In the midst of great challenges our Health and Welfare ministries are providing vital services. Our ministries serve people all over Wisconsin. From urban to rural. From Milwaukee to Superior, from Janesville to Oshkosh. From Hudson to Sheboygan. From children, youth and families to older adults.
One of the important ways we support our ministries is through the annual Golden Cross offering. Your gift to Golden Cross is truly a mustard seed gift. Our organizations use these gifts as matching funds to secure foundation funding and other grants that are two, three, or even four times larger than the match. Because of the unique circumstances of 2020 we are trying a new approach to Golden Cross this year.
- The designated Sunday is May 10th. However, you may observe Golden Cross on any Sunday of your choice. Some Churches choose multiple Sundays.
- In the past, we have mailed out envelopes to local churches. We will not be mailing out envelopes this year. Instead, we would ask you to use your regular offering envelopes or pew envelopes to designate gifts to Golden Cross.
- Given the uncertainty of when we will be able to resume in person worship, we will also be offering an online giving option
- Four videos highlighting each ministry are available for use in worship, newsletters and social media in the run up to Golden Cross Sunday.
Thank you for supporting our health and welfare ministries. Each year the Health and Welfare Committee allocates the funds received based on the greatest needs. This year’s offering will support Harbor House Crisis Shelters, Northcott Neighborhood House, United Methodist Children’s Services, and United Methodist Hospitals Ministry. Each week, we will share information about one of the ministries that will be supported on Golden Cross Sunday. This week will focus on Harbor House Crisis Shelters.
Harbor House Crisis Shelters
Video: Harbor House Crisis Shelters
This video was filmed when Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner, now North West District Superintendent, served as Executive Director. Chelsea Branley now serves in that position.
Harbor House Crisis Shelters, since its inception, has been blessed by committed volunteers and donors, a dedicated staff, a faith-filled leadership by Rev. Barb Certa-Werner as well as Faith United Methodist Church. The hands that hold Harbor House Crisis shelters may have changed, but the passion and dedication to our mission remains the same. As the Executive Director, I continue to encourage growth and compassion with my staff, volunteers, interns and students as we move forward with serving homeless women, children and families here in our area. You have made a difference in the lives of thousands of homeless who we have served with your support, so Thank You!
Remember, there is only one way to get through some things and that is together.
Our Response to COVID-19
In response to the current Coronavirus, Harbor House is doing the best that we can to take preventative measures. Our staff has been working diligently to keep our shelters clean, keep our guests safe, and create a home-life environment during these uncertain times.