Change The World
Do We Need Change the World?
People have asked, “Do we really need Change the World?” Thirteen years ago, our church decided to participate in a United Methodist program that was originally called “SundayServe”. It was a call to put our faith in action. Many critics of organized religion observed that Sunday church-goers gave lip service to doing good deeds but never did much themselves. SundayServe was an attempt to get parishioners out of their pews and into their communities. It fit with Jesus’ command to “… go and make disciples of all nations…” as well as to “Love one another. As I have loved you…” Our church changed the name to “Change the World.” It began with one Sunday in May, and has since expanded to include the entire month. We encourage one another to share the love of God through a variety of activities and events.
Christians have been trying to change the world for the better since the dawn of Christianity. As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe that Jesus demonstrated radical compassion to encourage us to share God’s love. Since his death, others have come along to offer “booster shots”. Among them: John Wesley, Mahatma Gandhi, St. Francis of Assisi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Pope Leo.
We here at First United are blessed with a church that shares God’s love 24/7. May has simply become a “booster shot” month to focus special attention on God’s Grace and Love, and the importance of sharing that with others. Change the World is Intentional Discipleship! So, in a world with so many problems and distractions, yes, we do need Change the World. We invite you to join the Movement! Please watch for a list of scheduled activities.
John Schmidt, Change the World Event Coordinator
Red Bird Mission Shoebox Project
Help to make a difference in someone’s life. One of several Change the World projects during the month of May is to participate in the Red Bird Mission Shoebox Project. Over the last five years we have donated close to 280 shoeboxes! Can we get another 60 boxes this year? Fill a shoebox with personal items for needy adults and children living in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky.
As an alternative to filling a shoebox, you may be interested in donating an item from the list such as a small flashlight or a bar of soap. These loose items may be placed in a bin in the church foyer. Our Made by Hand with Love group has made winter hats and mittens that are available in the foyer for use in the shoeboxes. Shoeboxes will be available at church before May 1 or feel free to use your own plastic or cardboard shoebox. Lists of needed items are also available at church inside the shoeboxes.
Please indicate on the top of the box if this is for an adult male, adult female, male or female child ages 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Please seal the box and return to church by May 31. We will see that the boxes are delivered. Thank you for helping us change the world!
Our Planned Change the World Activities Include:
| Date | Event | Location/Time |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 – May 31 | Food Drive | FUMC-EG |
| May 1 – May 31 | Redbird Shoeboxes | FUMC-EG |
| Saturday, May 4 | Potting Party | Larson’s Home 3:30-5 PM |
| Wednesday, May 6 | Storytelling Night with Rev. Mary Beth Blinn | FUMC-EG 7PM |
| Friday, May 8 | Plant Delivery to VRH | PM |
| Saturday, May 16 | Food Truck Festival | Church Parking Lot 11:00-2:30 |
| Sunday, May 17 | Moonbee | FUMC-EG 10-11:30 AM |
| Sunday, May 17 | Bird House Construction | Church Garage 10-11:30 AM |
| Sunday, May 17 | Brunch | Fellowship 10:30-Noon |
| Thursday, May 28 | Choir Rehersal/Concert | Hawthorne Ridge 6:30 PM |
| May 1-May 31 | Share the Love Calendars | Calendars Available at Church Both Entrances |
2025 Change The World Events
