Mission Projects
NEW! For the first time, Annual Conference attendees will have multiple opportunities to serve in mission during Annual Conference. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 11, attendees may select from a number of on-site and off-site projects. Something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. All projects will be completed no later than 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Mission activities begin at 1:30 p.m. Meet in Hall A/B to receive instructions from the project leaders. Be sure to wear your red Rethink Church t-shirt if you have one.
Review the following projects and then go to the registration form to select the project of your choice.
Project Descriptions
Read the following descriptions to find a project that interests you.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
TORNADO TUBSEach church in the Arkansas Conference is invited to bring one Tornado Tub to Annual Conference. Arkansas Rice Depot will be on-site to collect the tubs. A link to the Tornado Tub Materials List and description of how to put the tubs together is below.
Cost: Tubs and items cost approximately $55.
Click Here for a list of Tornado Tub Materials OFF-SITE PROJECTS
MIDLAND HEIGHTS UMC CLOTHES CLOSETSort and arrange items for a clothing closet that serves approximately 50 families per week.
Location: 3500 North 6th Street, Fort Smith.
Volunteers needed: 7 to 10
COMPASSION PROJECTWe will visit two local nursing homes to paint fingernails with female residents. This will be a time to listen, visit, laugh, and make the residents feel special. Nina Price with Project Compassion will lead this group. Men are invited to go along and visit with male residents.
Location: Two local nursing homes.
Volunteers Needed: 10 to paint nails/10 to visit with residents. Feel free to bring your favorite nail color.
GRAFFITI REMOVAL TEAMSWorking in conjunction with the City of Fort Smith and local Graffiti Removal Team Leaders, our teams will go out into neighborhoods to remove graffiti. This project would not be appropriate for those with respiratory or mobility issues.
Locations: To be determined.
Volunteers Needed: 25 (5 teams of 5)
ACTS OF KINDNESSTeams will go into Fort Smith areas to do gutter or yard work and other small projects for homeowners and local nonprofits. We are working with the Reynolds Cancer Support House, The Alzheimer’s Association, and local churches to identify caregivers, those with disabilities, and elderly homeowners who could use some extra help.
St. Paul UMC Mission in Motion trailer will be used to haul our equipment and we will be led by several Team Leaders. This will involve physical, hands-on work and would not be appropriate for those with respiratory or mobility issues.
Locations: To be determined
Volunteers Needed: 30 (6 teams of 5). Bring your own work gloves.
FLASH MISSION PROJECTThis will be a “flash mob”-style project, led by Rev. Carl Palmer. It will be an off-site hands-on project. This could be local food pantry work to working with the homeless.
Location: To be determined
Volunteers Needed: Up to 30
ON-SITE PROJECTS
KNITTING FOR A CAUSELearn to knit for ministries such as prayer shawls or baby hats for neonatal units. Class will be led by Kelley McDonald, Art Minister at First United Methodist in Jacksonville. Kelley will be assisted by Karen Branton, Administrative Assistant of the Central District.
If you already know how to knit, feel free to join the group for knitting fellowship.
Location: Convention Center
Cost/Supplies: You would need to bring a round Knifty Knitter Loom (can be purchased at WalMart or Craft stores) and 2 skeins of yarn.
STOP HUNGER NOWAssembling meal kits that will be used around the world. Each meal costs approximately $0.25 to assemble. Donations are being accepted to help pay for the kits. This project will be done on-site and would be good for those with mobility issues or who would prefer to work inside. Elementary age and up accepted.
Location: Convention Center
Volunteers Needed:40 volunteers per session. Session times of 1:30–3:00, 3:00–4:30, 4:30–6:00.
