Cooperative Ministries Committee

The Cooperative Ministries Committee has been diligent in trying to

live out the theme of Annual Conference this year of "Making Disciples of
Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World." First of all, there were
cooperative efforts with the Conference Hunger, Singles, and Cooperative
Ministries Committees as well as Franklin First and 61st Avenue United
Methodist Churches on successfully completing a Potato Drop in December.
Potatoes were given to people in need throughout the state. The
cooperating efforts of so many people and God's provision made this
happen! Thanks to everyone for their willingness to help in this endeavor!

Our main interest in this Committee is to equip churches to find vital

ministries that can impact more people when done with other churches. The
Committee is planning events in 2009 to equip willing churches with
resources through a series of workshops across the Conference titled
"Planting Seeds for Small Membership Churches." More information will be
forthcoming. Look for highlights from various cooperative ministries across
the Tennessee Conference in the October 3rd issue of the United Methodist
Review. If you have a story you would like to be included, please email Rev.
Paul Edwards, Chair of the Conference Cooperative Ministries, at
pisgahumc@tds.net or call him toll free at 1-877-205-1713.
The Cooperative Ministries Committee joyfully announces the
continuing financial support of Cooperative Ministry that include 2 or more
churches or fellowships working towards a common goal. We call this a
"Helping Hands Seed Grant." We are proud to announce the following
ministries that received help this year: Community Churches Care in the Bon
Aqua Community, Harvest Hands in Brentwood, and Elizabeth's Table at the
Humphrey's Street UMC in Nashville. We will have this grant available in
2009.

The applications are due to the Conference Office by Friday, February 27,
2009. Applications will be available on the Conference website and the
coordinated mailing closer to the deadline.

Lastly, The Cooperative Ministries Committee is willing to present

workshops at any District event or local church to educate churches how
they can work cooperatively with area churches to have more fulfilling
ministries while reaching a broader range of individuals. Please contact Rev.
Paul Edwards for more information and to schedule a date.
 One Final Thought:

No matter the number of people

who attend worship on Sunday morning
or the size of the budget,
every church has something it can teach,
every church has something it can learn,
and all can benefit by sharing.

Paul Edwards
Chairperson
Cooperative Ministries Committee