Mission Coalition celebrates 30th year

Mission Coalition, an ecumenical lay ministry of 10 Newton churches is celebrating its 30th year of providing a network of information and support to outreach projects of mutual interest to help those in need in Newton. The newest church to join Mission Coalition, Lutheran Church of Hope — Local Newton, is sponsoring the free showing of the movie “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Capitol II Theatre at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. Tickets are available at the theatre or from participating churches. Everyone who donates a canned good or non-perishable item for the food pantry will receive a free pop and popcorn.

Mission Coalition was organized by Shirley Dont in May 1995 to help initiate the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Newton. Since that time, the scope has evolved to include numerous service projects and fundraisers over the years. The current annual projects of Mission Coalition include two bake sales with proceeds to a non-profit, Jasper County CROP Hunger Walk, Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringing, The Way of the Cross Good Friday Cross Walk, and Looms of Love providing sleeping mats for the homeless which are woven out of plastic grocery bags.

New churches are welcome and encouraged to join this group. Contact Carol Macksey, Mission Coalition President, at 641-521-9228 for more information.