Merged churches inspire hope through mission center

“Hope Starts Here,” penned in colorful letters, is a small sign on the door of a big room where food is prepared at Mission First, a ministry located at the former First United Methodist Church in downtown Pottstown. And that sign speaks truth in the lives of the mission center, its willing workers and the community they serve.

While feeding hungry and unhoused neighbors almost daily in various loving and creative ways, Mission First also provides clothing, an outdoor phone-charging station, access to onsite medical services, “Lockers of Love” for needed storage, its “Laundry Love” service at a laundromat across the street, and a “Library of Love” collection of books for the taking... Read more.

Mount Pocono UMC offers drive-through ashes

Mount Pocono UMC found a new, adaptive way to perform an old ritual for people who needed it. On Ash Wednesday they provided drive-through ashes from noon to 6 PM, welcoming members and visitors in over 200 cars. “We never expected that!” said the Rev. Bob Amundsen, lead pastor. People drove up to the church entrance, rolled down their car windows and received ashes upon their foreheads as familiar Lenten words of repentance were spoken... Learn more.

Church celebrates centennial, while focused on its future in mission

“We are the church.” On a frigid February day in 1922, a group of 14 believers proclaimed their identity, upon establishing what would become Covenant UMC in Springfield. The congregation echoed those same words in its call to worship last Sunday, Feb. 20, as it honored its centennial. And it will continue its celebration with activities over the next year. Learn more.

Cedarville UMC wins Souper Bowl of Caring for outreach center

Cedarville UMC in Pottstown collected non-perishable food items for two consecutive Sundays to turn the NFL’s Super Bowl into a fun, competitive, charitable endeavor to support its affiliated community outreach center, Mission First. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a popular national campaign waged annually by churches and groups to support food banks that serve their hungry neighbors... Read more.