Coupeville UMC continues 160 years of ministry
By Debbie Wysomierski
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it.
-1 Corinthians 3:10 NIV
Coupeville United Methodist Church embodies this scripture in action. In 2013, CUMC saw the congregation celebrating its church’s 160th anniversary. Yes, over a century-and-a-half of standing firmly and faithfully on the corner of North Main Street – its spire visible to all who visit, its bell ringing out to all.
Today, the Church continues its faithful service to God and the local community. The Rev. Jin Ming Ma leads the Coupeville church serving as its 59th pastor. “I am so proud that the people of our congregation demonstrate their love of the Lord through their faithful actions to support, to care, to help, to love, and to work toward His purpose. In order to serve God in the name of Jesus Christ, the pastor, congregation, community and world must join together.” shares Ma.
How Coupville has served its community
Coupeville United Methodist Church is one of the most active churches on Whidbey Island serving the Coupeville community.
- Members of the Church are volunteer supporters at the Gifts from the Heart Food Bank. The congregation provides fresh eggs and toothbrushes & toothpaste to the food bank clients each year through its annual Lenten and Advent giving, in addition to ongoing food drives.
- The church partners with Senior Services of Island County to deliver lunch and fellowship to local seniors every Wednesday.
- The United Methodist Women is a vibrant part of the church with many activities including sponsoring a Young-at-Heart luncheon each month for seniors living alone or unable to come to church.
- The Strawberry Social, a mission fund raising event that benefits missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, held for over 100 years, is going strong.
- The Monday morning Sewing Group has lovingly made and delivered hundreds of quilts to the American Hero Quilt Project ministering to our wounded military personnel.
- Prayer shawls are knitted by a small group of women for those needing to know and feel the comfort of prayer.
- In 2013, gifts and offerings of almost $10,000 went out into the world and local community to provide support, aid and comfort to those in need.
- The congregation reached out to local organizations such as Small Miracles that helps with medical bills, Ryan’s House serving local homeless youths, Margie’s Place for women hurt by domestic violence and many others.
- In addition, the Pastor’s Community Fund responds to the needs of people within Coupeville providing them with assistance for housing, food, clothing, utilities and gas.
Yes, Coupeville United Methodist Church has faithfully served for 160 years. We trust in the Lord that we will continue our mission of serving ALL people through the spirit of the resurrection.
Debbie Wysomierski serves as the Church Life Coordinator for Coupeville UMC.
This story was originally featured in Channels #71, March 2014.
