Fresh Expressions: Winning Programs

The Louisiana Conference Board of Discipleship has made its selections for the latest recipients of the Fresh Expressions ministry micro-grants.

Fresh Expressions is a grant program offered through the Conference Board of Discipleship that provides grants of up to $500 available to local churches to use in seeding new ministries. The winning projects were designed to support of the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Louisiana Annual Conference.

After careful and prayerful review of the applications submitted and in conjunction with the criteria necessary to be considered for a grant, the following church ministries in Louisiana will be awarded $500 each.

Join us in congratulating each of these churches for their continuing efforts to live out the preferred future of the Louisiana Conference vision, a desire to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 
 

Soup Ministry 
First United Methodist Church Acadia

This ministry will provide home made soup for the sick, elderly and shut-ins within the Acadia community.  The soup is made in the kitchen of the church and labeled accordingly.  The message on each container reads: "Soup for your Soul-You are in our hearts and prayers". Church members deliver the soups to the targeted population.  

Music and Market
Lakeview United Methodist Church, Minden, Louisiana

The market on the Pond offers local farmers and artisans an opportunity to reach out to the local community to share their gifts.  They will increase their exposure by adding music to the market.  Live Christian music will be provided in a large open area as people come to patronage the vendors at the market. By adding music to the market, the souls will be nourished while their bodies will be nourished by fresh foods.  Area churches will be invited to perform at the market which will strengthen Lakeview's bonds with them and the larger community.  

Amanzi Women's Ministry -
People's United Methodist Church, New Orleans, La

This is a ministry to the community that seeks to improve the lives of single women, homeless women and their families by providing free basic laundry service, opportunities for spiritual growth, coaching in simple life skills, and other educational opportunities.  This ministry will also meet the person's non-laundry needs once they are identified through contact and spiritual practices.  

Fidget Blanket Project
Hebert United Methodist Church, Hebert, La

Fidget or busy blankets are small lap blankets used to soothe Alzheimer's or dementia patients by keeping their fidgety fingers busy.  Fidget blankets will be distributed to residents of the local nursing home in Caldwell Parish.  There are currently 28 people in the Alzheimer's unit.  As the project expands, doctors in the area will be given the blankets to distribute to Alzheimer and dementia patients in their care who are living in their homes.  Caregivers are released at least to some degree from giving their constant attention to the patient and the patient is less likely to show other unacceptable behavior when focused on the activities provided by the blanket.  Sensory or tactile stimulation through the use of fabric choices, colors, value of colors next to one another, textures, and the use of accents or simple accessories such as pockets, laces, trims, appliqués, buttons, secured beads, ribbons, braids etc. are the positive benefit of Fidget Blankets.  

A "Peaceful Piece" of the Village
First Street Peck Wesley United Methodist Church, New Orleans, La

The church will join in with the Dryades YMCA Reach & Rise Mentoring Program.  Church members are becoming mentors for youth that will help change the lives of these young people.  They will provide two monthly peaceful and safe gathering times at the center and serve a communal meal, assist in study time, offer recreational activities and provide Christian life skills teaching.