Nichols-Bethel actively participates in United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), a program that provides opportunities for service in places of need around the world by developing and nurturing relationships with domestic and international leaders and connects volunteers with suitable projects for effective service.  The church supports various VIM groups (both young adult and general membership) that serve both local and more distant communities in need.

We have an opportunity to participate with Idlewylde UMC (Baltimore) and St John's UMC (Lutherville) in a VIM project at Red Bird Mission Work Camp in Kentucky Sept 26 – Oct 2. The project would involve construction type of work in the Appalachian area of Kentucky. Cost of participation is estimated at $350 per person.

St John's is hosting an information meeting concerning the project on Sunday, Apr 25th at 6:00 PM. I plan to attend the meeting and will provide any further information I get on the project. At the meeting, I would like to be able to indicate NBUMC interest in terms of a ballpark number of folks from NBUMC who might want to participate.

If you think this is something you might have an interest in being a part of, please let me know within the next couple of weeks. You can either call me (home 410-969-8640, cell 410-227-8469) or drop me an email (dougwall1@comcast.net). Any interested person is also welcome to attend the meeting on the 25th. To get an overview of the Red Bird Mission, go to their website www.rdmission.org and follow the links to the work camp section.

Feel free to share this with anyone that you know might have an interest. Remember, this is open to everyone, both men and women!

Thanks.

Doug Wallace
NBUMC Mission Coordinator

The United Methodist Men, in coordination with our Volunteers-In-Mission program, is exploring a partnership with Partners In Care, an area community service organization, to identify community service projects that the church could support.  If you are interested in participating in such an effort, or you know of someone in our church family or community who could be served through our VIM program, contact our church mission coordinator, Doug Wallace (phone 410-969-8640 and email dougwall1@comcast.net).

On June 2nd, a group from NBUMC completed a UMM sponsored local Volunteers in Mission (VIM) project to construct a roof cover over part of the wheelchair ramp for an elderly member of our Church. The homeowner expressed appreciation for the work, indicating it will provide her much needed protection in getting in and out of her house during inclement weather. She also expressed appreciation for the fellowship during the day. All the workers who participated were blessed in sharing that fellowship with her.

The day of the VIM project with Rebuilding Together (RT) of Anne Arundel County, involving an elderly couple in the Severna Park area is currently set for Sat, July 21st. If you are interested in helping in this project, contact Doug Wallace, 410-969-8640, email dougwall1@comcast.net .

The VIM mission program got started off with a bang this year with the first local VIM project on Saturday, January 6th.  The project was relocating a storage shed for a member of our community.  The work was somewhat challenging due to the tight location and ground conditions (wet and muddy) in which we had to work.  But through a little ingenuity, a lot of muscle, and great teamwork, we got the job done.  Thanks to all who came out to help.