Digging potatoes (Ardmore-First UMC ) Prayers pave path for spud suppliers (Gene Autry UMC)

Ardmore 1st produces massive giveaway

For a second time, Ardmore-First UMC coordinated a massive giveaway of 40,000 pounds of potatoes in southern Oklahoma.

Terry Myer, a.k.a. "Terry Tater," reported the mission was undertaken to show the love of Jesus Christ in the community by distributing a truckload of potatoes, provided through the Society of St. Andrew, a national gleaning program to fight hunger. The mission is part of the Faith Promise program at First Church.

"To start, we divided the load in half, with 20,000 pounds going to other United Methodist churches in the area as well as groups that service those in need," Myer said. "The other 20,000 pounds have been distributed to the citizens here in Ardmore by conducting a drive-through giveaway."

On a Saturday in November, the church handed out all those potatoes in less than two hours. Stickers placed on the 10-pound produce bags stated, "We pray God’s blessings upon you. We invite you to be our guest for worship. First United Methodist Church. May God’s face shine upon you (Numbers 6:25)."

Volunteers of all ages participated in the effort. Boy Scouts delivered a pickup load to The Ardmore Village. Nick and Sonya Morris delivered two van loads to people in apartment complexes. Others filled their cars and took the food to shut-ins. Great Plains Rent-All donated the use of a forklift.

Organizations in Ardmore that received potatoes were The Salvation Army, ­Ardmore Soup Kitchen, Gene Autry Correctional Facility, Children’s Resource Center, Family Shelter, Children of the King Homeless Shelter, and Metropolitan AME Church.

Also participating in Potato Drop 2010 were the churches at Durant, Caddo, Gene Autry, Lone Grove, Kingston-Lighthouse, Ringling, Wilson, and Healdton, as well as the Wesley Foundation at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Church members also took potatoes to Milo and Marietta.

"The thank-yous and expressions of joy on faces was just exciting to everyone involved," Myer said.

More Ministry snapshots

• Edmond-First UMC SCOUT SUNDAY

• Cheyenne UMC ON TARGET TO GROW

• Youth Force Altus RACING IN ALTUS

• Tulsa, Aldersgate UMC ALDERSGATE ANNIVERSARY

• Vinita-First UMC HAVE SHOVELS, WILL SERVE

• Grandfield UMC GRANDFIELD GENEROSITY

• Guthrie-First UMC HISTORIC MOMENT

• Oak Park UMC JEWELRY FOR JAPAN

• Bartlesville-First UMC CASH FLOW

• Midwest City, Wickline UMC A CAPITOL CHAPLAIN

• Weatherford-First UMC BLESS THIS HOUSE

• OKC-Church of the Servant MIXING A MISSION MEAL

• OKC-Church of the Servant GIVING TOTALS $554,000

• Ardmore-First UMC Digging potatoes
   Prayers pave path for spud suppliers

• Frederick-First UMC Frederick women widen circle for teenage members