United Methodists often joke about the many organizational layers of church life, but, as members of other denominations have been heard to say: “If you want something done, get the Methodists to do it.” Followers of the Wesleys are indeed "methodical" about the ways they approach mission and ministry.

One reason United Methodists are able to accomplish great things is the church’s emphasis on “connectionalism.” It is common to hear United Methodist leaders speak of the denomination as “the connection.” This concept has been central to Methodism from its beginning.

The United Methodist Church is intentionally decentralized and democratic. Clergy and laity alike help determine the ministry and workings of The United Methodist Church through their actions in their local churches, annual conferences, general agencies and through petitions and resolutions they send to General Conference, and through the voting delegates who go to General Conference, the only body that can set official policy for the church. It is individuals, the people called United Methodists, who make possible the connection of hearts, minds, hands and lives as the body of Christ around the world.

When you join a United Methodist congregation, you become a part of an active, worldwide group of interconnected communities – a connection of people who believe we should spend our days making the love of Christ real in our actions. This connection encourages us to live gracefully, as one unified global community that does no harm, does good and stays in love with God.

No local church is the total body of Christ. Therefore, local United Methodist churches are bound together by a common mission and common governance that accomplish reaching out into the world. United Methodist churches and organizations join in mission with each other and with other denominations.

Connectionalism shows through the clergy appointment system, through the developing of mission and ministry that United Methodists do together, and through giving.

An example of connectionalism: Mission work around the world, whether it be a new university in Africa or bicycles for Cuban pastors, is the work of “the connection,” as opposed to the work of a single congregation.

The local church is a strategic base from which Christians move out to the structures of society…Therefore, the local church is to minister to persons in the community where the church is located…to cooperate in ministry with other local churches…and to participate in the worldwide mission of the church... (2008 Book of Discipline)

Some local church members don't realize that they are part of a bigger whole-the connection: an annual conference, a jurisdiction, the General Church, and churches and annual conferences around the world.

First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista is a strong supporter of local, national and international mission projects.

Mission of the Month
Each month, a specific mission program is highlighted for special giving by our congregation. We invite speakers from each mission to attend our worship services to provide information on how our giving helps them accomplish their goals. Keep an eye on the website – we’ll update the Mission of Month each month.

Goat Bank and Pennies from Heaven
We are constant supporters of Heifer Project International through two different programs – the Goat Bank and Pennies from Heaven. The Goat Bank is a specially designed bank that holds quarters. We encourage our members to “fill the bank" several times during the year and purchase livestock through Heifer International.

Pak-a-Sak
On the third Sunday of each month, we sponsor Pak-A-Sak. We ask members of our congregation to bring non-perishable food items to church. We collect those items and distribute them to a different helping agency in Northwest Arkansas each month. To date in 2009, members have donated items worth over $6,000.

Shoebox Ministry
Our congregation provides a home for the Shoebox Ministry. This ministry collects toiletry and other items to pack into shoeboxes, which are then delivered to homeless shelters in Benton and Washington Counties. In 2009, with the help of other congregations and service organizations, we were able to deliver over 3,000 shoeboxes for homeless men, women, children and infants. Shoeboxes and other supplies were also made available for disaster relief efforts in Arkansas. Excess supplies (and items that cannot be used for Shoebox) are shared with other programs such as Adopt a G.I. program. Nothing donated ever goes to waste.

Volunteers in Mission
This dedicated group travels to UMCOR’s Sager Brown in Louisiana to provide manpower for there relief projects. This group also responds to disasters closer to home such as the 2009 tornados in Mena, Arkansas.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian housing organization working toward the elimination of poverty housing from within our county and making decent shelter a matter of conscience as well as action. Besides building homes, HFHBC builds relationships with our partners and the community that result in a sense of belonging. FUMCBV helps with manpower and fundraising.

Meals on Wheels
FUMCBV is proud to provide a "home" for deliveries of Meals on Wheels in Bella Vista. Meals are delivered from the Bentonville Senior Center and volunteer drivers from area churches pick up the meals, Monday through Friday, to deliver to those in need in Bella Vista. One month per year, FUMC supplies the manpower to make those daily deliveries.

Helping Hands
Helping Hands Inc. is a non-profit organization operated as a partnership of 26 churches from through-out Benton County . FUMCBV is one of the partnership churches. Members volunteer at the thrift store, food bank and offices of Helping Hands as well as participate in Saturday “work days” during the year.

Blankets of Hope
This ministry provides handmade blankets, afghans and quilts to various shelters in Benton County. During its first year, members provided 65 items to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, Peace at Home Family Shelter, and NWA Women’s Shelter.

Angel Food Ministry
FUMCBV is a partnership church for Angel Food Ministry. There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store.

Harvest Table
During the summer months, members of our congregation share the bounty of their garden produce on Sunday morning. The Harvest Table allows members to pick up garden fresh produce grown by church members for a donation. The funds collected are then used to support our Mission partners. In 2009, $483.90 was donated through this program, and members reaped the benefits of fresh vegetables.

Special Projects
A variety of seasonal programs fall into this category. Our Missions Team has supported a camp scholarship for a child at Cooper Elementary School. We participate in Angel Tree program at Christmas Time. As the need arises – the Mission Team is ready to respond.