First United Methodist Church plans fundraisers for mission to Guatemala

Carson City First United Methodist Church is sending a mission to La Union, an impoverished rural Guatemalan village. Many in the village suffer intestinal diseases from contaminated water and respiratory illnesses from cooking over open fires in their homes.

Members of the church began medical missions to Guatemala in 2007.

The church mission is to foster an ongoing relationship with the local residents and provide efficient wood burning cooking stoves and water filters for the villagers. The group also plans to repair the school roof and perform other general repairs to La Union's school buildings in addition to a two-day medical clinic.

As part of its preparation, the mission group is reaching out to church members and to other Carson City residents, to both inform them of the impending trip and to seek donations to assist with building projects, stove and water filter installations and scholarships for youth to participate in this life-changing learning experience.

First United Methodist Church will devote three services Sunday, at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., to an inspirational and informative look at the Guatemala mission trip. You don't need to be a church member to attend.

The coffee hour at 10:30 a.m. will feature Guatemalan hot chocolate and coffee. T-shirts and Guatemalan crafts will be for sale from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Additional fundraising are scheduled:

Friday and Saturday, April 9-10: Rummage sale at the church

Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9: Softball tournament at Centennial Park

First United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Division and Musser streets in Carson City. For more information call Anita Shaul at 841-8889.