Fellowship United Methodist Church says “thank you” to first responders with treats (no tricks)
MADISON – Fellowship United Methodist Church members appreciate Madison’s first responders and their lifesaving work. To show gratitude, church members deliver snack baskets to the hometown heroes.
“We wanted a project that focused on the City of Madison,” Marsha Willis said. Willis is Chairperson of Fellowship’s Outreach Missions Team. “We were immediately drawn to supporting and caring for our first responders.”
“Since Fellowship UMC was founded in December 2022, we have been a mission-driven church,” Rev. Holly Woodall said. She’s better known as ‘Pastor Holly.’ Each quarter, Fellowship provides fruit and ‘goody’ baskets to first responders in Madison as a thankyou for their service.
“We support numerous local and international charities, such as food pantries, Eighth Street Community, Hearts for Homeless and the United Methodist Committee on Relief,” Woodall said. “We also support local Ukrainian nationals and recently sent medical supplies to their homeland.”
Most recently, Fellowship collected and sorted supplies for first responders on Oct. 19 and delivered the baskets on Oct. 20.
Fellowship completed its first delivery to Madison first responders in June 2023. This ongoing outreach is called “Let’s Make a Difference.” The Outreach Mission Team coordinates this support.
Fellowship member Amanda Strickland, a retired registered nurse, leads “Let’s Make a Difference.” “Because of Amanda’s commitment to healthcare, reaching out to first responders was an easy decision,” Woodall said.
“(First responders) serve us when we’re at our lowest moments,” Strickland said. “In those emergencies, we cannot always say ‘thank you’ for their care. First responders carry a heavy burden. We want to show them how much they mean to us.”
All first responders — the police station, four fire stations and two HEMSI stations — receive the snack baskets.
Fellowship volunteers stuff the seasonal baskets with individually- wrapped snacks for ‘grab-andgo’ options. They also deliver fruit baskets and homemade cookies. These baskets continually grow because Fellowship members give so generously.
The mission team collects donations from the congregation (along with local businesses and individuals) after Sunday worship and delivers baskets the next day (Monday). Church members meet at Madison Commons and disperse in two- and three-member teams.
The in-person deliveries make an impression. “Before we deliver the gifts, we join hands and pray for their safety, well-being and care as they work to protect our community,” Woodall said.
Receiving the baskets, first responders are deeply appreciative and overwhelmed. “They’re so grateful, but, more than that, they appreciate the care and concern,” Woodall said.
Recently, a Fellowship member met a police officer on duty and asked the officer if he had gotten anything from the basket. The officer reached over and grabbed a bag of trail mix. “He was excited to be able to take a healthy snack on patrol,” Woodall said.
Fellowship’s Outreach Missions Team adopted Joshua 1:9 for guidance: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
“For our first responders, this verse seems particularly meaningful because they’re called to be strong and courageous for others in the most difficult situations,” Woodall said. “We want to celebrate their courage and grace.”
“I’ve always felt that first responders need our care and support because their jobs require so much of them. Not only do they place themselves in harm’s way to protect others, but they must also carry the burden of what they experience into their personal lives,” Woodall said. “I want them to know that we genuinely appreciate their skill and dedication to helping others,” Woodall said.
“I’m continually impressed by Fellowship UMC’s generosity of spirit. We give freely to all our missions, including first responders. We’re invested in our community and world, believing God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves. We’re open to everyone and invite our community to join us in worship,” Woodall said.
Fellowship UMC meets for Sunday worship at 3 p.m. at Heritage Church, 29768 Huntsville Brownsferry Road, along with Mondays at 5:30 p.m. for Bible study. Small groups meet throughout the month at various locations.
Many opportunities are available to connect, learn and support the community at Fellowship UMC. “We invite everyone to join us as we grow in faith and service,” Woodall said.
For more information about Fellowship United Methodist Church and their ministries, visit fellowshipumcmadison. com or Facebook/ Fellowship United Methodist Church.
