October 16th, 2010

Keeping the Garden Green

Festival History

At the 1972 bishop’s meeting of the United Methodist General Conference, the quadrennial emphasis was determined t obe  "A Call to Peace and Self-Development of Peoples."  In 1974, United Methodist Bishop Robert Goodrich turned to Rev. Mel West, Director of the Office of Creative Ministries, to forge a response for the Missouri Conference.  Hence, the "Bishop's Thanksgiving Convocation" was born.  The first such convocation was held on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, 1974, at Trowbridge Livestock Center, University of Missouri-Columbia.  Churches from around the state brought huge quantities of resources including ,food, clothing, Church World Service kits, livestock for Heifer Project. Dozens of volunteers were enlisted to distribute the items where needed.

This expression of mission support and involvement continued and grew, catching the attention of laity and clergy of other denominations.  In 1982, the annual event came under the coordination of an interdenominational coordinating committee and came to be known as the Festival Of Sharing.

Third Saturday in October

The date of the third Saturday in October was chosen intentionally chosen doe to its close proximity to World Food Day.  As alleviating poverty and hunger are an integral part of  the purpose of the Festival of Sharing this date has special meaning.

Participation

In recent years, the Festival Of Sharing has enjoyed the participation of 29 denominations and faith groups: African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, American Baptist Church, Assembly of God, Catholic, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Church of the Brethren, Church of the Nazarene, Church Women United, Community Churches, Community of Christ, Church of God, Cumberland Presbyterian, Episcopal, Evangelical, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, General Baptist, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Mennonite, National Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Southern Baptist, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Unity and Unitarian.

The number of faith groups continues to grow, in large part due to the open invitation issued by many congregations in their own communities.

The Office of Creative Ministries / Festival of Sharing

3009 David Dr., Columbia, MO 65202 - Phone: 573-474-3332 - Fax: 866-247-5755

Email: festival@socket.net