Marengo United Methodist Church has found an easy and engaging way to serve their neighbors: a monthly mission collection.

We noticed that our collections for Midwest Mission that we brought to annual conferences always attracted a lot of donations. That led us to seek different local agencies to support each month.

We learned that limiting our request to one or two specific items that aren't overly expensive made it easier for people to remember when they were out shopping. And, boy, do our people respond! We typically fill a couple large totes each month. It's a blessing to give, and the organizations that receive the items are also blessed.

Among the items we've collected are pillows for PADS, clothing for the local rape crisis center, food for weekend nutrition programs, and dishes for the local nursing home. We've collected school supplies, hats and mittens, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies. We've collected for Rockford Urban Missions, a sober-living facility, and two women's shelters. We have a good time finding the organizations and what items they need most, and our people enjoy getting the supplies. 

When we deliver the items to the organization, we take a picture to show the congregation the next Sunday. It's a great reminder of the importance of serving. 

Monthly missions collections have become another way for Marengo UMC to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. And it's fun!