The PPUMC Administrative Council has approved a new initiative called, Project Mustard Seed. This program is designed to encourage PPUMC members to propose and engage in activities that further the church’s mission through specific funding requests.
PPUMC’s mission states, “We seek to be an inclusive Christian community that affirms faith in God and spiritual growth with a commitment to justice and stewardship of God’s creation.” Named after Jesus’ well-known parable, Project Mustard Seed is designed to grow new and exciting engagement opportunities across the community. Essential aspects include:
- PPUMC is an inclusive community, with a long history of reconciliation that welcomes and integrates LGBTQ individuals into the life of the church. The work of inclusion has also included removing barriers that hinder the active participation of those with disabilities. In the past few years, the community has been focused on racial equity & justice issues.
- We are a Christian faith community.
- Our faith moves us towards social justice learning and action.
- Our faith directs us to be good stewards of God’s creation and to engage in the work of healing.
The funding from Project Mustard Seed is a direct way to promote actions that further the mission of the church and grows the impact of the PPUMC in our community and the world.
How will the process work?
Project Mustard Seed has initial funding total of $5,000 for the next twelve months, during which time we hope to fund multiple projects. It is anticipated that a specific project may cost between $100 – $1,000. (Larger requests will be taken under special advisement.)
Each application will be reviewed by a Project Review Committee, appointed by the PPUMC Administrative Council. The Project Review Committee will review project applications on a monthly basis.
Eligibility requirements include:
- You are a member of PPUMC or have a close affiliation with PPUMC.
- The proposed project furthers the mission of PPUMC.
- The funding is for a one-time expense or a time-limited project. This is not for long-term, on-going funding needs, or to pay for staffing.
Examples of potential projects include:
- Purchasing books for a book study group to further learning and discussion on race equity work.
- Sponsorship of a speaker series on current issues facing our church and the greater community, including race equity, LGBTQIA+ full inclusion, etc.
- Scholarships to help support participants in mission trip work.
- Supporting a multi-week cooking class using locally sourced food and incorporating information on faith communities work on sustainable agriculture.
Application Process:
- Interested applicants can complete a formal application form and submit it to the church office by email, USPS, or dropping off at the church directly.
- The project review committee will consider each application, with a follow-up meeting to be scheduled with the applicant to discuss each project.
- The committee will make a recommendation to the Administrative Council, which will make the final decision on each application.
- Each applicant will be notified by the Review Committee, with all financial payments coordinated with the church treasurer.
- A Project Completion form will be filled out by each applicant once their project has been completed.
Project applications can be submitted beginning June 1, 2022. Final funding decisions will be made at the monthly Administrative Council meetings which occur on the second Tuesday of the month. Applications must be received by the 15th of the month. The meeting with the Project Review Committee will occur during the last week of each month.
Questions? Please reach out to Liz Richards, Project Mustard Seed chair, at:
lizrichards360@gmail.com
(612) 379-4611
Thank you for your interest!
