Missions Committee projects:

• Support of the Winter Overflow Shelter
  
  In 2009, Aldersgate gave $1000.00 to support the Winter Overflow Shelter.   The shelter is an emergency overnight shelter that operates from November 1 through March 31.   The shelter is housed in a series of downtown churches, staffed by Inter-Faith Ministries, and funded by donations—primarily from the faith community.  The operating budget is $61,000.  In 2008/2009 the shelter housed 373 individuals, 369 of whom were chronically homeless.  Because of the welcoming environment created by the churches, the staff and volunteers, case managers were able to build relationships and help 166 of the shelter guests find permanent housing.

• Participation in "Sandwich Saturday"
  
  Several churches of different denominations take turns providing sack lunches to the poor and homeless every Saturday in the parking lot at St. John’s Episcopal Church downtown.   Aldersgate supplies 250 sack lunches every time there is a 5^th Saturday of the month.  This occurs four times a year.  Five adult Sunday School classes each donate the makings and prepare 50 sack lunches.  Lunches are assembled in Fellowship Hall and volunteers deliver them and hand them out.  In October 2009 several of Aldersgate’s youth participated in preparing and serving the lunches, giving very positive feedback on the experience.

• "Undie Sunday" collection
  
  During the summer of 2009 the Missions Committee designated some dates when men’s, women’s and children’s underwear were collected for the homeless.  These much needed  items were taken to appropriate shelters.

Other Projects:

• United Methodist Women collect blankets for the homeless.

• The church collects food items for United Methodist Open Door

• Several groups make and serve food for the drop-in center.

Advent Conspiracy Mission Fair

• Open Door Community Food Ministry
  
  Wichita’s needs have increased by 150 families this year. They estimate their food reserves will be depleted by Thanksgiving. Just $100 can feed three families for a week.

• Downtown Daycare
  
  Downtown Daycare provides a safe haven daycare for children living in homeless shelters, safe homes, foster care, low income homes and children in the community at large. Many of these children come to the daycare with inadequate clothing. Most will have no Christmas gifts at all. Just $3 will provide a pair of gloves, $10 a winter coat, $8 a child’s toy.

• Messiah's Branch
  
  Messiah’s Branch feeds the homeless weekly. Each Christmas they strive to provide a Christmas gift to the approximately130 men, women and children they serve. Gifts are size specific and personalized. Just $15 will provide boots that fit well and provide warmth and protection through a cold Kansas winter.