"Taking It Outside the Walls" - June through October

Beginning at the first of June, the church published a newsletter that was sent to church regulars, then reached out to all homes in Talmage, as well as the surrounding area, sending approximaely 70 newsletters written by church contributors, and put together by Pastor Stout. That first newsletter announced our "Takin' It Outside the Walls" projects for the upcoming months.   At harvest, we launched "Project Lunch Box" and 60 lunches were passed out to truck drivers hauling wheat into the elevator.  Considered a huge success, the comments coming from elevator personnel, combine operators, truck drivers, were very positive and we received many thanks.  We were very excited that our effort to be visible in the community was that successful.                                                          Each event was suggested by someone in the church, posted on a poster, who invited all others to give suggestions and add details as we finalized each event. Before each month's event, the newsletter was again sent to community and area friends and neighbors.  July's "Tea Time at TUMC" was reminiscent of the old-fashioned "mother-daughter teas" the United Methodist Women put on each spring. The tea broght back to the community, many ladies, along with their daughters, and grandchildren for a time of fellowship and remembrances of that wonderful tradition.

August was the perfect month for a "Movie in the Park" night, at the Talmage City Park.  Young and old alike enjoyed the movie, concessions and fellowship, again, reminiscent of the outdoor movies that were shown on Saturday nights, on the side of a building downtown many years ago.

The park was also the focal point of the September project.  In conjunction with the Talmage School Reunion weekend, held in Talmage, the church sponsored "Concert in the Park".  Those attending and listening from their lawn chairs were entertained by Salina sacred music group "Crystal Creek".

After a summer of events,  a small increase in attendance was noticed, which went hand-in-hand with the comments from community that appreciated the church taking an interest and doing these things for the community.  At the same time, the church as re-furbishing the sign on Main St. that signals the location of the church.  Extensive maintanence and tuck-pointing was done to the exterior brick on the church building.

October brought back the old-fashioned bazaar at the church, on Saturday, October 31st, with a kids "Halloween Costume Contest", hayrack rides, raffles for donated prizes, an arts and crafts sale, bake sale and a soup lunch and a silent auction for an historic hand-quilted log cabin quilt that was made by the Talmage United Methodist Women in 1988.  

These summer programs are a reflection of the way we see the church can have an impact in the community.  And even better than that, we have seen an internal excitement, interest and  participation of the congregation that puts us out into the community, making us very visible.  Win.  Win.