Ministry That Matters

Report from the Western Jurisdiction (WJ) Conference

The daily themes of the WJ Conference were about grief, reconciliation, and celebration were portrayed in truly diverse ways so check out the WJ UMC website with all the details.  Besides the elections of two new Bishops, the highlight of the conference for me was the “Ministry that Matters” events.  It was a privilege to serve breakfast to more than 175 homeless men and women at the Shalom Ministries in Spokane, WA.  Shalom has been in existence for more than 30 years and in 2023, they served more than 65,000 meals through the help of several local churches and partners.  The friendly, caring environment makes sure that all who get a meal can also receive  medical care, clothing, assistance connecting to drug and mental health treatments, possible jobs or job training, and how to get an ID card, if needed.  

This ministry matters greatly to those into in need but also to the volunteers and employees.  Ministries like Shalom Ministries does matter to all who are involved.  The volunteers tell stories about various members of the community who changed their life as well a great understanding of homelessness.  

It is UMVIM’s hope that a mission journey will help you find other ministries in your community.  It can be a feeding program, serving in a food and clothing banks, helping in a homeless shelter, working with children in school, after school, or in a preschool.  What does your community need?  How can your church help?  Need help finding a ministry to serve in your community ask your pastor or your friends or your conferences Annual Conference Coordinators.  We know that outreach ministries will, ‘CHANGE YOUR WORLD’