Local Church Ministry Celebrations

The Rutland United Methodist Church and the Sheldon United Methodist Church have each received grants from the United Methodist Foundation of New England.

We share their celebration! 

The Rutland UMC received funding for their ministry, Comfort Zone:

This ministry has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past year. In the past six months, since beginning to offer breakfast, our attendance has grown from 2 people per day to 10 or 11. Because of the grant, we will be able to reach a larger population.

On a daily basis, we interact with homeless, financially challenged and lonely individuals. We are fortunate to be able to open a space for people to stop and find some comfort before heading back into the elements. We try to be a listening ear, to provide a safe space for conversation, to offer referrals and to provide some basic needs.

We are so grateful to the UMFNE and to the people of United Methodist Churches throughout New England for their generosity and support in helping us to grow this ministry.

The congregation of Rutland United Methodist Church

The Sheldon UMC received funding for their food shelf ministry:

Through the years, Sheldon UM church in Vermont has witnessed and seen many families throughout the county not generating sufficient income to meet family living expenses. Food insecurity is a huge issue for their quality of life and wellbeing of their children. As a result; a food shelf ministry was born.

Over the past few years, Sheldon UMC has been praying for the expansion of their current food shelf ministry as more and more families have come forward in need.

The current food shelf began to collaborate and partner with VT Community Action, VT Dept of Health, Franklin/Grand Isle County Hunger Council sponsored by Hunger Free Vermont, Promise Community, CVOEO and receive Hannaford’s Fund a Meal boxes, the Sheldon Library, the Sheldon Elementary School, the Sheldon Catholic Church and the Grace Episcopal Church and Vermont Episcopal Diocese and United Methodist Foundation of New England.

With the financial support of these agencies, churches and others, along with a sizeable grant from the United Methodist Foundation of New England; the new expansion is in the works!

We are blessed beyond measure to receive this funding as we move forward in ministry and mission in this small corner of Vermont. A celebration and dedication of this wonderfully expanded building and ministry will take place, September 8, 2019.

When we feed the hungry we can’t help but reflect on Matthew 25:40. "What so ever you do to the least of my brothers, you have done unto me.”

Pastor Kerry Cameron on behalf of the Sheldon UMC congregation