Ingleside United Methodist Church

Evangelism & Outreach

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart... as we have opportunity, let us do good to all..." Galatians 6:9-10

Heifer International

Heifer animals (and training in their care) offer hungry families around the world a way to feed themselves and become self-reliant. Ingleside UMC is 'launching an ark' for the fifth time in six years; a donation of $5,000 will contribute 2 of every animal they provide. Our programs include an annual 5k walk/run, Spirit Pins, 'Fish for Heifer', Read to Feed', pig roast, choral concert, annual plant sale, homemade preserves, crafts, and simply too many others to mention!
With the effects of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda still evident, Heifer-supplied dairy cattle, with a USAID matching grant, help facilitate the healing process and provide outlets for sharing, opportunities for a lasting peace and community harmony. The benefits of cattle include improved nutrition and income, local employment and emerging gender equity through training and ownership.

Angel Tree

Through Angel Tree, we let the children of prisoners know that they have not been forgotten by their incarcerated parent at Christmas, and most of all that God loves them! Here at I.U.M.C., Angel Tree 2007 sponsored 25 Chicago children. Special thanks to Co-Pastors Ross & Amanda and Pastor Cynthia Johnson of Greater Saint Paul A.M.E. and so many others who have helped with their gifts of presents, prayers, and assistance with the distribution. Please join us next year for the wonderful fellowship with Greater St. Paul and the families who receive these gifts. The application has already been received and it would be great to get a few things taken care of in advance to avoid any last minute problems.

ChildServ

ChildServ is a private, not-for-profit child well-being organization, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Their wide range of programs include daycare, tutoring, foster care and adoption, early childhood education, and parenting support. Today, they serve nearly 3,700 children and their families at 15 program locations throughout Cook, Lake and DuPage counties.

Operation Christmas Child

Through this organization, we send Christmas presents to children in other countries throughout the world who have never known Christmas due to war, famine or poverty. The presents are sent in the form of a shoe box; containing small religious items, hard candy, personal hygiene items, crayons, pencils, pencil sharpener, paper, and small toys. These shoe boxes are a way to reach out to needy children and deliver the Gospel message. Marcia Schulmeister will be delivering our shoeboxes to a central location that will then send them on the next leg of their journey around the world.

Adopt-A-Highway

Adopt-A-Highway is a public service program for volunteers to pick up litter along Lake County's highway system. We have participated in this program for many years and will continue to give back to our community by improving our environment.

Food Basket

Non-perishable food items are collected and distributed to local food pantries to help alleviate hunger in Northern Lake County. A neighboring township reported that this year they are attempting to feed 254 families per month, mainly due to many lost jobs and decreased family income. Hunger takes no holidays - please bring food supplies regularly. Food baskets are also placed in each Sunday School room to develop the spirit of sharing at a young age. The children bring food for the food baskets, knowing that they are giving of themselves.

CROP Walk

The Second Annual Ingleside Area CROP Walk was held on May 4th of 2008 after a minor glitch in the weather forecast! Wow! We had twice the number of walkers which included families, singles, friends babies, and one dog. We also raised twice as much as in 2007, 25% of all proceeds was split between the Grant Twp. and Lake Villa Twp. Food Pantries to help alleviate hunger within our own community and 75% was donated to international programs through the Church World Service. We are quite confident of continuing success next year. Please stay tuned for more information from the Evangelism & Outreach Ministry concerning upcoming events.

Abounding Ministries

Abounding Ministries leads persons toward a deeper relationship with Christ using music, writing, speaking and retreats. The Northern Illinois Conference Evangelist circuit rides among our local churches introducing creative worship music to strengthen the spiritual life, mission and evangelism of congregations and to offer recorded and printed resources. This is a full-time, non-salaried position with the NIC. The Evangelist, Rev. Rich Rubietta is assisted by his wife, Jane on spiritual formation, discipleship and strengthening relationships between congregations and clergy families. Be on the lookout for Jane's newest book, "Come Closer: A Call to Life, Love & Breakfast on the Beach " which received a 'starred' review from Publishers Weekly.