On Sunday, May 1, approximately 1,600 people from Manchester UMC in St. Louis became the church as they served out in their community.  They served in 15 church and community agencies, six parks, four schools, five animal shelters, seven retirement communities, and 12 homes.  They also served by making kits, preparing food for the fire and police departments and homeless shelters, repairing bicycles of the needy, and more. 

What if on one day every church, every person, every United Methodist in Missouri went into the mission field at the same time?  On September 10-11, 2011, the Office of Creative Ministries of the Missouri United Methodist Conference would like to invite you and your church to participate in Serve 2011.  This event is an opportunity for every United Methodist in Missouri to move outside the walls of our churches and offer ourselves to our communities for mission and service.

Serve 2011will be a collaborative experience among the congregations of the Missouri Conference.  We challenge each congregation to find some way to serve their community outside the walls of your church that weekend and beyond.  The efforts of Serve 2011will help establish or enhance your church’s place within your community.   Through Serve 2011,Missouri United Methodists will be active, visible and outreaching to create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of His world.

What will happen?  It’s completely up to you.  At www.serve2011.org you will find a list of ideas for possible mission and service opportunities, registration, t-shirt order information and more.

So let’s get going!  Tell your congregation about this event and start planning how you will serve.  Then register your participation online at www.serve2011.org or call Creative Ministries at 573-474-7155. The first 20 churches to register will receive 10 free Serve 2011 t-shirts.  Also, join us on Facebook by searching for Serve 2011to receive up-to-the-minute information and follow what others are doing.

Learn more about how to involve your community by joining us for a Serve 2011Outreach and Evangelism training event.  Several dates and locations will be available for this free training.  You can register for a date and location by contacting the Office of Creative Ministries at 573-474-7155.

Share what you are doing for Serve 2011with friends, family, and neighbors.  Show your community that you are part of a loving, caring church that “puts love into action”.

Plan on "being the church" in your community during Serve 2011.