Step 3 – Act

GOAL - CONGREGATION ENGAGES IN AT LEAST ONE HANDS-ON ACTION THAT:

• Demonstrates "missions-with"
• Intentionally honors the sacred dignity and intrinsic worth of every person who participates in the missions and ministries of your congregation
• Builds relationships
• Addresses root causes of systemic injustice

Reflect and brainstorm plans together. Invite a diverse group to prepare by reading at least the first 9 pages of the Engage^mi Program Book. During the meeting, pray and talk about what excites the group and brainstorm Learn-Give-Act Goals.

IDEAS FOR ACTING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY:
Contact a leader in a local service-oriented organization such as a nursing home, school, refugee resettlement agency, food pantry, and see how you might best be supportive. Ideas might include:

• Sending notes of gratitude and encouragement
• Collecting and delivering donations
• Volunteering
• Invite a missionary to speak in your church or host a visiting missionary in your home.  Contact the Michigan Conference Mission Secretary

ACT THROUGH UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION

United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) is a grassroots movement within The United Methodist Church designed to provide an official channel whereby Christians, both lay and clergy, may offer their skills and talents for Christian service at home and around the world on short-term assignments at their own expense.

Take part in a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) Trip in Michigan, in the US, or around the world. 

VIM locations in Michigan include: Cass Community Social Services, Detroit, God’s Country Community Ministry, Newberry, and Motown Mission, Detroit.

For More Information About VIM please visit the Michigan Conference webpage, the National VIM webpage, or contact the Michigan Conference VIM Coordinator.

ACT THROUGH MICHIGAN CONFERENCE DISASTER RESPONSE & RECOVERY

Find ways your congregation can be in ministry with communities affected by disaster.  Visit the Michigan Conference Disaster webpage. or contact the Michigan Conference Disaster Coordinator.

ACT THROUGH MICHIGAN CONFERENCE COVENANTS WITH HAITI AND LIBERIA

Find ways your congregation can be in ministry with the people of the Methodist Church of Haiti and the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Michigan Haiti Covenant Partnership: Valerie Mossman-Celestin, Chair of the Haiti Task Force.

Liberia Ministry Partnership: The Rev. Jon Reynolds, Chair of the Liberia Partnership.

ACT THROUGH THE ENGAGEMI MICHIGAN CONFERENCE PROJECTS

Contact one of our Conference Projects to find out how your congregation can partner and them.

RESOURCES TO ENGAGE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY 

Ubuntu Day of Service  by United Methodist Women

An Ubuntu Day of Service isn’t a typical volunteer day or service project. This day combines the being and doing of mission. This toolkit guides you through planning an Ubuntu Day of Service with information about mission work that links service and action with justice. It includes helpful planning tips and fundamental concepts that are critical to understanding how the mission of being and doing intersect.  Download a planning kit. 

"50 Ways to Take Church to the Community" by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership

Churches can no longer open their doors and expect that people will come in. Effective congregations go into the world to encounter those in need of the gospel. These 50 Ways provide tips on reaching beyond the walls of your church with worship, community events, ministries, and service.

"50 Ways to Engage Local Schools" by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership

Many congregations find that reaching out to their local schools is an important way to serve children and their families and strengthen ties with the broader community. Here are 50 Ways you can engage your local school effectively.

Mission-Minded Guide to Church and School Partnerships by Jake McGlothlin

The Mission-Minded Guide to Church and School Partnerships offers practical steps congregations can take to make a difference with the children in their community. From basic organization, training, safety, and planning, leaders will learn how to share the vision and effectively recruit and train volunteers. Most importantly, leaders will discover how to begin a collaborative, trusting relationship with students, administrators, and teachers. In addition, there are suggestions for sharing information about the partnership through communication tools like newsletters and special Sundays for welcoming the schools, teachers, principals, and more.

ADDRESS SYSTEMIC INJUSTICE THROUGH FAITHFUL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

“Creating Change Together: A Toolkit for Faithful Civic Engagement"   by the General Board of Church & Society

"Creating Change Together” provides the biblical and United Methodist ground for civic engagement and essential tools to address public concerns. Topics include: claiming our story, connecting with decision makers (with tips for advocating through visiting, public witness, calling, writing and social media), and engaging in the electoral process.