Stockton United Methodist Church Selected for Missouri Conference’s Congregations in Action Program

The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church has chosen Stockton United Methodist Church (SUMC) as one of the first 15 congregations to participate in its innovative Congregations in Action program. This initiative provides $10,000 in seed funding, along with hands-on collaboration, training, and volunteer support, to empower SUMC to address critical community needs in Stockton.

Through Congregations in Action, the Missouri Conference equips SUMC with not only financial resources but also access to expert guidance, tailored training, and a complementary theological teaching series to amplify the program’s impact. SUMC has already begun an intensive training process led by Missouri Conference facilitators and is actively engaging in community-focused projects.

SUMC has identified food insecurity as a pressing need in Stockton and will direct its efforts toward three key initiatives:

• Korth Senior Center, which provides affordable meals for seniors and facilitates the Meals on Wheels program.

• Tiger Tasters, a program supplying weekend meals to qualifying children in the Stockton R1 School District.

• SAMA Food Pantry, providing food for families facing food insecurity.

Sherlene Netsch, who serves as committee chair for SUMC’s Congregations in Action project, said the group felt this selection enabled the church to serve every age group in the community. She also said the project provides an opportunity for every congregant to get involved. 

“Everybody can do something,” she said, adding, “We know that not everybody can donate.” 

However, she did have suggestions: “Donate, pack boxes, deliver meals, and pray.” 

About Stockton United Methodist Church

Stockton United Methodist Church is a vibrant faith community whose vision is to love God and love others. Sunday school classes for children, tweens, and adults are at 9:45 a.m., and worship service is at 10:45 a.m.