MISSIONS

Fall Apple Butter Festival

Each year, the church conducts a Fall Apple Butter Festival to raise money solely for missions. Homemade apple butter is made the “old fashioned way,” over open fires in large kettles. The proceeds, which come from the sale of apple butter, baked goods, breakfast, lunch and rummage sale items and donations, are divided among local, regional, national and international charities. This church-wide event brings the church and local community together in a fun and worthwhile event.

Scholarships

The Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship was begun in 2015 when the church received a generous donation from the family of Irving Washington who had a lifelong appreciation for education.  Since then, the church has received additional donations for scholarships from families of other members of the congregation, both living and deceased. Scholarships are awarded to local students based on academics, extracurricular activities, community service and need. Applications, are due April 15.

Food Pantry

Every Saturday morning the Ebbs Chapel Food Pantry, begun by Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church and now operating in collaboration with Ebbs Chapel Community Center and MANNA Food Bank, provides food assistance to area families.  The goal is to reach the 14% of Madison County’s population, including over 3000 children, who are food insecure.  Church and local volunteers staff the food pantry and food and monetary donations come from church members as well as from others in the Upper Laurel Community.

All who may benefit from the Pantry’s services are welcome to visit the Food Pantry 9 to 11 AM each Saturday.  All those wishing to donate food items or cash support are welcome during those hours as well.

Shawl & Quilt Mission

The Bright Hope Laurel UMC Prayer Quilt & Shawl group began in 2011. We make these quilts and shawls for people who are ill in body, mind, or spirit.  Ed Ponder was our first recipient. Since our humble beginnings we have been blessed to be able to bless others with over 150 quilts and shawls. The central concept is that each stitch is a prayer for the person who receives it. When a shawl or quilt is to be given to someone, it is brought to church and placed on the altar. Members of the congregation come to the altar during the final hymn to pray for the recipient and to tie a “prayer knot”. In addition to stitching, we pray together and serve as a sisterhood of friends. Our group meets each Monday morning at 10 a.m.