By Joel Chermonte*

As United Methodists we are connectional in many ways: institutionally by jurisdiction, conference and district; theologically through scripture; and through the writings of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement in England in the late 1700s. When we work together and experience the power of the Holy Spirit, connectionalism comes alive.

Almost a year ago a team from North Olmsted United Methodist Church (Northern Waters District) served the weekly Bread on Bridge Meal at Nehemiah Mission in Cleveland. It was instantly clear that beyond feeding community members there were other critical needs to be met.

Nehemiah’s commercial stove was malfunctioning, the commercial refrigerator was failing and in need of replacement, and after years of serving many, many meals the kitchen needed deep and thorough cleaning. Shortly after the NOUMC church family served a second meal at Nehemiah Mission, our pastor, Rev. Hoyte Wilhelm and the then executive director of Nehemiah Mission decided an action plan was needed to address those issues.

A goal of $3,000 was set to purchase a used commercial refrigerator. We were also blessed that a good Samaritan from Bay United Methodist Church (Northern Waters District) worked tirelessly to repair and refurbish the stove. Amen! Next, the team reached out to our sister United Methodist churches district-wide asking for a contribution of $250 each to meet our fundraising goal.

In April 2024 NOUMC hosted a fundraiser complete with donations of food from the congregation and local businesses, and music was provided by our exceptionally talented organist and pianist. Just like that we surpassed our original $3,000 goal, raising more than $5,000! A second private fundraiser was held in May by two members of the congregation which increased the amount of donated funds to over $7,000. Then, more churches donated the proceeds from other events such as a theatrical production and a spaghetti dinner to support the Nehemiah Mission. In the end, we raised $11,000! “God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good.”

A new refrigerator was purchased and installed. The kitchen and dining areas were cleaned, and a truck owned by Nehemiah Mission also received much needed repairs.

Connectionalism works! Thank you, Bay UMC, Chagrin Falls UMC, Fields UMC, Rockport UMC, Rocky River UMC, Strongsville UMC, and Westlake UMC for your dedication and support. And thank you John Wesley for teaching us the importance of “doing good” in our world.

Learn about and support Nehemiah Mission, an Advance Special ministry of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.

*Joel Chermonte is a member of North Olmsted United Methodist Church in the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.