COVINGTON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH    
 

   
 

Newton Medical Servant Ministry

In 2008 Covington FUMC began a year long Servant Ministry project with Newton Medical Auxiliary.  Newton Medical Auxiliary works continually to comfort and assist patients that are at NMC. Services they provide are: 1. baby supply packages for new mothers, 2. ICU baskets that provide snacks in the waiting room of the ICU for families waiting for news or to visit loved ones, 3. Sweat suits, socks and underwear in the Rape closet that are given to people that have been in a violent crime where their clothes have to kept for evidence, 4. Hand made Turbans, pillows, lap blankets and silk scarves for cancer patients, 5. Books and crayons for children.
This is a project that the entire church can participate in.  Circles, Sunday School Classes and  organizations with in  the church are adopting projects. As a church we have a different item we collect each month.
 
 
                   What Is Servant Evangelism?
Servant Ministry is an outreach to touch the lives of our local community with a free,  “no strings attached” gift or service. Our intent is to be an example of our faith by showing God’s love through service to others.
 
                     Why Should We Do This?
We are called to be a light to others.  It is the very basis of our faith.  By serving you are an example not only to the community outside of our wall but also an example to our church body. A simple act of kindness can introduce a complete stranger to the love of Christ
 
 
 
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Colossians 3:24  
 

 
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The Great Pumpkin Patch:
The Annual Great Pumpkin Patch was started in October 2007. It is a month long event as a fund raiser but proved to be more importantly an outreach tool.  People come from all around to visit our "Patch" and select their pumpkin. Members  of FUMC work the "Patch"  and visit with people, telling them about the history of our church, share their love for Christ and have available church information that is quite often asked about. Local school groups come as a field trip for free.  They play in the Pumpkin Patch, have story telling, face painting and games.
See more details and pictures by clicking here for Pumpkin Patch. 
Fuzz Run:
Every September the  Annual Fuzz Run is held by our local Police Department.  Our Church was present handing out chilled orange slices, water, sausage and biscuits, balloons, a friendly smile and brochures about our church.

Covington First United Methodist Church Adopts” Local National Guard Unit 

       The National Guard unit in Covington is known as Bravo Company. They are a part of Georgia's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment). They will be deployed to Afghanistan for a twelve month mission beginning in the summer 2009.  In the meantime, they are undergoing extensive training both state side and abroad.  Bravo Company recently returned home from a training exercise in the former Soviet Province of Georgia, just days before the Russian conflict began there.  Many of those serving in Bravo Company are veterans of several previous conflicts, including Iraq. 

        The church family of Covington First United Methodist Church has “adopted” these soldiers and their families.  On Saturday, August 9, 2008, Covington First Methodist held a luncheon honoring approximately 80 of these soldiers. Jennifer Morganthall, Church Hostess, organized the event and had over 50 church volunteers to assist her that day.  The church fellowship hall was patriotically decorated in red, white and blue and local Boy Scout Troop 222 presented the Colors before leading everyone in the pledge of allegiance.  Kye Haymore, Children’s Director, and Beth Clark directed the children’s choirs  in several songs including “I’m in the Lord’s Army” and “God Bless America”.

        Gil Gainer, Missions Chair, spoke on behalf of the church to welcome the  soldiers and to thank them for their service to our families, our community and our nation.  In his comments, he gratefully acknowledged that it is their service that protects our country and ensures our freedoms – including our sacred right and freedom to worship.  He assured them that the people of Covington First Methodist were not only praying for them, but stood ready to assist them throughout this time by providing a variety of services to them and their families.  Along with this pledge, he also offered an open invitation to the soldiers and their families to come and worship at Covington First Methodist and to participate in their fellowship events.   

        When the soldiers arrived, they were offered a seat and told that today (instead of them serving us), the members of Covington First Methodist would serve them.  A great meal and dessert were served.  Second helpings were frequent and no one’s drink cup was ever empty.  After the meal, volunteers and other members of the church sat down, visited and talked with the soldiers – each expressing their own personal thanks for their service and sacrifice to our country.  

         It was truly an emotional, heartfelt day.  The hearts of Covington First Methodist are filled with gratitude to our soldiers and we ask that everyone pray for them wherever they serve. 

          The troops were deployed in 2009 and our church continues to help families of the troops and send them care packages.  For the Vacation Bible School 2009 the children collected items to be sent to the troops that have been deployed.