The
Local Emergency Fund
is a ministry of the LUMC Mission Committee. The main goal is to help people overcome a financial crisis - food, rent, electricity, heat, water, transportation, clothing or medical costs. In 2018 we assisted 9 families (10 adults, 14 children). Our 2018 budget was $2000.00. We used over $7000.00 to meet the needs of these families. We were also able to partner with Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, area churches, area food shelves, WIC, landlords, energy companies, city water, Women’s Resources, and Social Services to meet these needs.
The procedure to receive assistance begins when an individual contacts the church secretary or the pastor. The need is identified and the individual is interviewed to determine the extent of need, family members impacted, and permission to contact the source of the need (such as landlord or business). Two mission committee members confer and decide on what assistance will be provided or not. All information is kept confidential.
A small group was formed in October, 2018 with some families who have received emergency funds. This group decided to call themselves “God’s Investment Group” because we are investing our time, talents, and treasures to encourage, teach, and support each other. We meet every week in a home for prayer, Bible study, and financial advice. Other challenges are addressed as needed such as: addiction, depression and anxiety, relationships, parenting.
Donations may be made with checks to LUMC – Emergency Fund and placed in the offering, in the Joash Chest in the Narthex during April, or taken to the office. If you have any questions please contact the mission committee members – Lavon Court (courtlmj@gmail.com), Sandy Hinders, Carole Plenge.
Disability statements/policies
La Crescent United Methodist Church believes all people, including those with disabilities, are
created in God’s image and have sacred worth. We believe that it is vital to the body of Christ to
celebrate the spiritual gifts of people with disabilities and incorporate them into the life of the church.
Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, we strive to fully include people with disabilities in
worship, missions, leadership and ministry. We invite individuals and local congregations to join us in
this vital ministry.
Our goal is not just accommodation, or even inclusion, but full participation of all people with their
various gifts. In this respect, the Gospel calls us to do better. We can learn to plan ahead to meet
access and participation needs. Then we can communicate the access available and reach out to
the many who may have been unable to attend in the past. Finally, we can joyfully come alongside
each other as allies who ask what is needed for full participation and advocate for equal access.
Then the kin-dom of God will have come a little closer to all of us as we welcome differences! La Crescent United Methodist Church is seeking to improve our access and participation to
meet the needs of all. We do this by: An annual accessibility audit with members of differing abilities
A flat and welcoming parking lot with accessible parking and flat and shoveled sidewalks
A door with working electronic-assist doors
Bathrooms with accessibility aids that are fully ADA compliant Sanctuary hearing looping
Cut outs in the sanctuary for wheelchairs
Large print bulletins, large font powerpoint slides, sermons/service available on-line,
recorded, and by telephone; large print song lyrics and scripture available on request Classes and programming adapted as needed to facilitate participation of children and adults
with unique needs
Peanut free church and gluten-free communion service available
We know we have steps to take to continue to see our church through the eyes of people with a
variety of needs and to make it welcoming to all. The Trustees are committed to working on this, so
with any suggestions or issues, please contact Cheri Olson, Trustee Chair,
olson.cheri57@gmail.com
