Church-wide Missions

Monthly Missions - December 2025

Parfreyville

The Salvation Army was started by William Booth, a Methodist minister who began an evangelical ministry in the East End of London in 1865, along with his wife Catherine, who, despite being a time when women had few rights, was herself an evangelist, preacher, theologian before becoming the co-founder of the Salvation Army. In 1865, the Booths set up mission stations to help feed and house the poor. By 1867, there were 10 workers, volunteering to provide basic schooling, reading rooms, penny banks, soup kitchens, and relief aid to the destitute. By 1874 there were 1000 volunteers and 42 evangelists to what was called, “The Christian Mission”. In 1878 the name was changed to the Salvation Army. The goal was to show that a “loving God means loving through action”.

Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.

The Waupaca County Salvation Army is located at 301 E. Beacon Avenue in New London. There are 67 Service Extensions (or networks of local volunteers who believe in the mission and the message of the Salvation Army and agree to represent the Army in their community in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Through these offices, people are helped with:

Emergency Disaster Relief

Utility Assistance

Rental Assistance

Food Assistance

Summer Camp for Kids

Holiday Assistance

Back-to-School Supplies

Referral Service

Waupaca Miracle Tree

The Miracle tree will be up Sunday November 2nd. The Miracle Tree is a volunteer organization that provides food and gifts to the families in our area that request help. Volunteers pack and distribute these boxes from donations given from the churches, businesses and families in the Waupaca area. Take a tag from the Miracle Tree for boy or girl and an age group. There is also a sheet for gift suggestions . Do not wrap the gift. Place your gift under the Miracle Tree no later than Sunday Dec. 7.

Crystal Lake UMC

Crystal Lake will collect hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, socks and underwear for Northcott House.

Waupaca Area Food Pantry list is peanut butter, Jello, instant pudding and adult cereal. Thank you!

First UMC

Waupaca Learning Center Adopt-A-Family for Christmas

As our thoughts turn toward the holiday season; of turkey dinners, family gatherings and the sharing of goodwill; we know that it can be a stressful time for those who are just trying to make ends meet. Every year, the Waupaca Learning Center identifies families who are experiencing financial strain and could benefit from the kindness of others during the holiday season. Our congregation’s response was amazing last year so the many gifts purchased were shared with more than one family. This year we will be adopting two families, but the number of items will not be more than last year. Our first family has 2 young children and a baby due this month. Our second family has 3 young children (1 with special needs) and a baby due in November. (All names are withheld for privacy). We have been given a Wish List of items, including gas and grocery cards, toys and clothing (only new, please) for the children. All items can be purchased locally and will be gifted anonymously. Here’s how it will work: A tag for each item on the Wish List, including the child’s age and gender, will be hung on our Christmas tree in the sanctuary.

1) Take one or more tags and purchase the item(s).

2) Remove all price tags.

3) Box items that are not in packaging (with the exception of gas and grocery cards).

4) Do NOT wrap anything or attach a gift card.

5) DO attach the corresponding tag that you chose from the tree.

6) Bring your gift(s) to church by December 7th.

Monetary offerings will also be accepted and used to purchase items on the list. Write checks payable to FUMC with Adopt-A-Family on the memo line. Jesus is the reason for the season so with the Love of Jesus Christ in our hearts, let’s fill these families’ Christmases with Joy.

The Wish List tags that will be available on the tree.

Family 1 Gas or grocery cards.

4 yr old girl--Clothing sz 5. Barbie doll; accessories optional. Coloring book & crayons.

1 yr old boy---Clothing sz. 24 months. Two toys appropriate for age.

Baby girl---Diapers and wipes.

Family 2 Gas or grocery cards.

5 yr old girl---Clothing sz. 6-7. Barbie doll; accessories optional. Coloring book & crayons.

3 yr old boy---Clothing sz. 4T. Truck. Coloring book & crayons.

2 yr old boy (special needs)---Clothing sz. 3T. Fidgets. Learning toy.

Baby girl---Diapers and wipes.

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