Vital Congregations Stories

Common traits bind transformed congregations

By Lisa Diehl, Kansas Area communications director A research project commissioned by four agencies of the United Methodist Church is unearthing the reasons why some congregations are able to successfully transform and reverse trending declines. Kim Shockley, an independent researcher, was commissioned to do the 18-month study by the General Board of Discipleship, United Methodist Communications, the General Commission on Religion and Race and the General Council on Finance and...

WaKeeney, Prairie Home inspired by Vital Congregations process

By Lisa Diehl, Kansas Area Communications director The members of WaKeeney and Prairie Home United Methodist churches are taking seriously the Vital Congregations challenge issued by Bishop Scott Jones and the Kansas Area Cabinet. “As part of the Vital Congregations process, both churches have looked at their context for ministry and began making spiritual commitments,” said Rev. Larry Danforth, pastor for both congregations. WaKeeney’s new mission statement is, “We...

Signs of vitality abundant at Belle Plaine UMC

By Susan Cooper, Kansas Area Communications associate director “Vitality happens as a result of hard work, spiritual renewal and God moments. If you want to see what that looks like, visit Belle Plaine United Methodist Church,” said Rev. Gary Brooks, the Wichita East District superintendent. Belle Plaine UMC members Melvin Barner, left, and Doyle Conner prepare to deliver meals to shut-ins. (photo by Susan Cooper) ...

Great Bend Trinity hosts back-to-school block party

By Rev. Jeff Slater, special contributor The Trinity United Methodist Church in Great Bend decided to start a new annual tradition to reach out to the surrounding neighborhood—a back-to-school block party. Neighbors of Great Bend Trinity UMC enjoy a back-to-school block party hosted by the church. A coat drive was a successful part of the party, with 200-300 coats collected. (photos by Rev....

Prayer walking has power to transform communities

By Lisa Diehl, Kansas Area Communications director The United Methodist Church at Park City is drawing ministry inspiration from walking the streets of the community and praying for its residents. Rev. Rob Schmutz, the church’s pastor, said prayer walking is something everyone can do, no committee approval needed. Schmutz’ workshop Aug. 28 at the Park City church was the first of three sponsored by the Wichita East District’s Council on Ministries designed to help...

Cunningham UMC building child-care center on faith

By Kathy Albers, special contributor In 2009, Marilyn Mavity, a member of the Cunningham United Methodist Church, recognized the need for a child-care center in her hometown. Many young families either were leaving town or not moving in because of the lack of child care in the small community. Cunningham UMC is having a child-care center built as a new ministry. (photos by Alan Albers) ...

Rose Hill UMC's Be Filled ministry feeds hungry

By Rev. Michelle Gowin, special contributor The Be Filled ministry at Rose Hill United Methodist Church provides food every Monday night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. People drive through the north portico at the church to pick up food without getting out of their cars, which allows them to remain more anonymous. Volunteers meet them at their cars with a sack of food and any fresh vegetables that have been donated. Food is...

Russell Trinity VBS collects more than $1,000 in donations for food pantry

Connie Blanke, as Chef Basil, leads a morning session at Russell Trinity UMC Vacation Bible School. (photo by Michelle Van der Wege) The mission project for the Vacation Bible School at Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell was the Russell County Food Pantry. More than $1,000 in food and financial donations was collected during the VBS, which was attended by an average of 67 children per day. Using the...