New Methodist congregation wants to make warm gesture

A new church that is forming already is making an effort to help its community.

The Rev. Carolyn Moore and the leadership of Mosaic United Methodist Church will collect coats, sweaters and blankets at a drop-in informational meeting today from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Evans Middle School cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served.

"The main statement we hope to make is that everything we do as a church will be connected to an opportunity to serve," Moore said. "That is why even our informational meetings are connected to an opportunity to serve."

The winter apparel will be donated to Augusta Urban Ministries, which collects the items in the fall to distribute in Richmond and Columbia counties, said Amy Hobby Rickard, the group's director.

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The ministry distributed 239 coats, sweaters and blankets in 2002 and already has served 182 people this year, Rickard said. A cold January and a slow economy leaving more people in need led Rickard to believe the ministry will distribute another 180 cold-weather necessities this fall and winter.

"Even if you don't plan to be part of the church, it is a reminder to you that you have probably got something inside your house or inside your head right now that can help somebody," Moore said.

Moore will make a brief presentation at today's gathering for anyone interested in the church, followed by mingling and discussion.

Moore was appointed to lead the church July 1 and has held one other forming meeting, during which much of the church leadership was organized.

The first Bible study will be Sunday, Oct. 5 and Moore expects formal worship services to begin in February.

Anyone is welcome to join, Moore said. The church philosophy is to be a place for all kinds of people and all cultures, hence the name Mosaic.

"We want Mosaic to be a place where all people are welcome - a multicultural community of faith in the midst of an increasingly multicultural community," Moore said. "We also expect Mosaic to be a place of mission, where the church reaches out into the community to make a difference in the lives of others."

For more information on the church or donating, call Moore at 877-6468.