Giving & Missions

In our ministry as church, we make things happen through our gifts.

Giving is part of our human DNA, and most especially part of our Christian DNA. We give because God gave first the most precious gift of all, Jesus Christ. God gave each of us different gifts and talent. They are our spiritual gifts: praying, teaching, healing, preaching, listening, creating crafts, carpentry, and many more. In the Methodist church we strive to apply these gifts in our Missions to glorify God’s name.

Our Stewardship: I will be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it with my Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness.

Mission is not an option for the church; its impact grounds the spreading of good news, the good news of Jesus Christ. Mission is the outward profession of the gospel.

Christ, the Incarnation of God’s loving presence, is the basis of mission. Mission points people of the world toward the gracious free gift of love and acceptance in Jesus Christ, and mission allows people to live the reality of God’s loving presence in the world. In other words, we are not to be a mere human organization, but a divinely empowered instrument of God’s grace.

Missio Dei, Mission of God, calls all people to be among all people and in all places at all times. We go forth into global ministries that heal, feed, nurture, care for, and empower the people of the whole world for new life.

Wesley, our founder, also believed “the whole world is our parish.”

Who we remember in graceful prayer of self-giving love, during worship, in prayer circles and small group ministries, and in all public printed or electronic media, will say much about our global spirituality in our local context. Our missionaries, our partner churches in over 100 nations, and our national and local missions in the U.S. motivate us to be a blessing and to be blessed by these spiritual connections.

Based on these beliefs, the United Methodist Church set forth Four Goals of Mission:

1. Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world
2. Strengthen, Develop & Renew Christian Congregations & Communities through spiritual life, worship, witness, and service
3. Alleviate Human Suffering, be it spiritual, physical, emotional & social needs
4. Seek Justice, Freedom & Peace whether unjust economic, political or social systems

  • Each member is encouraged to covenant with God through monetary pledge, an estimated giving for the year, so that the church can responsibly act on God’s call through Salem’s ministries. The pledge does not only respond to the local church’s needs, but also to the “connection.”

  • Individual churches can minister to a small area; however, as a connectional church, we can do big things, all in the name of Jesus Christ. Every year, we pool our local gifts with other churches to support the worldwide ministry of the United Methodist Church. This process is called apportionment. 

    One organization supported through apportionments is the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR is a humanitarian organization that provides relief in response to natural disasters.  

  • RaiseRight (formerly branded SCRIP) is a fundraising program that allows our church to raise money through the purchase of gift cards. The earnings come directly from the brand—it's their way of supporting community groups like ours by using gift cards to pay for everyday purchases. 

    How it works

    • Parishioners buy gift cards at church on Sundays.  The cards are sold at face value. The card can be purchased from either on/hand supplies or an order can be placed through RaiseRight.

    • A percentage of each purchase is donated to our church (6% average, up to 20%)

    RaiseRight partners with well-known, beloved brands, so there’s something for everyone and many times we can equip you for your week with gift cards on hand at church, for example – Kwik Trip, Festival Foods, Culvers, Woodman’s.

    SUMC RaiseRight Coordinator(s) are Mindy Smouse, 262-716-4420; Alternate – Kim Ouwerkerk, 262-308-6987.

  • Each month, all of the coins dropped in the collection plate are sent to various missions. Each month a special mission is designated to receive that month’s offering.  You may also help support these causes by sending in a check by the end of each month, with a notation in the memo area, and it will be included in our total donation.

  • At Salem UMC we challenge ourselves to impact the community around us. Every year we challenge ourselves as  a church to complete 8,000 hours of community service each year whether that is working in our Hope Gardens, volunteering at the Westosha Senior Community Center, supporting a fund raiser, or serving at the soup kitchen. Every Sunday a slip is provided in the bulletin to record your volunteer time and offer it up to God during our offering. If you are unable to attend and want to submit hours please email them to our church secretary (salemsecretary@gmail.com) 

  • Shalom Center Soup Kitchen
    Every fifth Thursday of the month, Salem UMC makes and serves soup and sandwiches  for those in need in downtown Kenosha. We also donate money to the Soup Kitchen for milk – just mark your contribution “MILK” and drop it in the collection plate.

    Sharing Center
    Donations of food and clothing items may be placed in the collection box located in Fellowship Hall. These items are delivered to the local food pantry for distribution.

    Westosha Senior Center
    Donations and volunteering assist seniors in maintaining independence through learning, creativity, fitness and friendship, and encourage their involvement as vital members of their communities.

    Aid Africa’s Children
    This organization was co-founded by our own Debbie Gilliam to raise funds for crucial living needs like water availability and sends medical missionaries to African villages giving medical attention and supplies.

    Hosted Community Organization Meetings:
    Boy Scouts of America
    Salem Pioneers 4H Club
    Alcoholics Anonymous