Legacy UMC volunteers change the oil on the vehicles of single moms. Photos courtesy of Nita Jeromchek.

“I had a rough childhood. Throughout my life, I wondered where God was. I didn’t see it then, but he has always been there. So many things have happened to see that God is here and that he always shows up,” says Nita Jeromchek, a lay member of Legacy UMC, who spends time each winter in Cape Coral, Florida. 

Single moms in Bismarck, North Dakota, were the focus of members of Legacy United Methodist Church. A team of 50 volunteers assisted 60 single mothers by changing the oil in their vehicles and pouring into their souls.

In the wintertime in Florida, Nita and her husband attend Grace Church there. She brought back to Legacy UMC the idea of having “A Day of Blessing Single Mom’s.” 

“God just drops in on you, and you have to have faith and try things,” says Nita. “So I brought the idea back to Legacy, and we ran with it.”

Each mom that came to Legacy dropped their car off to have the oil changed and then headed inside the church building with their children. 

During "Blessing Single Mom's Day" children enjoyed games and crafts.

Children headed to the children’s ministry wing for lunch, games, and craft projects. 

The moms had time to focus on just them and spent time shopping, getting their nails done, having lunch from Olive Garden, and connecting with a prayer team member.  They each walked away with a gift bag of items, a succulent plant, and a Woman’s Study Bible.

One of the moms remarked, “I can’t believe that people would do this for me!”

Single Mom’s Blessing Day received a boost in funding from a Breakthrough Ministry Grant. “I am thankful to the Conference for the grant. It was a great help to get things started.”
 
The members of Legacy UMC responded to this new ministry by volunteering and with financial gifts. There was such a great response from everyone that the ministry will continue hosting a day in the fall and again next spring.

A member of the Legacy team prays with a mom.

Jeromchek is also instrumental in making another ministry happen, “Shoes of Hope”—a ministry that gives new shoes, socks and some other school supplies to children in the Bismarck area. The goal this year is to serve 200 children. 

“I am so confident in God now. I don’t doubt anything. I don’t fear anything. My faith is ever-growing,” says Nita.

Funds for Breakthrough Ministry grants are provided through the generosity of United Methodist Churches across the Dakotas, who faithfully give through their apportionments, Foundation funds, Endowments, and Annual Conference Miracle Offerings. Projects supported through Breakthrough Ministry grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, and culture of call. Apply for a grant by July 31.