Later this year, the PUMC and First UMC of Collingswood are sponsoring a Missions Trip to La Palmilla Mexico to help this United Methodist Church expand their building. The church in La Palmilla is “bursting at the seams”, and we are helping them to expand their ministry.
On Saturday 5/3/25, PUMC will host a “Battle of the Bands” event to raise funds for the construction in La Palmilla. All of the proceeds will be delivered directly to the folks in La Palmilla (the “Battle of the Bands” is not being used to fund the mission team’s travel expenses).
Battle of the Bands…
- BY WHOM: Praise bands from local churches
- FOR WHOM: Anyone!!!
- WHAT: An evening of music, worship, and other fun stuff. The sale of refreshments and proceeds from a “Silent Auction” will raise funds to aid in the construction project in La Palmilla Mexico.
- WHERE: Pitman UMC (click for directions)
- WHEN: Saturday May 3, 6:00-8:30 PM
“Battle” of the Bands?
The hymn “Onward Christian Solders” describes the Christian’s role in the world as a soldier marching into battle. In his letter to Timothy, Paul warned the young pastor about the evils in the world and encouraged him to “fight the battle well”, and to hold “on to faith and a good conscience…” Paul told the Ephesians that we were in a struggle “against the powers of this dark world.” (Ephesians 6:12)
The “battle” in this evening of music is not BETWEEN the Bands; this isn’t a competition. It truly is a battle OF the bands; musicians and all who attend are “banding together” to share the Gospel of Jesus. We’re “fighting against” the obstacles which divide people from enjoying a full relationship with God which is available through the grace of Jesus.
Feed My Sheep…
In John 21, Jesus told Peter (and us) to “feed His sheep”. We are forgiven so that we can truly love Jesus, and we express our love by caring for God’s people. The church in La Palmilla is doing just that, and we want to help them. The hymn “Onward Christian Solders” reminds us that we’re all one Church:
“We are not divided, all one body we. One in hope and doctrine, one in charity“.
In La Palmilla, the church is organizing a Vacation Bible School that attracts so many kids that they don’t have room for them. The community’s thirst for knowledge is great, but they don’t have a library. Their love for Jesus is intense, but they don’t have the financial resources to carry out their mission.
So we want to join in the “battle”, and this “Battle of the Bands” is a chance for the communities around Pitman to help the community of La Palmilla Mexico feed Jesus’ sheep.
In 2018, we held a similar “Battle of the Bands” event to help La Palmilla build a new sanctuary (which is now “bursting at the seams.”). Here are some pictures from that evening and from our past Missions Trips to La Palmilla:
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For more about our relationship with the church in La Palmilla, click this button:
