Building Bridges

For 25 years, the city of Fayette, Missouri has celebrated Juneteenth in a big way with a lot of help from St. Paul United Methodist Church. This year’s theme was “Building Bridges to Freedom: Soaring with Hope and Faith.” Members of the community gathered to reflect on their shared history while celebrating the strength, resilience, and unity of the community. The celebration aligned with the MO United Methodist Conference to enhance a culture of Love and Unity.

The church was able to host a week of meaningful events that brought people of all ages together in joy, remembrance, and fellowship.  Festivities included games, crafts, vendors, special presentations, a car show, a parade, community worship, and a BBQ cook-off competition. Perhaps the highlight of the week, however, was the formal banquet at the beginning of the week.

Using funds received from a Foundation ministry grant, St. Paul UMC was able to host 225 community members on the campus of Central Methodist University, with food provided by Fresh Ideas. Former St. Paul UMC pastor, Rev. Cheryll Doughty brought the keynote address.

The banquet was held on the campus of Central Methodist University, and food provided by Fresh Ideas, the university’s contracted food vendor. Former St. Paul UMC pastor, Rev. Cheryll Doughty brought the keynote address. This was a “first class” event that brought people of all ages, gender and races together. You could feel the love and unity in the room. 

The community has requested more unity events of this nature and provided a great deal of positive feedback. We can’t wait to see what happens next year!

What are YOU dreaming of for YOUR church? 

Twice each year, the Foundation Board receives and considers proposals for ministry projects from United Methodist churches and related agencies throughout Missouri. Applications can be found here, and must be postmarked by April 1 for Spring consideration and October 1 for Winter consideration.