Jesus said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind... [and] you must love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Matthew 22:37,39)

Belmont UMC has a rich history of serving God and neighbor. Year after year our church works to bring relief to those experiencing homelessness, poverty, discrimination, and the many ills that cause human and ecological suffering. We work to address not only the immediate needs but also the systemic problems that make these issues a reality in our community and our world.

This year, we are laying aside the Gifts that Change the World campaign and instead focusing on three Sundays that invite our community to give towards three ministry areas - the Brighter Days ministry at Edgehill, Give Ye Them to Eat ministry in Mexico, and our partnership ministry in Malawi. Why make this change? To connect and partner with these ministries with our gifts, prayers, and service! We long to lift up the stories of ministries we support and invite each of you into the story!   

Through April 29, our missional focus will be Brighter Days. Brighter Days is an after-school program working in the Edgehill community. Brighter Days develops the potential of children, broadens their horizons, expands their possibilities, and grows their sense of responsibility. More than just an after-school program, Brighter Days establishes a positive relationship with neighborhood children and their families. Because of Brighter Days, these children experience a fuller and more productive life.

Brighter Days serves over 30 children daily during the school year and 40 children during the summer months. On school days the program is open Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:30 p.m. During the summer, Brighter Days operates Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. The yearly cost of the program is $1558 per child. During the summer months-a time when children are most vulnerable due to lack of constructive activities-Brighter Days provides breakfast and lunch, educational skills reading/math, weekly outreach field trips, Multicultural activities, community gardening, and life and social skills.

We believe we will raise well beyond our goal of $5,000 to support this wonderful ministry. If our giving surpasses our budgetary commitment to Brighter Days, our Outreach Committee and Ministry Council will direct the funds. This is a new model of support; please help us do this vital ministry.  Our collective prayers, hands in service, and gifts of support are expressions of God's love, abundance, and blessings in the lives of the children and community served by Brighter Days.  You can volunteer by contacting Nancy Crutcher (615-254-7628). Find out more about the Brighter Days ministry here.

Join us on April 15 and 29 as we continue to answer the call to grow in love of God and neighbor.

You may give to the "Loving Our Neighbors" fund by:

- Writing a check to Belmont UMC with "Loving Our Neighbors" in the "for" line.

- Donating online.

- Texting BELMONT NEIGHBORS to 73256 using your text messaging.
  Standard text messaging rates may apply.