“I wish our whole church could come and serve at Midwest Mission!”

This, or phrases like it, is a common exclamation from volunteers after they’ve spent some time with us at Midwest Mission. After serving, teams leave with a passion and fire to get more people involved back at home. The problem is, not everyone can come to Midwest Mission! First of all, we can only fit so many volunteers in our building. Second of all, we know not everyone can make the trip to us.

So, what do you do if you want to get your entire congregation involved, but you can’t load up a bus and bring everyone on a mission trip to Midwest Mission?

New Lenox UMC has an answer for that: you bring the Mission to your church!

For several years, New Lenox has sent teams to volunteer at Midwest Mission, and they are  a Permanent Collection Site. Because they wanted to get more people excited about Midwest Mission, last fall, they took several congregants on a “field trip” to Pawnee to learn more about being a volunteer. After visiting and learning about what we do and how they can get involved, New Lenox’s Missions Committee decided to offer a Kit assembly at their church to get more people serving. 

They decided on Personal Dignity Kits, but they needed to raise money to purchase supplies to assemble into Kits. Their kids and staff raised $800 during VBS week, and the Missions Committee used a grant to cover the cost of supplies.

On Sunday, August 4, 50 volunteers came to assemble Kits between their two worship services. Together, they packed 288 Personal Dignity Kits that will bring hope and dignity to those who receive them!

Because they wanted to offer a hands-on way for their congregation to get involved in mission, 288 people will have the hygiene resources they need in the midst of a crisis. And, their entire congregation, from the kiddos at VBS to the adults on Sunday morning, was involved in this hope-filled event.

You could do this at your church or with your group! Visit midwestmission.org/at-home to learn more.

This week, Emma Gibbs started as Midwest Mission's new Communications Specialist. She will be working alongside Mallory Webster, Communications Manager, to continue growing the Midwest Mission reach, and to better our Communication.

Emma is a sophomore at Lincoln Land Community College, studying Graphic Design.

"I'm most looking forward to working in a Christian environment where my two biggest passions can merge: missions and graphic design!"

If you see Emma, introduce yourself and welcome her to the Midwest Mission Family!

Our 2023 Impact Report is available for download! Using the button below, you can download the report and share with someone you know!

August Church Bulletin Insert

We offer monthly church bulletin inserts that you can slide in your church's bulletin. These inserts keep your congregation up-to-date on our current needs and upcoming events!

• Receiving Blankets
• Must be 28"x28" to 32" x 32" and made out of new flannel
• Our goal is 1,000 Receiving Blankets!

Click here to purchase these items online.



You can bring items to Midwest Mission or a Permanent Collection Site near you — or send them through the mail to 1001 Mission Drive, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Work Done

• 870 Student Kits
• Stuffed Summer Mailer

• Poly Shop
• Desk Shop
• Cleaning
• Bike Shop
• Groundskeeping
• Sewing

Disbursements

• St. Martin de Porres, Springfield, IL: 69 Bikes Value: $6,210
• Green County Food Pantry, Jefferson, IA: Cleaning Supplies Value: $240

Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!



Ready to Get Involved?

Here are three ways you can get involved at Midwest Mission:

1. Host an Off-Site Event

We have several hands-on mission opportunities you can host at your location! Visit midwestmission.org/off-site to learn more. Contact Melissa Brookens at 217-483-7911 or melissa@midwestmission.org to book your event or for questions.

2. Serve From Home

You can serve people around the world from right at home! From sewing, to assembling kits, there's something for everyone. Learn how at midwestmission.org/at-home.

3. Volunteer at Midwest Mission

We have dates available in 2024 and 2025! Have questions or need assistance in booking? Contact Pat Wright at  pat@midwestmission.org or 217-697-4063. 

Click here to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.



2025 and 2026 Volunteer Calendar is open for dorm reservations!

Go to our Reservation Calendar, log in, reserve your rooms, and submit payment for your Non-refundable Reservation Fee via credit card or electronic check. We will email you the Access Code to reserve Volunteer Shifts for your team. You must complete this step for your team to volunteer at Midwest Mission.

For local teams and individuals: Volunteer Shifts will only be available 3 months ahead of time. For example, December 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for March of 2024.

Midwest Mission Iowa

If you would like to do the Midwest Mission Experience at our Jefferson, IA location, visit midwestmission.org/iowa - or reach out to Melissa Brookens.

Debbie and Stan Stadel

Yorkville, IL

Howard Orndorff

Nebraska City, NE

Sewing Group Springfield First UMC

Springfield, IL

New Life UMC

Six Lakes, MI

Peggy Masterson and Steve Main

Galesburg & Altoona, IL

Calvary UMC

Normal, IL

Cathy VanGundy and Family

Panora, IA