A New Year to Live! A New Opportunity to Serve!

2008 was an exciting year! January 2008 Social Ministries started the In Sight Social Awareness Art Project, which we hope to continue into this year with new issues and artists. The In Sight project birthed the Eye in the Sky art class, led by Kirby Lewis. A very joyous and explorative crew of learning artists met each Wednesday to discover their gifts in art. The Shalom Ministry was also able to start their new Laundry Program, Suds & Bubbles, which has truly been a blessing to folks who are unable to afford getting their clothes washed. And through the help of Ray and Judy Foss started a Nutrition and Cooking Class. In July Karen Erskine Valentine, a Lutheran Minister, joined the Social Ministries team to help with Trinity 6:34 and Social Ministries Education. Karen introduced the Just Neighbors class and has also been leading the Sleeping Bag Project. Nancy Jackson and Michael King, who are Title V participants, joined the Social Ministries Team. This year we also had two Social Work Interns from Shepherdstown University who participated in Shalom Ministry and Trinity 6:34. Trinity 6:34 continued to expand and serve the community around us. The Free Clinic program on the 3rd Monday of the month has been blessed by Dr. Jacques, Laura Clayton, Kathy Dilley, and the nursing students of Shepherdstown University and through their commitment have been a blessing to the community. We were truly blessed by volunteers, donations, and guest speakers, singers, and Puppeteers! November the Martinsburg Berkeley County Coalition for the Homeless/Shalom Ministry became an affiliate site for Angel Food and we have been doing this ministry through Trinity UMC. It has been a blessing to so many people. In November more than ten people gathered in a prayer vigil for the Homeless and Hungry of the nation and world. December 13, we held our annual A Perfect Gift Christmas Fair and had 13 organizations share the wonderful work they do for the community. The Relief Fund continued to be a great support for people financially struggling. We have been able to help folks get their ID’s, help with electric, housing, food, get back home, and the list goes on.

But what does this New Year have in store for us? An opportunity to enhance the ministries of Trinity United Methodist Church. To pray, serve, and grow closer to God. A couple of things on the burner which need your prayers and your involvement. Social Ministries approached Trinity Center with a proposal to start a Community Vegetable, Fruit, and Art Garden. Trinity Center was excited about the idea and asked us to get things started. So during the winter we will be gathering a garden team and designing a layout that will help this vision come to life. What a great opportunity to connect with the earth and bless the community with food! A Call to Action will also be sent out to everyone to help specific families that are in need beyond financial. This will be done best by email and phone. So if you don’t have email get hooked up! Another form of Call to Action will be in the light of advocacy. The Shepherdstown Amnesty International Chapter, led by Lynn Yellott, is looking for more participants. I have had an opportunity to work with them and I deeply encourage you to get involved. I look forward to praying, serving, and growing closer to God with you in this New Year. May God bless you in all that you do!

Blessings & Peace,

Mary Gunderson