Our December Mission is Sustainable Action International (SAI). SAI works to fulfill basic needs for the Haitian people in LaVictoirie, Haiti through their church, elementary school, high school, farm, medical clinic, and other various programs. This year has been incredibly challenging for those living in Haiti due to extreme political unrest and violence causing catastrophic levels of hunger. We are raising funds to assist SAI in their efforts to bring hope and encouragement to the Haitian people in this time of urgent need.

One of our holiday traditions is known as Poinsettias with Purpose. Rather than purchasing live poinsettias, we encourage your donations in honor or memory of loved ones. For each $10 donation (which goes to SAI), a paper poinsettia will hang in the church and will be designated with your name and the name of your loved one(s). The names of your loved ones will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin.

Submissions are due by December 17. Please fill out the online form at fumcah.com/poinsettias or the paper form available during Sunday services.

Additionally, all proceeds from our annual Missions Cookie Sale will benefit SAI. Cookies may be purchased before and after worship on Sunday, December 17.

Help support Missions by donating at fumcah.com/give and selecting “Missions” from the drop-down menu. You can also send a check, made out to FUMCAH with "Missions" on the memo line, to the church at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL.

During November, FUMCAH is supporting the work of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). UMCOR provides humanitarian relief and disaster response in the United States and internationally. Their efforts are targeted in places where natural disasters, war, or conflict have done so much damage that communities are unable to recover on their own. In addition, UMCOR helps communities in the United States and abroad prepare for emergencies and address issues of health, sanitation, poverty, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security. Many development problems are interrelated, so UMCOR uses integrated solutions to address their root causes. UMCOR seeks to empower local hospitals, schools, churches, and other stakeholders by enhancing their capacity to address these issues.

UMCOR and its partners are responding to disasters around the world every day. They are providing humanitarian aid to those affected by war in Israel/Gaza and Ukraine, earthquakes in Afghanistan and Morocco, flooding in Syria and Haiti, and many other humanitarian crises, including those closer to home such as hurricane Idalia in Florida and the fires in Hawaii.

Help support Missions by donating at fumcah.com/give and selecting “Missions” from the drop-down menu. You can also send a check, made out to FUMCAH with "Missions" on the memo line, to the church at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL.