TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW October 3,2008

Articles in this special COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES issue of the Tennessee Conference Review

1. From Formed to Transformed: the Case for Cooperative Ministry
2. A “Must Read” Resource if you want to develop cooperative ministries in your congregation
3. Cooperative Ministries going on at the Wyatt's Chapel Charge UMC
4. Three United Methodist Churches, the East Nashville YMCA, and the Salvation Army create partnership to reach youth
5. Waynesboro First UMC youth experience what it’s like to put others first through Hands and Feet workshop
6. On Common Ground--interdenominational cooperation through the APSU Wesley Foundation 7. A Personal Story: God Opens Pathways to service in a needy world.
8. Old Hickory Community Outreach serves the 37138 zip code.
9. “Caring Hands” Ministry Uses Volunteers from local area to assist recovery,
10. Cooperative Ministries in the Cookeville District
11. Cooperative Ministries at West Nashville UMC

Cooperative Ministry is … Any group of Christians working with any other group of Christians meeting a need in the community or world.

A special leader's guide has been prepared for the October 3rd REVIEW to enable discussion of Cooperative Ministries. To download the leader's guide click on the words COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES.

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From Formed to Transformed: the Case for Cooperative Ministry
By Julia Kuhn Wallace*

The #1 challenge facing congregations is openness to work with others to accomplish God’s mission. Most congregations aren’t serious enough about ministry to do whatever it takes to be faithful to the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ which is transformational. They say: “We want our own pastor!” “We want to take care of ourselves!” “We want to be left alone!” The constant litany of what we want often drowns out what God wants.

Here’s a hint: what God wants matters.

Powerful ministry is accomplished when leaders take seriously God’s call and share mission through Cooperative Ministry. Churches of every size and in every place can be effective by getting out of the “me, myself and whine” mode to cooperate in making a real difference in people’s lives! When a church says: “here we are, God, use us” miracles happen. Ironically, when we seek to save our life - we loose it.

Sign board at Salem United Methodist Church when Feed America First food drop was initiated.

Cooperative Ministry is sharing God’s work with God’s people. It happens whenever a congregation works beyond itself with other congregations (UMCs or ecumenical), community organizations or groups. It claims an area to serve for Christ and works with anyone and everyone in that place who can help heal the hurts and realize the hopes in Jesus’ name.

Some of the benefits of sharing ministry include:
.Maximizes a strong presence and witness in the community
.Accomplishes significant ministry that couldn’t be done by one church
.Keeps effective, sustainable pastoral leadership
.Grows membership: numerically, spiritually and organizationally
.Stretches people to use their talents and gifts for God
.Starts new faith communities and revitalizes existing congregations.

To explore cooperative ministry, gather a group of friends and consider these questions to explore cooperative ministry:

1. What is God’s will for our church and community?
A congregation that truly discerns God’s way will always look beyond itself. It focuses on serving the community in which it is located and claims that area for Christ. As United Methodists, we discern what to do when we practice the means of grace: ‘Acts of Vital Piety (worship, prayer, sacraments, fasting, bible study, singing hymns, and Christian conversation) and Acts of Mercy (feed, clothe and be present with people in need, advocate for justice and be a peacemaker.)

2. Who are our partners in ministry and how well do we work together?
Hopefully your congregation sees itself as active disciples in God’s hope for the world rather than settle for mere membership. Ministry isn’t only the work of the one who gets paid. No matter how brilliant your Pastor is or how committed the laity are, ministry never happens in solitary confinement. It comes from our Baptism. God expects Christians to work together! Clergy and laity should be on the same team, and cooperative ministry calls us to work with others on a circuit, other denominations, community leaders, and local organizations. Be connectional - your Bishop, District Superintendent, and Conference Staff are also a part of your ministry team.

3. What resources do we have, or could we have to accomplish God’s mission?
Fear is not a resource – it’s a disgrace. No matter how tightly we hold onto our possessions, they’ll never be enough. Successful congregations do not hoard their assets – they give them away in ministry. Make a list of the resources God has given you for ministry: people, facility, talent, location, money, etc. Name one thing you can do with how you’ve been blessed that will bless others! Now, do it!

Cooperative Parish, Multi-Point Charge, Mission Cluster, Shalom Zone, and Shared Facility are all forms of Cooperative Ministry. See the Book of Discipline (¶ 205 - 211) for a complete list and description. Whatever form emerges, they all start the same way: with a conversation. Talk to people about what they care about and begin to connect them with a purpose that will transform people’s lives.

Dream big! Start a Saturday School for kids outside the church. Consider organizing a Confirmation Retreat for youth from several congregations. Open a Community Resource Center that helps people find meaningful employment (list jobs, resume assistance, provide attire for interviews, babysit while parents search for work, cook meals for people to take home, open a hair salon or even have a visiting Dentist clean teeth. There are no limits on what you can accomplish through Cooperative Ministry!

Support for this style of ministry is vital. If you are a pastor, invite people to share ministry. If you are lay, challenge your church to work with others. If you are on the Cabinet, name congregations to consult about the possibilities that exist with Cooperative Ministries and place effective pastoral leaders (appointed or assigned) in those locations. If you are staff or leader on a Conference Board, sponsor a Cooperative Ministry event.

Remember, Cooperative is not about surviving it’s about serving.

It isn’t about maintenance it’s about mission

It’s not about congregations – it’s about connecting to the community for Christ.

*Julia Kuhn Wallace has served as Director of Small Church and Shared Ministry at the General Board of Discipleship for the past 12 years. She is sought after as a keynote presenter, trainer and consultant in developing ministry through cooperation.

A “Must Read” Resource if you want to develop cooperative ministries in your congregation

Partnersteps
Developing Cooperative Ministries Today by Edward A. Kail, Julia Kuhn Wallace

This resource is a workbook to form healthy cooperative ministries. It provides a process and guidelines to move from mission to shared ministry. This book is especially useful for ministry teams, any church wanting to work cooperatively, and those already sharing a pastor. Cost of this 96-page book is $13.00 Ten or More: $11.05 eachISBN# 0-88177-357-3, order at gbod.org and use order# DR357


Cooperative Ministries going on in at the Wyatt's Chapel Charge UMC
By Paul Edwards*

My name is Paul Edwards, chairperson of the TN Conference Cooperative Ministries. It is a joy to serve on this important committee and to hear of all the many ways people and churches are working "cooperatively" around the TN Conference. The hope of this committee is that asyou prayerfully read this edition of the "Review," you will find ways your church can work "cooperatively" with churches around you. In order to give you a better understanding of what cooperative ministry is, it would be helpful to have a definition. Cooperative Ministry is any group of Christians working with any other group of Christians meeting a need in the community or world. My prayer is that more opportunities for ministry will take place "cooperatively" in the future in your area.

To illustrate some cooperative ministry at work, I want to share with you what is going on with the 3 churches I pastor in the Clarksville District. The churches are New Haven, Rose Valley, and Wyatt's Chapel, making up the Wyatt's Chapel Charge in Dover. Yes, they share the same pastor, but they are also sharing a vision of "working together for a Christ-like world." The cooperative ministries these 3 churches have are wide-ranged. For one, they are mission-minded. The United Methodist Women's group consists of all 3 churches, as well as Indian Mound UMC and Bumpus Mills UMC. They rotate the meeting locations on a monthly basis, and they are very active in helping the community around them and the world. A UMW night circle, which will also consist of these churches, is in the works to better accommodate the ladies that are not able to meet during the day. These 3 churches also work together by passing a piggy bank around every week to collect money for the Children's Charity Campaign Fund. This money is given to places that help children in various ways like St. Jude Children's Hospital and the local schools.

Another way the Wyatt's Chapel Charge is mission-minded is the Food Pantry. A joint venture, this food pantry has become a much-needed item in the community allowing many to receive assistance from it on a regular basis.
The rising costs of gas and groceries has meant that some families are having great difficulty in keeping up with all the demands they have on their pay check—that is if they even receive a pay check. The church's mindset is to assist recipients in a small way, making certain that families have at least some food on the table. The recipients can feel the love of Christ in the gift of food, but those of us who are supplying the food have a fuller understanding of Christ’s mandate to feed the hungry.

Another facet of cooperative ministry the Wyatt's Chapel Charge has is education and worship. The 3 churches come together for Bible study every Wednesday night, and now the children are participating as well. The "All Stars for Jesus" now have 2 classes of children learning about Jesus and having fun at the same time. This new ministry will prayerfully reach more children in the community outside the 3 churches. It will also give these children a great encouragement from Christ in the middle of the week. The children have their V.B.S. together in the summer as people from all 3 churches help and teach the important truths of Jesus to the children. The churches also come together for various Charge-wide worship services. These special times are rotated among the churches, thus giving the people the opportunity of worshipping the Lord in various places.

Finally the Wyatt's Chapel Charge comes together for fun! The first Sunday of August this year, all 3 churches came together for a Charge-wide “End of the Summer Celebration.” Together, there were almost 100 people having fun in all sorts of ways-inflatable jumping area, slip and slide, woofle ball game, kick ball game, basketball, bingo, and of course food-hot dogs, chips, desserts, and homemade ice cream. The conversations and laughter were endless, and you couldn't tell who went to which church because they were all mingled together. The hope is that this will become an annual event for these 3 churches.

The Wyatt’s Chapel Charge churches are busy working "cooperatively." Maybe something that has been mentioned here will gave you an idea of where and how your church can work together with another church in the area to do effective ministry. By reaching out together it is possible to demonstrate in new ways that to the community and the world that the love of Jesus is still around!

If you have questions about any of the above ministries, or for any other matter regarding ways your church can work cooperatively, feel free to contact me. My phone number is (931)305-4656 or you can email me at wyattscharge@mchsi.com

*Paul Edwards, Wyatt's Chapel Charge UMC and Tennessee Conference Cooperative Ministries Chairperson


Three United Methodist Churches, the East Nashville YMCA, and the Salvation Army create partnership to reach youth
by Sherry Cothran Woolsey

Recently, Trinity UMC, Blakemore UMC and West Nashville UMC have entered into partnership with the East Nashville YMCA and the Salvation Army in ministry with youth. The group includes YGRAD and YWOLF youth housed at the community center, Magness Potter, and youth groups from Blakemore and West Nashville as well as youth that live in the East Nashville area. The project, also known as the Synergy Center, is led by youth directors Rena Knight (YMCA/Trinity UMC) and Nate Sawyer (Blakemore/West Nashville UMC.)

They are developing youth leadership from within the entire group through youth led community service projects and weekly Bible study. The program is also working with students from TSU and Vanderbilt currently developing a mentorship program between college students and teenagers.

A group picture is from the recent youth lock-in held at Trinity UMC"

The program is housed at Trinity UMC and also uses YMCA and Magness Potter facilities for recreational activities and transportation. The church and partners are located in the East Nashville Area between Dickerson Road and Gallatin Road, south of Trinity Lane. The children and youth in this geographic area are considered "at risk" according to a census report by the Precept Group (2000-2008):

Conditions which can contribute to placing an area at risk (particularly, the children) are at an overall critically high level (in the 37207 area). This is evidenced by noting that on the whole the area is well above average in the characteristics known to contribute to community problems such as households below poverty line, adults without a high school diploma, households with a single mother and unusually high concern about issues such as community problems, family problems, and/or basic necessities such as food, housing and jobs. (from the Link2Lead Report for 37207, 2008, Percept Group)

Recently, a group of 15 leaders from within the youth group met to discuss a budget and plans for the coming year. They decided they were going to work on the following issues (as well as have some fun together at youth events): marginalization of the poor, injustice, racial segregation and class domination, sexism and ageism, urban blight and the lack of opportunity. The group has also attended regional and national youth events together such as Summer Sizzler and Warmth in Winter, they hope to do more along these lines.

·Quotes from youth:
We are a diverse group of individuals who love unconditionally, want to better our communities and appreciate and embrace each other's differences. We are growing together in Christ as an example of peace and love for the world. We are called to be servant leaders.

-Sarah Williams, Blakemore/West Nashville UMC youth

The blended group bowls regularly in East Nashville to build friendships

The three cooperating churches have applied for grant funding from the Grants for Ministries with Young People program from the General Board of Discipleship. The anticipated funding will begin in January, 09. Until that time, there is an immediate need to keep this program going. The Synergy Center is trying to raise $4000 for the months of Sept - Dec., 08. Persons wishing to contribute can do so by writing a check to: Trinity United Methodist and sent to the following address: Trinity United Methodist, P.O. Box 78604, Nashville, TN 37207 (228-2894) Att: Pastor Tom Madron. Please notate on the check that it is specifically for Synergy Center. 100% of donations received will go towards the Synergy Center program.

This program is a beautiful model for what we are trying to do as United Methodistsand we all need this kind of encouragement. Not only does the program express our belief in the connection, but it also teaches us how to change the systems that are so oppressive right here in our city by giving hope and the ability to dream to young people who may not find it any where else.

To learn more about the program and Synergy Center, please visit http://www.trinityumctn.org/ or http://www.westnashvilleumc.org/.


Waynesboro First UMC youth experience what it’s like to put others first through Hands and Feet mission event

Editor’s Note: The Hands and Feet workshop was a cooperative mission event for the youth and youth adults of the Tennessee Annual Conference. It was held in Murfreesboro, September 20-21, 2008. Work crews spread across the Murfreesboro area and were involved in a number of work projects--from nursing home visits to a school beautification project and included building a wheel chair ramp, completing a Habitat project, and even making teddy bears for children in distress.

Waynesboro First United Methodist Church youth at the Hands and Feet mission event

By the Rev. Leah Thornton*
Youth from Waynesboro FUMC ventured out on their first trip in several years as they participated in “Hands and Feet 2008” in Murfreesboro, TN. As pastor of Waynesboro First, I’m proud of the way our congregation embraced our youth and was committed to make this trip happen. Eight youth and two adults were sent forth by our congregation through their monetary gifts. Our finance committee has overwhelmingly supported the youth ministry telling me not to let budget constraints prevent us from planning events. Wow! This is an incredible testimony to the way in which a congregation, no matter how large or small, can claim and live out what it is they believe.

The ten of us were sent forth to go and share the good news. We went as witnesses of our faith and as an extension of the ministry and excitement happening at FUMC. We experienced what it’s like to put others first and began to learn the importance of hearing the stories of those we seek to serve. As those sent to serve, we in turn received blessings far beyond what we could have imagined. We learned that often times the work done is not as important as the relationships built.

Throughout the weekend, our youth were able to form bonds and strengthen relationships with one another. Our prayer at Waynesboro First is that this trip is the first step in seeking to reestablish a strong youth ministry presence in our church and community. On Sunday morning of the retreat, Rev. Amanda Diamond reminded us that we were being called by God to breathe life (Ezekiel 37:9-10) into the places we live everyday. We believe in the importance of our youth and are dedicated to do what it takes to “breathe life” into our congregation, into our community as we seek to live out our call to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”.

* The Rev. Lea Thornton is Pastor of Waynesboro First United Methodist Church


On Common Ground
By Rev. Jodi McCullah

Last year, with some trepidation, the Austin Peay State University Church of Christ Student Center pastor went to his elders and warned them. On a given day before Christmas, they could expect to see a newspaper photograph showing buses from Churches of Christ, Baptist and United Methodist churches traveling together in a caravan carrying students and children to shop at a local store. They would be, he explained, part of the “Christmas for Kids” program from APSU, a cooperative effort between the Christian student organizations on campus. No problem, the elders smiled and said, “Just be sure you are on the right bus!”

APSU students of all denominations came together recently for a Christian concert and cookout as part of On Common Ground, a campus-wide ecumenical effort. Photo by Mateen Sidig, APSU All State.

“On Common Ground” began as an experiment in ecumenism that grew out of weekly meetings between Rev. Frank Bunner, the director of the APSU Church of Christ Student Center, Rev. Jim Alexander, director of the APSU Baptist Collegiate Ministries and me. While the campus has a tradition of a joint worship service at the beginning of the year, we decided to try a progressive dinner together last year and then the Christmas project. We knew that some of the students would be hesitant, but we felt like working together would be a powerful witness. The experiment has grown into a full-blown cooperative program that, this year, has included a joint Christian concert on campus, additional worship services, the Christmas project and an Easter walkthrough experience.

APSU students try to untangle a human knot during a Christian concert and cookout sponsored by On Common Ground, an ecumenical effort by United Methodist, Church of Christ and Baptist campus ministers. Photo by Mateen Sidig, APSU All State

The joint worship service and the concert were both held during the first week of classes in the middle of campus to attract freshmen to the programs. At each event, we were intentional about not promoting any one program over the other. Instead, because plenty of other events were held during the first few weeks to introduce the students to each program’s activities, we simply encouraged students to find a spiritual home from among the possibilities. Our goal at On Common Ground events, we explained, was to show them that Christians of all denominations could work together.

We have been pleased with the turnout and the results. We’ve received positive feedback from students, new and old and even from folks in the community; most are pleasantly surprised. They say now, “It’s okay; we all just love Jesus, right?” Nevertheless, the importance of the witness as well as the risk of it, especially for my Church of Christ colleague, is not lost on any of us, least of all the students. We are humbled and we are encouraged to stand with one another On Common Ground.

* Rev. Jodi McCullah is Director, APSU Wesley Foundation


A Personal Story: God Opens Pathways to service in a needy world

Hello, my name is Lynn Bullock, I am Lay Leader at Salem UMC in Cookeville, Tennessee. Several years ago I felt led to have a small food closet in our church. Little did I know two shelves practically full of food would lead into such a wonderful ministry. It's not been easy and there have been a lot of obstacles to overcome, but by the Grace of God and the help of organizations such as Feed America First, Joseph’s Storehouse plus local help and most of all our church family, we have around eight hundred families we have helped or are currently helping through our outreach center. Sometimes we don't know where we will get the food but God always supplies. We are very blessed to have a wonderful missions director, Jennifer Moore, a great pastor, Rick Cross, and a wonderful team of volunteers who give of their time for God's Service.

Ready to be servants of God in an often time tumultuous world. Team gathered to prepare food and feed the hungry.

We are open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. to serve. The day opens with prayer and everyone coming in receives ministry and prayer. We have also had the privilege of leading some to Jesus Christ. Our main goal at Salem is to extend the Hand of God to the hungry and hurting. We also give away around one hundred fifty bags of bread every other Wednesday from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m. This bread is given to us by Tom Henry with Feed America First and every fourth Thursday Feed America First does a food drop at Salem which supplies food for 25 mission organizations in middle and east Tennessee. We are also blessed to be able to supply families with household items such as furniture, bedding and appliances thanks to the many giving people in our area. Seems like everyday God is opening new doors of service.

In the summer of 2007, after months of the Lord speaking to my heart that I would be serving Him in the Appalachian Mountains, I traveled to Cumberland, in Southeastern Kentucky, to deliver a truckload of food to Backpack Mission Ministries.

Backpack Mission Ministries was started in early 2006 when the Lord placed it on the heart of Diane Durham to feed His children. She found children who had little or no food to eat at home. While they receive free breakfast and lunch at school, on the weekends they are without food until they return to school on Monday. Backpack Mission Ministries provides backpacks and food in small containers each Friday for the children to take home. The backpack is returned the next week to be filled again on Friday.

When I heard how they are feeding hungry children, I knew this was where the Lord had been directing me. I now serve on the Board of Directors of Back Pack Ministries and each month we deliver enough food to feed over 250 children weekly in three different counties in the Appalachian Mountains and the list is growing.

When I think of this ministry I am reminded of Luke 9:13, where the apostles came to Jesus with concern that the multitude of five thousand was hungry and the Lord said to them, “YOU give them something to eat.”

We are striving to fulfill this command with His guidance. Each month we depend on the donations of churches, schools and other organizations to provide the food and backpacks.

While talking with Diane Durham on the phone one day last summer, she shared with me a vision the Lord had given her for a women’s ministry in that same area. The Lord showed her a need for a home for young women who are faced with crisis pregnancies. Due to their impoverished circumstances, some of them will be homeless if they choose to carry their babies to term.

A coal miner’s boarding house will become LYDIA’S HOUSE for women faced with crisis pregancies

Feeling the presence of the Lord as we spoke about the vision and believing that we as Christians must provide an answer, we founded LYDIA’S HOUSE.
LYDIA’S HOUSE in Benham, Kentucky will be a residential facility that addresses the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the young women who come to us. They will stay free of charge during their pregnancy and for a recovery period afterwards. Our program will include Bible based counseling, Bible studies, nutritional education, life skills training, parenting classes and educational opportunities.

One of our goals is that every woman the Lord sends to us be able to leave LYDIA’S HOUSE a changed person, equipped to lead a productive Christian life. Young women who choose to place their babies in a loving Christian home will work with a licensed Christian adoption agency.

Our ultimate goal at LYDIA’S HOUSE is to save babies from abortion and show the love, mercy and grace of God to their mothers.

Shortly thereafter I started spreading the word of what he Lord is doing
in Eastern Kentucky. I met with Volunteers in Mission VIM) and Jackie Mc Murray sent out an email telling everyone about our needs. Immediately people started responding.

Members of Salem United Methodist Church collected enough money to assist with the purchase of an old house that once had served as a coal miners boarding house. As soon as we purchased the house, Erik Auguston and myself from Salem spent many hours starting the renovation process necessary on a 90 year old structure. Fran, Ken, Kent, Jack and Marvin from First UMC in Cookeville came and spent a week painting the interior. Gerald Brubaker of Christ UMC took up a collection and purchased furniture for the bedrooms. Debra Young of McMinnville UMC has helped with a gift card and many other items donated from their church. We have also had a great response from many individuals in our district.

LYDIA’S HOUSE is still very much a work in progress but the Lord continues to touch the hearts and minds of those He sends to get this house open and ready to receive women and babies.

Old Hickory Community Outreach serves the 37138 zip code

The Christian Community Outreach is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist people who live in the 37138 zip code area when crisis situations affect their ability to provide food and essential utilities for themselves and the members of their households.

The Outreach Center is very unique because the organization is sponsored by eleven churches of the Old Hickory Community. Most of the denominations present in the 37138 zip code area are involved in the success of the Outreach Center-- the Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Nazarene.

Last year the Outreach Center distributed 786 food boxes and provided help with 233 utilities.

The Outreach Center also operates a thrift store that is open to the general public. Items for sale are donated, and the money received from their sale helps to fund the assistance programs.

The Outreach Center operates with the understanding that help is being given to good people in bad situations, and tries to avoid any implication that the situation has developed because the people are bad.

Located at 209 Bridgeway Avenue, in the Rayon City section of Old Hickory, the Outreach Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays. Telephone—615-847-4996


“Caring Hands” Ministry Uses Volunteers from local area to assist recovery
By Rev. Don Spencer

Volunteers, from both the church and surrounding community, meet at the Loretto United Methodist Church every third Saturday morning of the month at 7:30 a.m. We have a devotion, a biscuit and prayer before we go out on different projects depending on needs and task size. The group of servants is known for going anywhere and everywhere to serve the Lord. The group has been serving now for several years and the following are some of the completed tasks.

The Caring Hands missions group went twice into Mississippi to help those in need of assistance in the wake of Katrina.

Caring Hands Volunteers helped people regain a semblance of normal life after the tornado struck Fairview, Tennessee, and when the flood waters invaded Waynesboro. From large projects such as cutting down trees to smaller projects such as pulling weeds in a neighbors flower bed Caring Hands was and are there.

Volunteers replace a roof on a damaged house.

They have worked on housing projects, burned rubbish and hauled off several families trash.

In Lawrenceburg they worked extensively on the St John's United Methodist Church parsonage as well as painting the Baptist Church.. They have replaced decks and installed wheelchair ramps on the homes of the elderly as well as wiring, painting and upkeep on a grandmothers house who was taking care of five children.

Caring Hands has torn down old building structures as well as purchasing and furnishing a trailer house for a family without a home. The list goes on!

The group purchased and furnished a trailer house for a family without a home.

At present we are needing donations as well as more volunteers to help us with a roofing project.

We have been requested to build another wheel chair ramp and move soil to a grave site which has long since eroded. Caring Hands loves to fellowship with one another and has always felt blessed by being able to help.

Matt 16:26 "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Live life now on earth for the Kingdom of God so that you do not forfeit eternity!

*The Rev. Don Spencer is Pastor, Loretto First United Methodist Church


Cooperative Ministries in the Cookeville District

My name is Stewart Orell and I am a member of the New Short Mountain UMC and a staff member of Feed America First and I serve on the Tennessee Conference Cooperative Ministries Committee.

I would like to briefly tell you about a ministry that epitomizes the concept of cooperative ministries, and that is what most persons call “the bread ministry.” It started about 3 or 4 years ago with Allens Chapel United Methodist Church. At the time, I knew of no other Methodist Church providing this ministry although there were several non-denominational churches active in this program. Phil Tollet, Pastor at Allens Chapel and Buckners Chapel, was first led to an organization called Feed America First by a man named Steve Clampet. Clampet just so happened to be the same man who led those other churches to Feed America First.

Cooperative Ministries, as I know it, does one thing well. Those involved in Cooperative Ministries share resources, time, energy, faith and most of all Jesus. That is how they grow and prosper.

Phil led me to Feed America First. The number of food distribution ministries that are involved, not just Methodist ministries, has grown, because as everyone knows, we are all called in One Body and we serve side by side, doing what is right.

These examples are only a small sample of the many food programs in the Cookeville district; others serve and deliver hot meals or bagged lunches using food programs such as Angel Food Ministries, Second Harvest or Feed The Children as their food sources. All fill a vital role by helping those in need.

Back of the truck Stewart Orell uses with New Short Mountain bread ministry, a ministry which serves about 50 or more families a week

The bread ministry, however, fills a unique gap as it is a daily staple that is perishable and has to be delivered as quickly as possible. Often there is produce or yogurt along with the bread which means a lot of people and cooperation are needed to get the job done in a timely manner. This process repeats each week, rain or shine, often using different people or vehicles.

Each bread ministry has to supply a vehicle, and a trailer depending on ministry size. This vehicle must be driven to Feed America First in Murfreesboro, loaded and then driven back to the home base and unloaded -- hopefully with additional volunteers. The supplies must then be boxed or bagged along with any other staples that have been received; then delivered.

Some churches sort items, set them out on tables, and open the church to those who are in need. In addition, there may be prayer teams to pray with and listen to those who may have spiritual needs. Bread ministry also involves laborers to help carry food for those who need help, and a cleanup crew. Most importantly the church itself must be willing to open itself to all the inconveniences and support those who do the work. In short, the bread ministry must be a labor of love which witnesses for Christ.

Cooperative Ministries at West Nashville UMC
By Dennis Meaker

Cooperative ministries, as the name implies, are ministries that involve two or more organizations working together as partners for a common purpose. These partnerships can take many forms, but the result is much like the story of the loaves and fishes. Abundance springs forth with the blessings of God.

The primary, and longest running, cooperative ministry partnership for West Nashville is a cooperative Youth Ministry established by West Nashville UMC and Blakemore UMC. Over nine years ago, the leadership of both churches determined that they did not have the resources to fund a fulltime Youth Pastor. By combining resources, Blakemore and West Nashville were able to hire a fulltime Youth pastor and the Blake’ville Youth Group was born. The Youth support the ministries of both Churches and work together as one group. This program is now expanding through partnership with Trinity UMC and the YMCA to bring Youth ministry to a community in East Nashville.

However, cooperative ministry partnerships need not be between churches. Churches can work in partnership with secular groups as well to provide ministries that they would have a hard time supporting on their own. West Nashville, for instance, has over ten such partnerships facilitating ministries at the Church. Here are a few:

.Thursday Night Community Meal/Food Pantry: This ministry serves the homeless and working poor in West Nashville. We serve a meal every Thursday, including Thanksgiving and, this year, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Some of the people attending work two and three jobs, but still bring their families every week for a meal and whatever help we can provide from the pantry. For over six years the church supported this ministry almost solely through congregational efforts. Over the last two years, we have added three partnerships that have both increased the effectiveness of these ministries and reduced the strain on West Nashville’s volunteers and resources: A partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank and Nashville’s Table has significantly decreased the costs of providing this ministry and increased the number of people it is able to serve.A partnership with Hands on Nashville provides volunteers to handle the work of setting up, preparing, serving and clean-up for 25% of the ministry. Finally, a partnership with the Mental Health Co-op provides a means for the people who come to the meal to obtain access to services that can help them and their families but of which they might not be aware.
.Hispanic Ministry Outreach: The Church is seeking to reach into the growing Hispanic Community of West Nashville, but has found that there is a great deal of mistrust in that community. We offered ESL classes at the Church but had a limited response.

Cockrill Bend Elementary School had established relationships with immigrant families living in West Nashville, but did not have an ESL teacher. West Nashville had an ESL teacher, but was having a hard time connecting with the immigrant community. By partnering with Cockrill Bend, West Nashville provides an ESL program at the school. Although we may not provide religious programming, we do identify this as a ministry of West Nashville and can provide the participants with information about the Church. Through this outreach, the immigrant community is finding their way to West Nashville UMC. Through this outreach, we were able to reach Hispanic children for our Summer VBS program.

.Tax Help for the Poor: Just as with so called Pay Day Loan stores and Title Loan stores, the poor are often victimized when it comes to tax preparation services. Although they pay little in taxes and need the refund of their payroll taxes, the tax preparation services charge for completion of tax forms and take the opportunity to sell the poor on expensive advance loans against their refunds.

The AARP already had a volunteer run tax preparation service for the indigent. However, it needed a place to operate. In partnership with West Nashville UMC, West Nashville provided a meeting place and a ministry of hospitality to the people who came for those services. Many people who might not have crossed the threshold of any Church were greeted and given information about West Nashville and it’s ministries in the name of Christ. We were able to offer the Gospel in both words and deeds for the price of a few boxes of donuts and some coffee.

Christ said, “What you do for the least of these you do for me.” We are called to live as the Body of Christ in the Communities we serve. That includes making disciples of Jesus Christ through preaching and teaching, but also making disciples through how we live out the Gospel in the community. A partnership with other groups enables us to provide ministries that we would not be able to provide on our own. The next time you conclude that you do not have the resources to start a ministry that the Holy Spirit is prodding you toward, give some thought to those in the community, religious and secular, whose partnership might make the ministry possible.