School of Christian Mission. Learn more about this program, held each summer at Ohio Northern University.

WOW (Women Outreach Workers)
In December, the group voted on which ministries they wanted to support with their year-end giving. In addition to local projects, the group also voted to make a financial contribution to Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro, Belize. The group will also look at ways in which they can build a long-term relationship with the school.

To learn more about the school and its mission go to: In the beginning .... The first day of school. September 4, 2006  You may also wish to visit the Holy Cross Anglican School Blog

Many of the children who attend Holy Cross, live in the San Mateo area of San Pedro. This area has very little running water (most days none at all) and no sanitation system of any kind. A glimpse of the "the other side of paradise" is in stark contrast to much of the rest of the island. Words from one volunteer to the school .... "Having just returned from Ambergris Caye, I can tell you that the pictures on this website barely give you a feeling for what living conditions in San Mateo are like. No electricity, no running water, and no sewers. The areas outside the "houses" serve as instant dumps, because there is no other option for residents. The work Holy Cross is doing is unbelievably needed and incredibly wonderful! If you have the chance, GO see this place and participate in its growth and service. You will be changed by the experience."
 
The five buildings with red roofs, seen in the lower left hand corner, comprise the school as it looked in 2006. It was literally build on swamp land that the Belizean government donated to the school.

Words from Francis; "On September 4, 2006 Holy Cross opened with 3 classrooms, 62 students, no furniture, swamp land, and an incredible dream - to provide the highest quality education at the lowest cost to the economically disadvantaged children of San Pedro.

On September 11, 2007, -- by the grace of God and the incredible support of our friends locally and throughout the world -- Holy Cross opened (after dodging two, Category 5 hurricanes) with - take a deep breath...462 students(!), 15 classrooms, a Special Education Department, Chapel/cafeteria, School Office/Infirmary, Dental Outpost, 16 teachers, a principal and a vice-principal, school nurse/counselor and an office manager/bookkeeper. I have seen this all happen and still can't believe it’s true!!"

Vernon and Francis Wilson were/are visionaries for the school as well as its missionaries. They "saw" the school before it was built, and then proceeded to make the dream a reality. A recent letter from Francis.


Living Water Ministry
Living Water Ministries is a faith-based, ecumenical, non-profit organization located in the inner city of Hamilton, Ohio. A majority of the homes in the community are single parent homes. The meals give the families a chance to relax and enjoy spending time with each other.

If you'd like to be involved, either as a hands on volunteer or to support this ministry in another way, please see Regina in the church office.

Red Bird Mission
On Oct 12-18, FUMC sent a work team to Red Bird Mission. A mission trip is truly a blessing to all involved. Those on the receiving end naturally come to mind. However, those providing the labor also become profoundly aware of all the blessings that are so routinely take for granted.

"Red Bird Mission, guided by Jesus Christ, empowers individuals and advocates justice by providing spiritual, educational, health, and community outreach ministries."


Global Mission Partnerships
Through our connection with the West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, we are partners in missions to the North Katanga Conference in Africa, the Oriental Conference in Mexico, the Volga District in Russia, and the Methodist Chruches of Southeast Asia.