by Bill Cooper

Every gift to support Belmont’s finances makes a difference. The last time you made an offering

to the church through a regular pledge or a gift into a Sunday morning collection plate, a portion of your gift was used to support Belmont’s ministries to youth. This ministry provides opportunities for youth to grow in their faith journey together through conversation, ministry, fellowship, and education about faith and practice. The summer of 2010 provided numerous opportunities for Belmont’s youth to grow together as a community of Christ-followers.   

Recently, 15 youth participated in Agape Camp along with youth from White House United Methodist Church. For a week, these youth were in ministry together with the children of the Golden Triangle Fellowship. Fifty-six children participated in the camp every day, including 2 children from Egypt and 4 children from Bangladesh who were practicing Muslims. TJ Lewis, who scheduled his summer job around participating in the experience said, “This week was one of the highlights of my summer. In giving to the kids, I received far more in return. I hope they had as good a time as I did.” The youth and adult leaders used Belmont’s Community Center as a home base for sleeping and recreational activities and went into the community for ministry each day. Lanecia Rouse, Youth Pastor, said “One of the treats for me was the opportunity to be housed in our new facility and share life with the youth in that space. It is a beautiful space full of possibility and I am thankful for the various resources that enable us to be in ministry to the community.”   

Your generosity allows Belmont to truly make a difference for TJ and countless others who participate in or are touched by our ministries. Furthermore, your stewardship of our physical resources facilitates a home base for ministries that reach out into our local and global communities. Thank you for your stewardship of God’s resources.