Photos and words cannot do justice to the amazing craft-work and creativity from heartfelt ministries brought to First UMC Middletown's worship service by members of Sew 'n' Sews this Sunday, 30 August. Dozens of knitted and sewn items and health kits were laid out for a blessing for them, for the hands that made them, and for the lives receiving them, led by Pastor Barbara Marks. Members of the congregation held hands and reached out to others near them in this moment of asking for God's grace, and for celebrating the grace that had brought us all together in ministry to one another.

The scope of lives touched by Sew 'n' Sews' ministries is inspiring. One key focus has been the support of thousands of very poor children and elders of the Lakota Native American tribe living on the Cheyenne River reservation in South Dakota. Through the non-profit  Hawkwing project, these beautifully crafted items are distributed to these people in need, offering dignity, joy, and hope. Mental health patients of River Valley Services in Middletown will be receiving cut-fringe scarves at their Christmas celebration this year from Sew 'n' Sews, cancer patients will be receiving bright and joyful sewn warming caps, and newborn infants in hospitals will be receiving knitted matching bonnets and booties. 

Health kits being assembled were also on display, part of Sew 'n' Sews' substantial contributions to the United Methodist Church New York Annual Conference's substantial effort to have basic health and hygiene supplies available to the homeless and other people with fundamental needs. Dolls being created for children in Haiti are another key project for the Sew 'n' Sews this year.

Photos of these items will be posted over the next several weeks on a new page on the Pinterest social media service created to display Sew 'n' Sews work, as a part of our congregation's outreach efforts.  The Sew 'n' Sews page on our web site is also now displaying examples of their beautiful work. As new items are created, please take photos of them and send them in, so that the world can be aware of God's redeeming love being made present and active through First UMC Middletown ministries!

Please remembers that Amazing Grace food donations are can now be brought to church any Sunday, year round. In addition to tuna and cereal, they are looking for donations of oatmeal, coffee and soup.  The Missions committee will collect these items every Sunday and deliver to Amazing Grace.  Please contact Marsha Judson with any questions. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this important ministry for Middletown!

Is God a "neat freak" - or does God find perfection in other ways? Join First UMC Middletown's Pastor Barbara Marks this Sunday as she explores how Jesus turned the world on its head with a new way of looking at God's desire for purity in faith. Mud-pie makers, rejoice! Background reading: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 10 AM, 44 Maynard Street - all are welcome, including your friends and family!

Faith is the future of our church - a future that relies on disciples creating new disciples. Join Pastor Barbara Marks this Sunday August 30th, after First United Methodist Church, Middletown worship and fellowship for a discussion of our plans for child and adult Christian education. All are welcome, and all are encouraged to participate in building up our faith and the faith of others through our studies as the cornerstone of congregational renewal. 44 Maynard St. 

After our worship and fellowship time this week, we had a great turnout for our mission and outreach meeting. Great ideas came from everyone, the discussion was enthusiastic and constructive - and we're very excited to be organizing great initiatives that will bring God's healing and transforming grace into Middletown. We also look forward to examining how we may be of better service to our own members, who may have unspoken needs of their own. It is great to see faith in action!