Imagine No Malaria - Tip of the Week #3

Laura Meengs
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8/4/2010

"Squished bugs on the windshield kept track of funds raised for Imagine No Malaria by children attending Vacation Bible School at Seneca UM Church.

 Imagine No Malaria can be a great outreach tool for your congregation. Just ask the folks of Salem UMC in Wexford. They have been using community events to educate church members and non-members alike on the devastating effects of malaria.
 
At the same time, they are moving closer and closer to their goal of saving 1,000 lives while simultaneously building awareness of their church in the community.   Activities, planned and completed, include:
 
  • A Mexican fiesta
  • A benefit concert featuring a hometown opera star Education and donation station at the local Wal-Mart
  • Max and Erma day – a portion of sales will donated to INM INM activities at the upcoming community festival
  • A spaghetti dinner

 “We’re hoping to be at $5,000 [500 lives!] by the end of the year,” said Jean Whitcomb, who has been championing the effort at Salem.   The remainder of funds will be raised in the coming two years.  

Community festivals can bring a heightened level of awareness and cooperation to your congregation, and can also be a point for collaboration with other United Methodist churches. 

 Bethel UMC in Lower Burrell, PA has planned an over-the-top Nothing But Nets/Imagine No Malaria festival for September 18.  

Braeburn and Arnold UMC are getting in on the act, supporting an activities booth. If you are in the Alle-Kiski Valley, consider participating! 

The Green Hills/Fairmount charge used their community festival, featuring strong men and other acts as an opportunity to bring the three churches together while spreading the message, “you don’t have to have special powers to save a live – you can save one life with just a $10 donation to Imagine No Malaria!”

Comments

1. Karen King wrote on 8/10/2010 4:20:57 PM
Looks like Leechburg UMC may be helping with the NBN fundraiser too. Special thanks to Laura Meengs for making a couple trips to LB to inspire us. We are blessed by her presence here in Western PA.