The primary focus of the Commission on Missions/Outreach is the prayers and efforts directed toward fulfilling the vision statement of Grace United Methodist Church. We pray to become a family of faith, trusting in Christ, immersed in God’s Word, constantly in prayer; A community of joy, made new by the Holy Spirit worshiping and praising our Lord, giving ourselves and our gifts to God’s kingdom; Ambassadors of God’s love, embracing all who seek Christ, providing Christian nurture, offering the hope of Christ to the world. The members of the Commission on Missions/Outreach pray to become a group of faith filled Missioners, who give themselves and their gifts to God’s kingdom in order to make disciples for Jesus Christ, who nurture the entire congregation in order that we all would become Missioners lead by the Holy Spirit, who offer the hope of Christ to the world through tangible help. We rely on the Holy scriptures for our strength to accomplish this.

God’s revelation in Jesus Christ defines the church in mission. Mission is God’s mission and not simply our efforts to help God. Because God’s light shines in every corner of the earth, and because God’s mission extends to all creation, there are no places in the world where God is not present, only places where God in Christ is not yet known, acknowledged, served, or heeded. Thus, we at Grace, are in partnership in God’s mission which is global in focus and local in expression. Our Commission on Missions/Outreach meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. All are encouraged to participate.

Commission on Missions/Outreach Chair: MaryAnne Bigger (510-0064)

Coordinator of Medical Mission Trips: Janis Collins (278-2495)

Coordinator of Construction Mission Trips: Bobby Oliver (613-1768)

Coordinator of Monthly Mission workdays: Ray Griffin (279-7301)

 

Local Missions

 

Alston Wilkes Society

The Alston Wilkes Society is a statewide private, nonprofit membership organization recognized nationally and internationally for assisting in rehabilitation of adult and juvenile offenders and former offenders, their families, veterans, homeless people, and emotionally disturbed youth and their families. This ministry is supported by local United Methodist churches, private donations, membership dues, contracts, grants, and the United Way. In Aiken County, The Alston Wilkes Society provides services through a Regional Community Service Coordinator. Rev. Dr. James C. Adams is a Board Member.

 

Community Ministry of North Augusta

This organization is designed to help those in our community who are in need of assistance in many areas. Applicants are screened by an interviewer who determines ways that CMONA can help. This ministry is staffed and supported largely by local churches that provide volunteers. Grace’s mission budget contributes monthly to CMONA. You can be a tremendous help by volunteering at CMONA. Presently, Grace has two board members: Rev. Dr. James C. Adams and Suzanne Fletcher.

 

Community Ministry Thrift Store

The Thrift Store offers clothing and household items to our community at a reduced price. All revenues generated go toward assisting CMONA clients. Volunteer duties include sorting clothes, merchandising the store, and more. You are needed as a volunteer in this ministry. Contact Mildred Weeks at 279-4695 for more information.

 

Epworth Children’s Home

Epworth Children’s Home was established in 1895 by the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Methodist Church and chartered by the Act of the South Carolina General Assembly as Epworth Orphanage. Epworth provides child care, counseling, and related services to families and children, without regard to race, religion, national origin or ability to pay. Whether the function of group care is to provide short term shelter, long term care or residential treatment, education or training, the primary goal is always to work towards the child’s optimum involvement in family life, even in situations where total reunification is not possible. Contact Grace UMC office at 279-7525 for additional information.

 

Helping Fund

This Grace UMC established fund helps those in need that are unable to receive assistance from other established resources. This help includes families in crises, new ministries, contingence requests, UMCOR, and other local and national