Valparaiso 1st UMC HILLTOP MINISTRY

A Monday Morning in the Life of Breakfast Club

We pick up the kids from their homes; serve them breakfast and visit with them; have circle time of singing, story, and prayer lead by Barb Punter; think, learn, share; and then off to school. Many times we have a relevant craft project too.

Fall, 2014

Winter Craft Project -the key to our heart for Jesus Christ

Family Christmas Celebration

December 22, 2014 Breakfast Club Families and Volunteers met at the former Reiner Community Room at 510 Union Street. Pizza and drinks were provided and everyone brought a simple dessert to share. Due to pouring rain and cold weather we caroled in the hallways for the residents. Some of the ladies joined us for our desserts and we were able to get to know each other better. There were crafts and lots of visiting. And the evening ended with carols around the piano. Wonderful evening! See more details below the pictures please.

Each family was given a copy of Eugene Peterson's children's story, The Christmas Troll. The main message is that "gifts are for giving and receiving, not for grabbing and getting." It also talks about gifts being something other than presents wrapped in paper and tied with a bow, under a tree. And that we should "live expectantly, watching for God's gifts." The gifts were given and then there was discussion about the gift they would be giving (AND receive in the giving) by sharing Christmas carols with our neighbors.

Thank you to Esta Rosario for sharing the FUMC Choir's caroling books!

Ash Bore Disease Hits Trees at Hilltop Neighborhood House

Money from the FUMC Hilltop Ministry account was donated to Hilltop Neighborhood House for the removal of three trees infested with ash bore disease. The trees were located in the playground area. Two sturdy canopy/tents will also be purchased with this money to provide shade for their smallest children when on the playground until new trees can be replanted next year.

The Early Childhood Development Program that uses this playground is supported by scholarships. Currently79% of the children enrolled in their childcare program come from low-income families and receive "scholarships" or tuition assistance. 100% of the children moving into kindergarten in fall, 2014 tested in the 95th percentile or higher on Kindergarten entrance testing.

We have many FUMC members that volunteer at Hilltop Neighborhood House, donating time and dollars.

Thank you Local Missions!

Thank you to Local Missions for $1,000 to help with necessary expenses for the moving of the Hilltop Village Food Pantry from Monroe Street to the basement of Walt's Place, 554 South Locust Street. Shelving was also created.

The pantry was serving more than 400 individuals monthly, plus holiday food baskets, school supplies, and benefitting from coat/shoe drives. Even more people are coming to the new location.

View some pictures below of the Pantry the day it was dedicated as the Rose Gray Hilltop Village Pantry.

Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!

to FUMC Local Missions and All who helped, donated food and money, and prayed for those coming to the pantry and those volunteering there. And all those who continue to do so.

Trick or Treating for Two Food Pantries

Breakfast Club and the children of Union Community Church went trick or treating just after Halloween. The non perishable items collected were given to the Hilltop Village Food Pantry (soon to be located at Hilltop Too/Walt's Place) and The Christian Food Pantry housed at the First United Methodist Church. Following the "work" we celebrated with pizza at the Union Community Church located at 602 Monroe Street. This is also where Breakfast Club meets on Monday mornings.

Scroll down to see what fun we had!!

Its so much fun to do things for others!

Breakfast Club Goes to a RailCats Game - August 1, 2014

Our Breakfast Clubbers and their families and our Breakfast Club Volunteers enjoyed a great time together: game, good food, and fireworks!

End of School Year Party - June 2, 2014

Breakfast Club usually ends the school year with a breakfast picnic at Tower Park. Due to weather concerns we went to the McDonalds on Rt.30 so the Clubbers could also play in the play place. Here are some pictures from our early morning party.