The 36th annual Board of Global Ministries trip to New York City took place on February 1-4, 2009. Debbie Karns and myself boarded a bus with 31 others to learn more about the General Board of Global Ministries located at 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY. On Monday morning, we followed our leader, Charlie, like little chicks to the subway station near our hotel. We rode the subway about 66 blocks and were warmly greeted by the staff at ‘475.’ We went to our conference room and learned more about the Interchurch Center and Global Ministries, mission personnel, congregational development, mission initiatives, community and institutional ministries and the UM Development Fund. We also learned about the four Goals of Mission, which are: ?Make disciples of Jesus Christ; ?Strengthen, develop and renew Christian congregations and communities; ?Alleviate human suffering; and ?Seek justice, freedom and peace. Whew, that’s a lot to learn! With our heads still spinning from all the information, we rode the subway back to our hotel and made plans for a fun night in the Big Apple!
The next day, we rode a coach bus to the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew where Pastor K gave us the history of the church and their community outreach, which includes an incredibly successful Food Pantry ministry. We couldn’t help but notice the huge banner in the sanctuary, which read “How good it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in harmony.” They truly embrace this, as the church is shared with their Jewish brothers and sisters on weekends when it used as a Synagogue.
We then visited the Church of the Village located at 201 West 13th Street, across from St. Vincent’s Hospital. We were greeted by Bishop J and his staff and were informed of their multiple outreach programs including “Hope for Our Neighbors in Need.” This ministry provides food, workshops, counseling, healthcare, legal issues, etc. to people in their community.
Our final visit of the day was the most inspirational. We traveled to Brooklyn to Anchor House, which is a faith based long-term (12 to 18 months) residential treatment program endeavoring to help those who have drug and alcohol abuse problems. We were treated to lunch by residents of Anchor House, who were in a culinary arts program. We then attended a service of praise and worship and testimony by some of the men and women staying there. It was very inspirational!
Our last day at ‘475’ (General Board of Global Ministries) gave us an overview of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), health and welfare ministries, UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission), the Advance and concluded with the Women’s Division and Youth and Young Adults. It was great to hear about all these amazing programs and opportunities through the United Methodist Church.
We left the city feeling inspired, educated, informed and excited about how the United Methodist Church is making a difference in this world. Oh yeah, we also had a lot of fun in the city eating at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp, going to the David Letterman Show, sneaking in the Good Morning America studios, riding to the “Top of the Rock” at Rockefeller Center and of course, dancing and singing at Mamma Mia!
As Nelson Mandela is quoted “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church to see how they are making a difference every day in this country and around the world. The annual trip is held the first week in February.
Thank you Missions Committee for this amazing opportunity! Lori Hoffnagle and Debbie Karns
