New Creation is the praise group from Christ United Methodist Church. From left are Mark Posten, Chris Berg, Jennifer Leavitt, Pastor Shauna Hyde and Angie Rarey. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The congregation of Christ United Methodist Church at the corner of 16th Street and St Marys Avenue is celebrating its 54th annual Faith Missions Weekend March 24-26.

The theme “To the Neighborhood and Beyond!” is an expression of what is happening in the church.

For 53 years the congregation has taken seriously the last command of Jesus: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” They have supported dozens of missionaries by prayer and over half a million dollars. During some of those years nine other congregations joined the efforts and participated in celebrations. Last year the small congregation sent over $50,000 to support 11 missionaries and a number of state projects.

The church also worked to meet the needs of its neighborhood. Partnering with Jon Six and other volunteers, it provides a take-out meal for 250-300 people every Sunday at 4 p.m. It is also partnering with United Way by turning the Educational Building into offices for non-profits and housing a clothing cupboard and food pantry staffed by an Americorps worker. Two other congregations also use the church each week for worship services.

To celebrate neighborhood service and world mission, the Faith Missions celebration this year begins with a spaghetti dinner provided by the congregation and open to the public at 5:30 p.m. March 24. Reservations are appreciated by calling the church office at 304-422-3016, but not necessary.

The dinner will be followed by a service at 6:45 p.m. featuring music with Chad and Mandy Stevens from St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church and New Creation, a Praise group from Christ UMC. Missionaries Joe Shea and Nate Rybicki, who have worked as missionaries to college students in Massachusetts, will be speakers. The church is inviting anyone interested to come to the dinner and service. There is no cost. An offering will be taken.

March 25 from 1-3 p.m. at the Parkersburg YMCA, the church is hosting a Youth Event for middle and high school students. There will be pizza, cornhole and pickleball, and a chance to hear Shea talk about “How to Share Your Faith Without Being Obnoxious.” Reservations are needed by March 22.

March 26 at 9:45 a.m., a video presenting messages from the 11 missionaries Christ UMC supports all over the world will be shown, followed by the worship service at 11 a.m.