May 5-11, 8 current and former members of CUMC participated in our church’s 31st mission trip to Sneedville, TN. Sneedville is in Hancock County, not far from Cumberland Gap, and is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. It is rugged and beautiful, and one of the poorest counties in the United States. During the week, we were able to reestablish relationships with folks we have met over the years and we served the Sneedville community in several ways.
We participated in the elementary school’s after school program, serving ice cream sundaes and making Mother’s Day cards with 70+ students, grades K-5.
We were in mission with the staff and residents of Hancock Manor Nursing Home. Our trip was during Nurses Appreciation Week and we recognized the staff all week with small thank you gifts, signed posters from our congregation, ice cream sundaes and lunch. We held a Prom for the residents with disco balls and lights, music, refreshments, corsages and boutonnieres. The staff found glitzy tops and did the residents’ hair and makeup and several staff even dressed in formal wear for the occasion. One of our mission team took a break from construction and arrived in his tuxedo for priceless photos with the residents. Throughout the week, we spent precious time with each resident, playing Bingo, doing crafts, puzzles, and games, and ending the week with a patriotic wheelchair parade.
We were in mission with the women of Sneedville. This group of women is the Ladies Group where 15-18 women met with us at the Jubilee Center, the United Methodist Mission Outreach Center in town. Each day our team prepared a Bible lesson, encouraged discussion, prepared and served lunch, did a craft, and prayed. When this mission area started years ago, the women would not meet together due to family and community conflicts. They now not only meet together and support each other when we are there, they meet for Bible study on their own throughout the year.
We installed siding and windows, fixed ice machines, stained a widow’s handicap ramp, changed a tire, and performed other construction projects around town and in support of the Jubilee Center.
Most importantly, we were present in this beloved community, lifting each other up and being lifted up in God’s love. Thank you to our prayer partners and the entire congregation for your support of this mission. Our good works are important. Our loving presence is priceless.
2024 Sneedville Mission Team - Peggy Birdsall, Patsy Brown, Lori Greenlief, Jill Lee, Lisa Nguyen, Barb Shaiko, Jim Symons, and Bonnie Young
