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October 9-13, 2010

Joy of Missions! Celebration in the Marquette District-2010

By Rev. Geri Hamlen, Committee Chair

It was the first half of October, 2010 and the Upper Peninsula weather was glorious. Blue skies, clear water, colorful leaves accompanied Mission Interpreters from all over the Detroit Conference to this Celebration of Missions. The Marquette District is faithful every four or five years in pulling together an all-District Mission event to recognize, honor and celebrate the Missions of The United Methodist Church. 2010 was the year and the Joy of Missions was the theme.

More than 45 people with mission experience came to the Marquette District to share their joy and experience of missions. The event opened with a Saturday luncheon in sunny Escanaba with Karen Ujereh (Mission Interpreter for the North Central Jurisdiction) as our keynote speaker. On Sunday, October 10, every United Methodist worship service in the district received a mission message intended to inspire hearts for mission for Jesus Christ and the Transformation of the World. Additional events in smaller, more informal group settings took place over the next few days.

District Superintendent Grant Lobb had this to say:

What a joy to see over 100 people gathered from across our district on Saturday, October 9 in Escanaba to sing, eat and meet our Mission Interpreters. For me, it was like a family reunion! Karen Ujereh's message was inspiring, and she motivated most of us in attendance to become part of the 10 Fold Internet Event sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries. 

However, the biggest blessing of the week came for me on Tuesday. Marquette Grace UMC was not only hosting a Mission Interpreter, but was also hosting Room At The Inn, a rotating shelter for the homeless in the city of Marquette. After sharing a meal together, one of the overnight guests accepted the invitation to join us in hearing Rev. Don Gotham tell about his experiences in Haiti during the earthquake. He sat next to the Lobbs. This homeless man was so moved by the presentation, and the plight of the people in Haiti, that he gave $5 toward the offering. He recognized that there were people in worse condition than he was, and he responded. To me, that was the Mission Celebration week in a nutshell: telling about God's work in many places, and having the listeners respond generously to further that work!

Hearts were moved. The Holy Spirit inspired more and more people to participate in future missions. A new depth of understanding can be felt throughout the district as people ask…how can I serve Jesus?  What mission am I called to live out for our Lord and Savior? We count this event as a victory of the Mission of the church of Jesus Christ!

In addition…offerings were made at each event. To date, the Marquette District Churches have made offerings of more than $10,000 for Missions as the result of the Mission Celebration. Expenses were right around $5400 so we have money left over to split evenly, three ways, with the following Missions of The United Methodist Church:

• UMCOR Disaster Response—wherever the greatest needs are,
• The Advance of The United Methodist Church—US Natural Disasters,
• Camp Michigamme.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  We truly have received the power that Jesus spoke of: ....you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea

and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

Members of the Mission Celebration Committee were the Revs. Geri Hamlen, Grant Lobb, Irene White, Rosemary DeHut, and Sonie Clark; and Debi Lobb, Katie Peterson, GCCP; John Dedo, District Lay Leader; and Alan Larsen, district bookkeeper.

Jesus said: ....you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8