Beacon District Superintendent Rev. Gil Wise and Rev. Gina Miller listen as Rev. Jaye White congratulates the congregation.
Each year the Key Taylor Award is given to a rural congregation that has committed to mission and service. They must pay their apportionments, support Advance giving, and demonstrate a commitment to ministerial growth.
This year’s recipient is St. John UMC located in Avon, NC on the Outer Banks. Some of their many servant ministries include housing and feeding mission teams responding to disasters. As part of their calling to “Feed My Sheep,” they host a weekly community meal during the winter months when most of the tourists are off the islands, and income for many of their neighbors is hard to come by. All are welcome at the table, and they also deliver meals to homebound residents. The church also has a Tiny Food Pantry located in front of the building that contains non-perishable items and is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. They collect and distribute school supplies, AND they have a bicycle service station!
Pastor Gina Miller receiving the Key Taylor Award and accompanying check on behalf of the good folks at St. John UMC.
Pastor Gina Miller reports, “Of course not all hunger is bad, because this church hungers for God and in doing so they are filled with the Holy Spirit!” Many thanks to the people at St. John UMC for witnessing to God’s generosity!