During the month of October, we are highlighting just some of the community projects that UMC is involved in. We know that the people and groups of UMC are involved in mission work and care in so many different ways – the generosity of this community is one of its distinguishing features. But we thought we would look each Sunday at some of the specific programmes we run and the opportunities to be involved, as a reminder of what has happened this year.

Last week Sunday, Nonny shared about the Khanyisa Teacher Training programme, which is a year-long course that equips pre-school teachers with skills in Early Childhood Development. The 25 teachers who have been part of the programme this year will graduate in November. Each teacher receives a resource pack for their school, made possible by the sponsorship of UMC members.

This Sunday, Jeanne Haley is sharing about a new programme where UMC and Mpower are collaborating with Nkosi Bomvu High school. In partnering with the school's Life Orientation teacher (who is a member of UMC), this programme runs life skills workshops with the learners, as well as a teacher development programme. We have also made it possible for a smart board and educational software to be installed in the school, in an exciting new pilot project.

In the next two weeks, you will hear more about the Khanyisa Adult Literacy project as well as some of the relief work of the sewing group, the toiletry project to help keep children in school and the partnership with Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre. You will also hear about ways in which you can encourage, support, pray for and be involved in the various projects. As you hear about the work being done, listen also for where God might be calling you, where God might be inviting you to be involved.

If you would like more information about any of the projects, please feel free to chat to Sue Wills, the society steward who oversees mission, or Nonny our community worker, or Michael or myself. And please pray with us this month very intentionally for all the community programmes on the go here at UMC.