Serve Beyond Stockton

Arc of Hope – A non-profit, safe place for abused women and children in El Dorado Springs, Mo.

Barceda Families – A non-profit organization in Barton, Cedar and Dade counties that helps prevent child abuse, mentor parents (especially teens) and assist parents who stay at home or have children with disabilities connect with various helpful agencies.

Disaster Recovery – Funded by the missions team, usually at the call of the pastor, the church reaches out both locally and beyond to those placed in need by such disasters as tornadoes, hurricanes and similar disasters.

 Exodus House – Financially supported by both UMW and UMM, this independent ministry located in Bolivar, Mo., provides housing, counseling and job assistance to women and their children as the women transition from prison to life beyond confinement.

Festival of Sharing – A multi-denominational outreach program held annually on the third Saturday of October (the closest date to World Food Day) at the State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Mo. This gathering of several thousand people from about 30 churches and faith communities statewide serves four purposes:

  • Generates financial and material responses for hunger, poverty and crisis
  • Meets and challenges injustice through advocacy and systematic change
  • Promotes awareness of hunger and justice issues, local and international outreach opportunities and stewardship responsibilities
  • Encourages and enables hands-on experiences with mission projects.

Visit www.umocm.com/festival.htm for more information.

Youth Missions Trip – Each summer, our youth group ventures away from Stockton on a missions trip. In 2008 and 2009, the youth travelled to Beaumont, Texas, to help clean up after Hurricanes Rita and Ike. The church funds their trip with an annual Sweetheart dinner, sales of  members' excess summer produce and generous donations. During 2009, the congregation purchased a chest full of new tools to take with them.