Our UCML family should be extremely proud of the many outreach and connectional ministries that were provided over the past several months and through the holiday season. Despite limitations created by the pandemic, church leadership, individuals and small groups contributed to these extremely successful efforts:

• We hosted a very successful Trunk or Treat event on Halloween. Many donated candy and several volunteers stuffed Halloween treat bags (250!). We had over a dozen decorated cars/trucks, many award-worthy. Well over 100 grateful families paraded through our parking lot 
• Monthly Spaghetti Dinners resumed
• Prayer beads were crafted and delivered to over 100 individuals and families
• 400 Dress-A-Girl dresses were delivered to the Angels of Mercy collection site in Rochester
• Advent kits were provided to 100 individuals and families, so that they might more fully experience the Advent season, whether worshipping in-person or on-line
• The response to the Reverse Advent Calendar in the Advent kits was amazing-several truckloads of food items have been delivered to the Livonia Food Pantry, and bags and boxes of food items continue to pour in to our Gathering Area.
• We again hosted Toys for Tots; our church family provided many gifts for the enjoyment of children and youth in our community.
• Several “Angel Jars” of loose change were distributed to needy families in our community via staff at Livonia Central School; additional jars of change were donated to the Pastors Fund
• 62 shoeboxes were filled for Operation Christmas Child
• Several children/families struggling with the incarceration of a parent/guardian benefitted from giving through the Angel Tree.
• Handmade portable desks were delivered to several children in our church family
• The youth group crafted and sent Christmas greeting cards to 17 families or individuals in our church community
• UMCL’s Thrift Shop continues to provide gently used items at little to no cost for needy families and individuals in the area

This reminds me of a favorite song:
 
I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!

The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.

Whether we are worshipping in-person or participating on-line, WE ARE THE CHURCH!!!!

Yours in Christ,
Melinda Sciera