In early May First Methodist traveled to Galveston for recovery and restoration mission work. Hurricane Ike hit the Texas gulf coast in September 2008. Such disasters hit the headlines of the news and peak our interest only for a few days. So we often forget that it takes years for an area to recover. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is working hard to coordinate this effort in Galveston, and there is still much work to be done. Teams are coming in each week, but there is capacity for much more. Our team gave a week’s effort on the interior of a home of a 70 year old widow. As one of the many coming in and working in coordination through UMCOR, 93 homes have been restored allowing homeowners to return to a renewed life. It is estimated that some 1800 homeowners are still displaced. We invite you to come and be a part of our mission efforts as we plan to return.

In addition to mission trips, we are in mission in our very backyards. Our Backpack ministry, local restoration projects, and Habitat for Humanity are examples of opportunities to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. We are forming an early response team to go into disaster areas in the early weeks of natural disasters. Come and join in this journey for Christ.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) was already at work in Haiti when the island nation was struck by the 7.0 earthquake last week. With the suffering that is now being experienced there, however, the need is greater than it is has ever been. Perhaps you have already given to the cause through the American Red Cross or some other means, but the United Methodist Church has a means of taking 100% of your dollar and putting it immediately to work for the cause for which it is given. If you would like to support relief for Haiti following this massive disaster, you can do so by going to the following link. Please remember that you can credit your church family when you are in the checkout process of making your gift.

The First United Methodist Church Burleson is an active partner with the Burleson Ministerial Auxilliary Alliance Harvest House.  The Harvest House is support by many churches throughout Burleson.  With this support the Harvest House is able to provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to an average of 2700 clients a year.

First United Methodist Church Burleson has a collection box on site for items to be donated to Harvest House.  The items collected are delivered to the harvest on a monthly basis. The First United Methodist is a major contributor to the Harvest House Holiday Friends program.  This program provided Christmas meals and gifts to many families in need during the holiday season.

If you would like to contribute to the Harvest House please contact our church office or the Harvest House directly.