Manchester UMC, a small rural congregation located 8 miles east of Arkadelphia, has issued a “Ukraine Challenge” for the local churches of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church.
During a recent men’s group meeting, Manchester UMC member John Haltom recommended creating a challenge after the group determined it would develop a fundraiser for Ukraine during the July 2022- June 2023 conference year.
“We are a small church trying to do big things,” according to Holtom, at age 73, Holtom has been a lifelong member of Manchester UMC.
Manchester UMC plans to offer a chill supper, a crawfish boil, and an ice cream social with the purpose to enjoy Christian Fellowship and help our neighbors in Ukraine.
In addition, Manchester will donate $1,000.00 from the general fund to the Advance Special through UMCOR for the people of Ukraine.
Les Kent, the men’s group leader, shared, “If rural churches, midsize churches, and large churches will accept this challenge, the Arkansas Conference of the UMC can do great things for the people of Ukraine. We pray that all congregations will accept the Ukraine Challenge!”
“Many of us watch the war in Ukraine night after night and feel helpless,” said Rev. Dr. Russ Breshears, pastor of Manchester UMC. “The Manchester Ukraine Challenge allows churches of all sizes in the Arkansas Conference to make a real difference. Just as in Acts 2, we are asking each congregation to make a donation, according to its ability, to the Ukraine Advance through UMCOR.”
The link to give directly to UMCOR may be found here: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/