April Mission Focus: Mission Activity for the Month of April will benefit Geaux Bags for Kids of Shreveport. Specifically, we are supporting the Geaux Bags Project by donating new backpacks that will be used to pack different kinds of supplies needed when must leave their home any time of the day or night. Geaux bags are filled with pajamas and toiletries that will make their first night in foster care a little easier for everyone.
ANY SIZE NEW BACKBACKS are appreciated, because individual bags are packed specifically for different ages, to include teens, babies, and all of those children in between. We will include a signed note of encouragement in each bag.
Geaux 4 Kids was founded by K.C. Kilpatrick when she became a foster parent in 2013, and discovered how stressful the initial 24 to 48 hours of receiving children into foster care can be.
To find out more about Geaux 4 Kids go their website: geauxbags.org. You may also contact Bonnie Daniel at 318-617-2550. Please drop off your backpacks at the table in the Fellowship Hall or in the office reception area. Don’t forget to sign a note of encouragement you will find at the table.
Missions: Serving Children & Families in God’s Neighborhood
Local Missions
KIDS HOPE
A mentoring program helps build lasting relationships that make a difference in the life of an at-risk child. You can be a weekly mentor, prayer partner, or teacher encourager. This mission project takes place during the public school year, from August to May. | www.kidshopeusa.org
MANNA BAG MINISTRY
Our manna bags provide a snack and a prayer for a hungry visitor to our church. Each bag contains a protein snack, nutritious drink, small fruit, and various other small necessity items for anyone in need. All items are placed in a gallon plastic zipper bag, with a prayer for the recipient.
RED BAGS / noel food pantry
In our Red Bag Ministry, Broadmoor provides reusable grocery bags with a shopping list of needed food items for those who are hungry. We encourage people to fill the bags with items and bring them to church on the first Sunday of each month. Bags should be placed in the Fellowship Area. The bags are then donated to the Noel UMC Food Pantry! This is a great way to love our neighbors! We are often alerted of “most needed” items on a monthly basis, and a list of these special items is made available to the congregation through The Messenger Newsletter and the weekly eNews.
The Noel Food Pantry Amazon wish list LINK: NOEL FOOD PANTRY AMAZON WISHLIST
Common Ground Community
Common Ground is local organization putting "feet to faith" in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Shreveport. They strive to provide a connecting space, a place of reconciliation for all, with an inclusive spirit that will serve to create transformative relationships. They host children's programs, mentor young people, serve a community meal, provide food and clothing, and garden together.
BUMC helps organize and food pantry weekly on Wednesday mornings. Even if you can only work once a month, we would love to have you on the team! If you are interested in helping, simply show up at the Common Ground Community Center, located at 6806 Southern (corner of Southern and 68th Street). Contact (text) Diane Valentine at 617-7896 for more information!
GABRIEL’S CLOSET
In partnership with the Catholic Charities of Shreveport, Broadmoor collects infant, children and family goods such as diapers, clothing, baby food, baby items, books, furniture – anything for young children and their mothers. These items are sent to their “shop,” where low-income new mothers can access any supplies that they may need. Donations should be placed in the wooden baby bed in the Office hallway. GABRIEL'S CLOSET WEBSITE
OWL CENTER
The Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center is 800 acres of rolling hills, beautiful facilities, and programs designed to encourage teamwork, family bonds, character development, education, and fun. Their vision is to provide quality outdoor experiences and facilities that enhance the lives of participants. BUMC helps support the center by selling their Screamin’ OWL Salsa and Jellies. Stop in during business hours to purchase their products.
UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
The Louisiana Methodist Children’s Homes provide the most comprehensive, intensive residential care for children. BUMC has partnered with the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston. Each November, we help provide Christmas gifts to the residents through our Annual Angel Tree Ministry.
UNITED METHODIST FOSTER CARE
The Methodist Foster Care is Louisiana’s largest and most innovative therapeutic foster care agency. Children come from difficult places, and all are welcomed. BUMC helps support this agency by providing training and meeting spaces and through our Annual Angel Tree Ministry.
SOUPER SATURDAY
Prepare bag lunches to be delivered, along with soup, to Meals on Wheels recipients and members of the Broadmoor congregation when it meets a need. Recipients birthdays are also celebrated on a monthly basis with a small gift and card. Deliveries happen on the last Saturday of each month, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. | www.caddocouncilonaging.org
National Missions
NANIH CHITO
Nanih Chito United Methodist Church is a Native American church located in Wright City, OK. They are part of the Oklahoma Indian Mission Conference. Through our partnership with Nanih Chito UMC and Volunteers in Mission, BUMC has taken several missions trips to participate in Nanih Chito’s annual Vacation Bible School, provide school supplies for their children, and work alongside the congregation to help restore their buildings.
Global Missions
RUSSIA INITIATIVE
Each summer and winter, Broadmoor offers a mission trip to its sister church in Ekaterinburg, Russia where we lead Vacation Bible School, Bible studies, work in orphanages, prepare food baskets for the elderly, and make repairs to the church building.
