Mission Central Thanks the Churches of The Susquehanna Conference!

 Alexis Pigott, Mission Central Director of Development & Communications

From all of us at Mission Central, thank you to the churches of the Susquehanna Conference for being part of our mission! When we called, you answered! Throughout 2024, your generosity enabled us to provide relief and hope to those who needed it most. 

Mission Central has been a cornerstone of disaster relief in 2024, coordinating recovery efforts with our partners and churches to provide immediate aid and help communities rebuild. Our disaster response efforts remain one of our most impactful, as we were able to support over 100,205 individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a year when weather-related disasters were particularly devastating, we distributed all of the Flood Buckets in our warehouse (over 6,000). Supporters far and wide are helping us replenish our inventory so that we can meet the needs of upcoming disaster victims and continue to send resources to those already affected.

This year, we also hosted our first Gala fundraiser since 2019, our largest event of the year. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all those who contributed. The evening was filled with inspiring speeches and powerful stories that highlighted Mission Central’s impact. Our live auction energized the room, with attendees bidding generously to support our programs and disaster relief efforts. The silent auction was equally successful, with all items being bid on, thanks to the enthusiasm of our donors and guests. Held at Central Penn College, the event was attended by over 130 supporters dedicated to “Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need.” Thank you for believing in our mission! 

As we reflect on the success of our Gala and the support we’ve received throughout 2024, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation for the future. We remain committed to being a source of support for those in need, and with your help, we will continue to make a meaningful impact.

Our Medical Program continues to be one of our most vital services, providing urgent medical equipment to those in need. As demand for this program grows, we are adjusting our medical program operational hours to ensure efficiency. Beginning in January 2025, Medical Program supplies will only be available for pickup on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and must be scheduled in advance.

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to serving those in greatest need and sharing God’s love to inspire action and support communities around the world. Learn more and discover ways to give at www.missioncentral.org. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025 and beyond. 

Thank you! 

www.missioncentral.org

“God Always Provides”: The Power of Donations

Maggie Kissinger, Director of Development and Communications, Mission Central

In my first two weeks as a Mission Central employee, I heard one sentiment repeated over and over from staff members and volunteers alike, “God always provides.” 

I have listened to some amazing stories over these last few weeks: the story of the community member recently diagnosed with an illness who needed a specific piece of medical equipment that Mission Central did not have in their inventory, only to have one delivered later that same day; the story of the volunteer struggling to create auction baskets with a limited supply of items, only to receive a surprise shipment from a major shopping brand with items that were perfect for the auction; the story of a partner who was in need of suitcases to transport medical equipment for a mission trip overseas, and a thoughtful community member just happened to drop off 20 suitcases right before the trip; and the story of the truck driver who was en route to deliver a large shipment of UMCOR kits to a warehouse, receiving a call to re-route and deliver the kits directly to a community that was hit by disaster just as he was approaching the interstate split to head West or South. In each story you see the faithfulness of God’s people; those who are trusting that the Lord will provide what is needed, and those who are obeying the command to give freely of their resources. Yes, God indeed always provides, and He uses His people as His hands and feet. 

Mission Central is able to provide abundantly to our community, our partners, and to people around the world, because of the individuals, businesses, churches, and groups that provide their time and resources to us. While we know at Mission Central these resources are an answered prayer, we recognize that the people who donate their items to us are often unaware of these stories and the end result of their actions. I am here to tell you that one small act of donating can be the catalyst to the next “God always provides” story. We want to continue sharing these stories of provision with you, so we ask for your partnership in being the first step in our donation process and the first step in the next “God always provides” story. 

In the year 2024, we are seeking church partners who are willing to set up a donation box that will follow a monthly donation collection calendar. Mission Central will provide a calendar and bulletin with the list of items we are seeking for that month, and we will coordinate a pick up or drop off of those items at the end of each month. While we continue to accept all of the items on the list throughout the year, we are requesting specific items each month for two reasons:

1. Our volunteers will have a consistent supply of the items they need to create kits throughout the year.
2. Our community members and partners will have more access to highly-requested items throughout the year.

Mission Central wants to have another year filled with “God always provides” stories, and we hope that the next story will start with you. 

If you are interested in partnering with us in this monthly donation drive, please contact Anna Harris, Volunteer Coordinator, at aharris@missioncentral.org for more information. You can also give us a call at 717-766-1533. We are so grateful for your continued support. 

Looking Ahead

We also want to share an exciting in-person event we will be hosting on May 4, 2024: Grow With Us - Plant and Vendor Fair. Mission Central will be hosting an outdoor plant and vendor fair in our parking lot, and we will be opening our doors to offer warehouse tours to the community. With Mother’s Day and gardening season approaching, we look forward to welcoming community members and Mission Central supporters to shop local and learn about the sustainability practices within our warehouse that make Mission Central unique. For more information on this event, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter, here: MissionLink.

Mission Central

Thank you, Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church!

We are incredibly grateful for your support. We appreciate your financial donations, material donations and ongoing commitment to volunteering at Mission Central. 

We are incredibly grateful for our faithful volunteers, whether you are here every week or once in a while or work remotely, you are making a huge difference. We are incredibly thankful for our donors—material and financial. The in-kind goods from corporations and manufacturers allows us to partner to connect God’s resources with human need. The material donations allow us to improve the lives of others. Our financial donors allow our warehouse to run smoothly and assist in paying down our mortgage. We are so grateful to have churches, businesses, foundation, organizations, individuals and others contributing in this way.

Thank you to the partners who work with us, in-house and not, to ensure that the goods we receive are distributed to those in need. You allow us to expand our reach. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. You are helping us to drive this critical mission of “connecting God’s resources with human need.” Thank you for making a difference! Please continue to support Mission Central in any (and every!) way that you can.  

As we move forward, here are some ways you can get involved:

• Volunteer – just email us at volunteer@missioncentral.org to get involved!
• Join our Mission Fare, September 28 at Buhrig’s Gathering Place – for details, go to www.missioncentral.org.
• Bid in our October online auction – follow Facebook for additional details.
• Collect kits and kit supplies – they go a long way in helping others. Right now, we are collecting school supplies (rulers, pens, pencils and paper) as well as laundry detergent and deodorant.
• Give financially – every dollar assists someone in need.

Thank you for your support!

Weaver, Little League “Uncle” for 24 Years

For the past 24 years, Conference Superintendent Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver has been an “uncle,” or host for the Little League World Series held in South Williamsport every August.

This year stood out for an “excited and humbled” Weaver as he and his host partner Doug Alexander cared for the first Cuban team to play in the series, which has run for 76 years.

Assigned by a random draw, volunteer “uncles” are assigned to teams to help them get to practices and games on time, arrange for uniform fittings, help coordinate media interactions, and help facilitate other daily tasks.

With the help of interpreters—the team members spoke Spanish—Weaver and Alexander got to know each of the Cuban players and managers on a personal level, and formed ties that will last far beyond their time together. 

Your Neighbors Need Your Help

By Doug Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

Since recent hurricanes and storms passed through the east coast, your neighbors and friends have been working to address the destruction that has been left behind. Many are cleaning out flooded, wet basements, removing debris from their properties, and making necessary repairs to their walls and roofs. And, they need your help.

In Galatians 6, we are called to share one another’s burdens. And, as you can imagine, recovering from a disaster can be accompanied by some very heavy burdens. Are you called to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus? Do you have the gifts to be a caring, Christian presence in the lives of those who are struggling to address their disaster needs? In scripture, Jesus offers rest to those who labor and are burdened. Can you carry your neighbor’s burdens and provide them with an opportunity for respite? Matthew 11:28-30 also tells us that we are to take up the yoke of Jesus, one that is easy and light. Consider becoming yoked with Jesus and one another to lighten the load of your neighbors. And, as you do, know you will “fulfill the law of Christ.”

The Disaster Response Ministry has been awarded an UMCOR Solidarity Grant to assist in the disaster relief efforts taking place within the Annual Conference. In addition to the need for volunteers, there is also a need for local coordinators to assist with organizing the effort and working with other organizations to provide for community needs.

Williamsport District

The community of Knoxville (Tioga County) is struggling to recover from flooding left behind by Hurricane Henri. Many households have reported some kind of damage and indicated they have a need for help. The Knoxville UMC sustained a flooded basement that damaged everything and the church was without gas and electric service for some time.

York District

Communities throughout York County are working to recover from Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Ida. Efforts to provide assistance to nearly 500 households are ongoing. Work includes mucking out basements, clearing outside debris, assessing and tarping roofs, mitigating mold, removing drywall, and beginning the rebuilding process.

If you are interested in helping your neighbors in their time of need, please contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Douglas Hoy, at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441, ext. 3402.