Hong Phat Grocery before speaking at a United Methodist Women’s meeting in our church’s fellowship hall. Throughout the year the Mission Committee will share more about Nan’s work in Mexico. We shall also send her emails and prayers.
Missions in Action
Support congregation for Family Promise
Joining with our community in a “Book for Every Child” to help Community Transition School students have a book for their school study
Advent local project called “Return to Neerchokikoo”.The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is raising funds to build a permanent campus called Neerchokikoo at an ancient Native encampment and gathering site near the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Northeast Portland.
Blood Drives
Support: for Wotje Science Camp, Marshall Islands
Alaska Travel Funds, Annual Conference
Research & Support for Preschool for All
Research & Support for Ground Score/ trashforpeace.org
Lenten Discussion Book: The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention
Abundant Health congregation
Advent & Lenten Offerings: From books to IRCO (Immigration……) to an offering supporting Cambodian Street Children Ministry in Phnom Penh by our covenant missionary Clara Biswa.
Another recipient was the Palestinian Women’s Gardens in Gaza.
Church All-Reads: Wonder and Evicted
Classes: Emergency Preparedness, Fall Prevention…
Donations via Erickson Funds: IRCO, Transitional School, Hollywood Senior Center
Participation in the Gay Pride Parade and Women’s March
Selection of Message Stones around the church
Letters Supporting Legislation, i.e., Preschool for All
