Puyallup United Methodist Church
In the News

Choir Presents Robert Ray's Gospel Mass
October 27, 2009

The Chancel Choir of the Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC) 1919 West Pioneer Avenue will present the Gospel Mass by Robert Ray during both the 9:00 and 10:30 worship services on Sunday, November 8. The Gospel Mass was composed in 1978 and is Ray’s interpretation of two thousand years of liturgical tradition with the more contemporary music of the African-American Church. He wrote this work while he was a liturgy team leader for the National Office of Black Catholics.

Puyallup United Methodist Celebrates U2CHARIST
September 22, 2009

The Puyallup United Methodist (PUMC) will hold a special U2CHARIST worship service on Saturday, October 3rd at 6 pm in honor of World Communion Sunday. Youth and young adults of the Puyallup area are especially invited, though anyone is welcome to the free service. PUMC is located at 1919 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup.

The U2CHARIST is a Holy Communion worship service featuring the music of the band U2. A free will offering will benefit Nothing but Nets, a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa.

Studies show that use of insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce transmission as much as 90% in areas with high coverage rates. One bed net costs just $10 to buy and deliver to individuals in need. One bed net can safely last a family for about four years, thanks to a long-lasting insecticide woven into the net fabric.

The U2CHARIST has received international media attention for its innovative use of the band’s biblically rich lyrics and social justice message and for its ability to bring together people of many different generations in a context of worship.

Strawberry Feed to Benefit Medical Teams International Local & Dental Van Program
June 10, 2009

Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC) United Methodist Men will use the proceeds from this year’s annual Strawberry Feed to help fund the local Medical Teams International (MTI) Dental Van Program. The Strawberry Feed will be held at PUMC on Saturday, June 20 from 4-7 pm. Donations are accepted.

The fully equipped 2-chair mobile dental clinic is staffed by local dentists and staff who volunteer their time and services to provide dental services at no charge to students of low income families in the Puyallup School District. According to local dentist, Steven J. Urback, D.D.S., M.A. G.D. the amount of dental disease found in the Puyallup School District is appalling. Until recently, there were no clinics for low income patients east of Tacoma. Those attending the Strawberry Feed will have the opportunity of touring the dental van and learning more about this critical program. For more information, call the church at 253-845-0547.

Local Toy Chest Ministry is a Labor of Love
December 12, 2008

The Toy Chest Ministry at the United Methodist Church of Puyallup (PUMC) is literally a labor of love.

The idea for the unique woodworking ministry was initiated by Ken Davis, a member of the congregation. As someone who likes woodworking projects, Davis thought other men in the church would enjoy using their woodworking skills to develop a ministry. And the idea of a Toy Chest Ministry was born.

Throughout the year, the men make beautifully handcrafted toys filling a toy chest at the church until they are donated to underprivileged children. There have been as many as ten men involved over the years, according to Davis, who plans to recruit more volunteers in the future.

Joe Tucci, a volunteer who has been with the project from the beginning, says that he enjoys the work. Acknowledging that he probably would not select woodworking as a hobby except for this ministry, he notes, “I know that it is for a good cause.” In the process, he has upgraded his equipment and is constantly on the search for new toys and patterns.

Most of the toys are distributed at Christmas time to the Tacoma Community House (TCH), a local Methodist mission, founded in 1910. A nonprofit organization, TCH provides services to refugees, immigrants, and English speaking adults and youth. Toys are also donated to the Family Renewal Shelter, a local domestic violence facility, for the children of the victims of abuse.

While the toys range from trains to trucks and wagons, the cradles are especially lovely because they come with tiny, handmade quilts made by PUMC church organist and avid quilter, Miki Craighead. Careful research has been done to ensure that the toys are given non-toxic finishes and are built with safety in mind. As one of the woodworking volunteers put it, “We have never had one of our toys recalled.”

The original source of the wood used for the doll cradles came from a cabinet shop in Edgewood. However, the shop can no longer supply the wood. As an alternative, Davis has an acquaintance in Spanaway who had his own mill when he was younger and is willing to part with his wood. Although the wood needs to be planed down, Davis thinks that the tool he is getting at Christmas will solve the problem.

Last year, the PUMC Toy Chest Ministry was selected as a featured video article by the national United Methodist Church (UMC).

Puyallup United Methodist Celebrates U2charist
September 22, 2008

In response to the movement to Make Poverty History, Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC) will celebrate a special U2charist at 6 pm on Saturday, October 4 at 6 pm at PUMC located at 1919 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup.

This U2charist will feature music from U2’s catalog, including such favorites as Where the Streets Have No Name, Yahweh, Love and Peace (or Else), Pride (In the Name of Love), Staring at the Sun and One.

The U2charist has recently received international media attention, from newspapers to BBC World Service presentations, for its innovative use of the band’s biblically rich lyrics and social justice message, for its ability to bring together people of many different generations in a context of worship, and as a tool for raising awareness and empowering communities to respond to the Millennium Development Goals.

Every nation in the world has endorsed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to eradicate extreme poverty and global AIDS. Accordingly, the offering will benefit Nothing But Nets, which through its work, is also in engaged in realizing the Millennium Development Goals.

Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. In the poorest parts of the world, effective window screens are lacking. Insecticide-treated bed nets are arguably the most cost-effective way to prevent malaria transmission. Studies show that use of insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce transmission as much as 90% in areas with high coverage rates. One bed net costs just $10 to buy and deliver to individuals in need. One bed net can safely last a family for about four years, thanks to a long-lasting insecticide woven into the net fabric.

The people of The United Methodist Church, along with Sports Illustrated, NBA Cares, the United Nations Foundation and several other groups are raising funds to purchase bed nets to end malaria.

The Rev. Dr. Paige Blair, New England Coordinator for Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation explains the role of the MDGs in the U2charist. “This is the first time in human history when we have the opportunity and therefore the obligation, to make extreme poverty history.  Thirty thousand children die every day due to extreme poverty, and 8000 people die of HIV/AIDS. That is the equivalent of ten September 11ths a day, or a Tsunami every week. We as people of faith are called by our Creator to embrace this call to do what we can to make poverty history.  As Bono, the lead singer of U2, has said, this is our generation’s ‘moon shot.’”

Honor My Wishes™   Program Sponsored by Puyallup United Methodist Church
August 18, 2008

  • Who will speak for my healthcare needs if I am unexpectedly unable?
  • Will my family be able to track down all of my important legal and financial affairs that will need attention?
  • Do my loved ones know what I want as a final celebration for my life?

Conversations with family and friends about end-of-life issues are important at any age.  Honor My Wishes™, a series of three-classes, will be offered by the Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC), 1919 W. Pioneer Ave. Saturdays September 20, October 4 and October 18 from 10:30 am to Noon.  The classes are designed to help adults plan for and to communicate their wishes regarding end-of-life issues.  Attendance at each session is encouraged because each class will cover a different topic.  However, even one session will be beneficial. 

Each participant will receive an organizing binder to hold important healthcare, legal, financial and personal property information.  Although there is no charge for the classes, a $25 donation is suggested to cover the cost of the binder.  Topics include:  

  • Preparing an advance care plan and authorizing an individual to make those choices if we are unable. 
  • Organizing legal, financial and personal property documents with plans for final affairs. 
  • Documenting personal desires for after death

Honor My Wishes™   leads to:  Dignity in knowing that healthcare choices for life-sustaining treatments are documented and will be honored; Security in knowing that important legal and financial information is gathered in one location to assist loved ones in managing your personal affairs and Peace in knowing you have discussed your preferences for final disposition of your body and a ceremony remembering your life with your loved ones. 

DATES:  Saturdays September 20, October 4, Oct. 18 from 10:30 am to Noon
WHERE: Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 W. Pioneer Ave.
COST:     Suggested donation toward the cost of the Honor My Wishes™ binder.
PRE-REGISTRATION:   Required by September 15. 
CALL: 253-845-0547 to register.  Registration ends September 15.

Honor My Wishes™, 3-classes to help adults communicate end-of-life issues will be offered by the Puyallup United Methodist Church 9-20, 10 4, 10-18 from 10:30 am to Noon.  The classes are designed to help adults plan for and to communicate their wishes regarding end-of-life issues.  Attendance at each session is encouraged because each class will cover a different topic.  However, even one session will be beneficial.  

Surf’s Up!  Beach Party Surfin’ Through the Scriptures Creates VBS Excitement
August 13, 2008

“I’m sure that my daughter wasn’t the only kid walking around all weekend shaking her arms up and down in front of her body singing, ‘Beach Be-Attitudes ~ Beach Be-Attitudes ~ Oooh ~ Oooh ~ Oooh ~ Oooh ~ Ooooooh!’”  one mother exclaimed the week following Vacation Bible School (VBS). “It brought joy to my heart.”
Agreed another parent, “Andy was singing the songs, too, and telling me to “BE OBIEDIENT”  (like he even knows what that means yet!!)  It clearly made an impact on him, too. He even willingly said his prayers a few times lately!” 

Each morning of VBS, Sam, Max and Famé (a somewhat vain, pink flamingo hand puppet) greeted the assembled children of the Puyallup, Summit and Parkland United Methodist Churches.  These soon-to-be-familiar characters guided their young friends through five “Be Attitudes,” that were introduced by a short drama.  From the lessons of the day to the music taught by Parkland UMC’s Ruby Midgette, each morning flew by filled with fun crafts, games, activities and biblical storytelling.

Held at PUMC, the week-long program ran from 9 am to Noon, July 14-18 and was coordinated by Samantha Karpenko, Karrie Zylstra-Myton and Deanna Slater of PUMC.  Before the morning’s activities began, Gail Simpson of Parkland UMC led all of the volunteers in inspiring devotions that she had written.  The joint effort of the three churches proved to be enormously successful. “I was surprised at how well it went,” admitted Samantha, and credits its success to the hard work of the volunteers from the three churches.

Not only did the children enjoy each other, but the adult and youth volunteers found an unexpected joy in getting to know each other and developing friendships.  Notes Karrie, “Everyone at our three churches made this community effort possible by their prayers, their presence and their gifts.  It truly was a blessing to share these things ‘in common.’”

Strawberry Feed to Benefit Medical Teams International Local Dental Van Program
June 9, 2008

Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC) United Methodist Men will use the proceeds from this year’s annual Strawberry Feed to help fund the local Medical Teams International (MTI) Dental Van Program.  The Strawberry Feed will be held at PUMC, 1919 W. Pioneer Avenue, on Saturday, June 28 from 4-7 pm.  Donations are accepted.

The fully equipped 2-chair mobile dental clinic is staffed by local dentists and staff who volunteer their time and services to provide dental services at no charge to students of low income families in the Puyallup School District. 

Each fall, all students are screened and then scheduled for dental services depending on need.  Any treatment provided in a dental office without sedation can be provided on the van.  School site visits generally begin with examinations, cleanings, oral hygiene instructions and fluoride treatments.  The students are scheduled to return for any needed treatment, usually fillings and extractions.  Patients in pain are helped at the first visit.  The few patients who cannot be treated appropriately in the van (including pediatric treatment using sedation or general anesthesia if necessary, root canals, difficult extractions, even some orthodontic therapy) are referred to dentists in the community who see them at no charge. 

According to local dentist,  Steven J. Urback, D.D.S., M.A. G.D. the amount of dental disease found in the Puyallup School District is appalling.  Until recently, there were no clinics for low income patients east of Tacoma.

Those attending the Strawberry Feed will have the opportunity of touring the dental van, meeting the clinic coordinator and learning more about this critical program.  For more information, call the church at 253-845-0547.

June 28 annual Strawberry Feed proceeds will be used to help fund the local Medical Teams International (MTI) Dental Van Program.  Hours are from 4-7 pm.  Donations are accepted.

Puyallup United Church Helps a Katrina Damaged Church Rebuild   
July 5, 2008

When 17 youth and 15 adult missioners from Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC) left for New Orleans in late June, it was the culmination of a desire to help Mt. Zion United Methodist Church  rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  “Our excitement was really high as we started to realize that what once seemed like a dream was now reality,” recalls Asher DeLarme, one of the youth missioners.   

The dream began more than a year ago when PUMC became a partner to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, located just north of the Garden District in New Orleans and one of the many badly damaged churches that remain unopened. An initial 2007 three-month fund-raising effort by PUMC generated more than $5,000, which was used to purchase a sound system, new chairs, tables and appliances for the church as it struggled to reopen their educational building.       

“Our number one task was to say, ‘you haven’t been forgotten; you are cared about and we are with you,” explains PUMC Pastor Shirley DeLarme, who led the mission team.  The youth helped at Mt. Zion’s senior center, hosted Vacation Bible School and cleaned up the only playground in the neighborhood while older youth and adults painted homes and repaired what they could.

Youth missioner Rob Peacock, recalls the condition of Mt. Zion’s playground.  “It had not been cleaned since the flood so every surface had to be scrubbed with bleach water.  The broken windows left glass in the playground area and the floodwaters removed several sections of their fence.  We cleaned the area, boarded up the windows, pruned the trees, raked the beds and scrubbed every surface….  We were glad to clean up the area and create a space where the children could play again.  There were no local parks and this playground had been unusable for almost 3 years.”

“The city is still a long way from being fully recovered,” reports Monte Windsor, one of the adult missioners.  The mission team found that in spite of their hardship, people were warm and welcoming and thankful for the help of others.  “Their hospitality cannot be matched,” says adult missioner Ruth Marston, “It is inspiring to see the passion of these people.”

Although Mt. Zion’s sanctuary remains closed and the church is functioning out of their one-room educational building, they continue serving their community through food and clothing banks, a health clinic, senior center and regular church services.  In addition, they offer a voucher program to provide shelter and meals for a growing homeless population.   

UMC is eagerly planning a return mission trip in the spring.  According to adult missioner Loni Stevenson, the experience made you want to return.  Youth missioner Brandon Rogness agrees, “The more I gave, the more I got.”  

Panel to Present Free Forum on Children’s Health Care Access    
May 21, 2008

Whose Child Will Have Health Care?

A free community forum will be held on Monday, June 9 from 7-9 pm at the Puyallup United Methodist Church.  A moderated panel will address issues related to children’s health care, implications of the “Cover All Kids” law and available resources.  Child care will be available through 4th grade.

According to Washington State statistics, 8.1 per cent of all children in Washington were uninsured throughout 2003-2006 (estimated 127,000 children), 451 babies in the state died before their first birthday in 2003 (5.6 of every 1,000) and 33.7 per cent of two-year olds in Washington were not fully immunized in 2005. 

Panelists  include Teresa Mosqueda, Washington State Children’s Alliance, Cindi Simmons, Outreach, Tacoma-Pierce Co. Health Department, Ovidio Penalver, MD, Puyallup pediatrician and Beth Bailey, RN, MSN, Puyallup School District School Nurse.  There will be ample opportunity for the audience to ask questions. 

The forum is sponsored by the Social Justice Committee and Health Ministries of PUMC. 

Light refreshments will be served.  Materials will be available on parenting, food, nutrition and health care resources.  For more information, call the church at 253-845-0547.

EPCC Choir Festival Channels
May 6, 2008

Five East Pierce County United Methodist Churches joined together to present a choir festival on Sunday, April 27.  Each participating choir sang one musical number followed by a mass choir presentation of several selections.  The festival was held at Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC).

Suna Chung, PUMC Chancel Choir Director conducted the mass choir, accompanied by PUMC organist Miki Craighead.  In addition to choral music, the PUMC Bell Choir   presented a selection and Suna and Miki performed a piano-organ duet that ended with a standing ovation.

The EPCC choir festival is an annual spring event.  Participating UMC churches include Light of the Hill, Puyallup, Orting, Summit, Spanaway and PUMC. 

Puyallup United Methodist Church Presented Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem
March 31, 2008

The Chancel Choir of the Puyallup United Methodist Church, together with a string ensemble, presented the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré during the March 20 Maundy Thursday service. 

“When I chose the Requiem, I wanted it to be our prayer to commemorate the journey that Jesus took during holy week,” explains Suna Chung, PUMC music director.  “The music was the essential message to the congregation.”

Suna describes Faure’s Requiem as the embodiment of the French Romanticism in which the sumptuous tonality combined with a beautiful melodic line is pervasive. “It is written in an intimate setting with a small ensemble; however the melodic line, especially for the tenor part, is very demanding.”

This year marked the third performance of the Requiem by the choir. Suna recounts, “In the first year, the Offertory and Sanctus were played by organ. By the second year, the choir was ready to sing all sections in Latin and by the third year, the choir was able to appreciate the details of the music and the meaning of the entire message. The removal of the cloth from the cross during Agnus Dei and carrying out the cross during the last piece, “In Paradisum”, reminds us that our focus is on God’s suffering, agony and unconditional love and that it is not just a musical production of a choir, instrumentalists and the organ.  I am so blessed to have enthusiastic singers in the choir who allowed me to challenge their musicianship.”

Considered the composer’s greatest achievement, the Requiem is the most known of Fauré’s large works and is believed to be the most widely performed choral work in his repertoire.  The several pieces comprising the Requiem were written between 1877 and 1890. 

Lighthouse Gospel Quartet in Concert at Local Church
February 4, 2008

The Lighthouse Gospel Quartet will be in concert on Sunday, February 24th at 6 pm at the Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 West Pioneer Avenue, Puyallup.

The quartet is from Olympia, Washington and has sung throughout Washington, Oregon and California.  Recently, they and their wives joined an 18-member mission team from the Olympia area ministering local congregations in Southeastern Brazil and Argentina.  During the three-week trip, the quartet sang 25 times in 19 days.

“It was a wonderful experience worshiping with and ministering to our brothers and sisters in Brazil,” said Scott Hamilton, lead singer in the quartet.  “It is so awesome to be singing the same song to the same God in two different languages.”

The members of the Lighthouse Gospel Quartet are committed to the Lord Jesus Christ.  “Every time we tell the Gospel story, something happens to somebody.  The Lord is alive and well.  He has given us a gift of harmony and a story to tell,” said Dick Fankhauser, the group’s tenor. 

The quartet sings a variety of music from 4-part A cappella to country gospel.  There is no charge for the concert although a free-will offering will be taken.  Childcare will be available.

PUMC named Hometown Hero of the Week by 710 AM KIRO radio hosts Ron and Don.
January 18, 2008

PUMC was named Hometown Hero of the Week by 710 AM KIRO radio hosts Ron and Don for helping New Orleans Mt. Zion United Methodist Church to rebuild. Both displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Ron and Don commended the PUMC youth for upcoming June mission trip to New Orleans. PUMC’s upcoming mission trip and previous help in raising over $5,000 to aid Mt. Zion UMC were highlighted in the January 10, 2008 issue of the Puyallup Herald. For the complete article, see the Puyallup Herald online link: http://www.puyallup-herald.com/lifestyles/features/story/9571384p-9483837c.html

Local Toy Ministry Receives National Recognition
December 31, 2007

The Toy Chest Ministry at the United Methodist Church of Puyallup (PUMC) was recently selected as a featured video article by the national United Methodist Church (UMC) on their website www.umtv.org. Led by PUMC congregation member and ministry leader Ken Davis, the program began three years ago by men in the church wanting to use their woodworking skills for mission. Throughout the year the men make their handcrafted wooden toys, filling a toy chest at the church until they are donated to underprivileged children. Wood for the project is donated ay a local cabinet shop. Most of the toys are distributed at Christmas time to the Tacoma Community House, a local Methodist mission. Toys have also been given to a local domestic violence facility, the Family Renewal Shelter and as an addition to a playhouse built in Tacoma by Habitat for Humanity volunteers. Thanks to PUMC church organist and avid quilter Miki Craighead, the toy cradles come with handmade quilts created from her left-over quilting material. Careful research has been done to ensure that the toys are given non-toxic finishes and are built with safety in mind. As one of the woodworking volunteers put it, “We have never had one of our toys recalled.”

Can Dessert Be Healthy?
October 30, 2007

Desserts may not be the healthiest addition to a meal but some are “healthier” than others. Cutting sugar and fat content can create delicious desserts that decrease that guilty feeling of an occasional sweet to complement a meal. When you come in for the fellowship time following services on Sunday, November 11, sample some desserts prepared by members of the Health Ministries Work Area for its annual Taste of Puyallup UMC. If you find some you like, you are welcome to pick up a recipe booklet.

Jesus’ Healing Ministry Continues in the Church Today
October 9, 2007

The gospel accounts of Jesus ministry here on earth include 41 distinct accounts of healing. He healed people of all social backgrounds and with all kinds of illnesses and disabilities. The Christian church has always been about healing –making people whole, mentally, physically and spiritual. Puyallup United Methodist Church, through its programs such as Health Ministries, encourages healthy life style practices. Monthly blood pressure checks, healthy foods at fellowship hour, prayer shawls, caring teams, educational events and regular articles in the Circuit Rider are but a few of the ways Jesus message of healing in implemented. A new opportunity for learning is here ! On Tuesday, October 16th at 7 pm we will host a seminar to address the issues of the country’s number 1 killer, heart disease and the number 3 killer, stroke. All are invited to this free seminar. “Have a Heart – Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke”  Rebecca Sullivan, MD 7.  Learn how to reduce your risk factors, identify warning signs of heart disease and stroke, and how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

East Pierce County United Churches “Fight” to Aid Food Banks
September 7, 2007

Seven churches in the United Methodist Church (UMC) East Pierce County Circuit   challenged each other to a “Food Fight” to see which church could bring in the most items for local food banks during a ten-week period in mid-June thru July.  Food banks are often neglected during the summer months.

Items collected were based on a per capita average worship attendance in order to give large and small churches equal playing fields.  The assorted needs of the food banks were divided into categories including baby items and diapers, canned goods, garden produce, paper products including toilet paper and paper towels, personal hygiene articles, soap, shampoo and laundry soap.  In addition, the most total items (per capita) and most cash (per capita) were calculated. 

The final tally revealed that the seven churches donated a total of 5,653 items and $1,051.45 in cash.

“This is the kind of food fight that everyone wants in on, and everyone is a winner,” says Shirley DeLarme, Associate Pastor of Puyallup UMC.  “It was truly a fun endeavor in which old and young played on the same team, and everyone's contribution, large or small, made a tremendous difference.  It's a good thing God is capable of being on all teams in this game.”

Participating churches included Light of the Hill UMC (Puyallup), Orting UMC, Parkland UMC, Puyallup UMC, Spanaway UMC, Summit UMC and Sumner UMC.

Winners in the various categories per capita were:  Most Total items  - Orting UMC   with 12.65 items per member;  Most Baby items  - Puyallup UMC   with .81  items per member;  Most Bath items  -  Parkland UMC  with 1.34 items per member; Most Canned goods  - Light of the Hill  UMC   with 9.01 per member; Most Cash -  Summit  UMC with $5.63 per member;  Most Paper products  - Puyallup UMC  with 1.86 per member;
Most Personal products  -  Puyallup UMC  with .58 per member and Most Garden Produce  - Summit  UMC.

Puyallup United Church Helps a Katrina Damaged Church Rebuild
August 22, 2007

Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina, many badly damaged churches have yet to be reopened.  The Puyallup United Methodist Church (PUMC) is one of a number of churches nationwide actively engaged in helping storm damaged churches rebuild.

PUMC became a partner to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, located just north of the Garden District in New Orleans.  According to PUMC Outreach Ministry chair, Rusty Lewis, the Mt. Zion sanctuary was so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired at this time.  Rebuilding efforts have focused on the educational building where the congregation hopes to hold worship services and Sunday school once repairs are completed.  “PUMC raised over $5,000 during the three-month partnership project,” reports Lewis.  “The donated funds were used to purchase a sound system, new chairs, tables and appliances for the church.”

“I think talking with members of Mt. Zion and seeing the pictures of the devastation made the disaster more real to our church members. I was very pleased with how well our congregation supported Mt. Zion during the three-month project.  I know their members greatly appreciated our partnership,” notes Lewis. 

Mt. Zion plans on rededicating their educational building October 14th.  “We plan to send flowers for the alter and a banner that PUMC members will sign to help the church celebrate,” Lewis says.  “We will continue to pray for the church and its members.”

After the floods, the United Methodist churches in Louisiana were grouped by area.  In the cooperative parish in which Mt. Zion is located, six congregations began worshiping together in the only church that was still open.  At this point, only one additional church of the six has reopened.

For people of faith, their churches have helped them to get through this difficult time.   Residents who stayed or returned to New Orleans since Katrina face a myriad of problems living in a storm-ravaged city.  Many parishioners have limited resources and are struggling with rebuilding their homes and their churches at the same time.

According to Lewis, PUMC is active in local and global missions.  Among the local and area missions supported by the church are the food bank, Family Renewal Shelter and armory dinners for the homeless.