Festival of Sharing Memories

"As one who attended the first Bishop's Convocation and brought a young goat from a donor in Linn Creek - and the goat "aroma" was still with the van when we sold it three years later - and then had the honor of being a part of the Festival staff for 10 years, I commend all of you who keep this ministry of outreach alive and well. Our world is in critical need of responsive, faithful servants. The cooperative, interfaith witness of the Festival is one of the most effective in our country." 
                                                                                                                       --Rev. Lee Whiteside, Festival of Sharing Director, 1985

"My wife and I attended the first convocation in Columbia. We filled our car full of clothing and headed to Columbia. At the time, we lived in Wheaton. It was exciting to see the tons of clothing and other items. One lady from Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie made some 200-plus baby layettes and they were on a sort of clothesline and it reached around the arena. I believe that Minnie Pearl was the featured speaker that year, and she was very special. I believe Bishop Goodrich had the idea and Mel West carried it through and did a wonderful job. What a beginning to a wonderful part of Missouri Methodism."
                                                                                                                        --Rev. Fred Royer

 "My husband Robert (until his death two years ago), and I attended nearly every year, beginning with the first one and subsequent ones, first at the livestock pavilion in Columbia, and then at Sedalia as it grew and needed larger space. At the early ones, you got to see all the boxes and boxes of kits and donations, all piled in the center of the pavilion, and the donated animals in their stalls. It was absolutely wonderful to see this outpouring of love in this tremendous mission effort started by our United Methodist Church. We now see many denominations taking part, and we know that God is really at work not only in our mission efforts but in the ecumenical spirit that has resulted. We owe a real debt of gratitude to Mel West and all those who have helped make this possible."
                                                                                                                          --Nadine Mordt, widow of Rev. Robert Mordt

In early years the Festival was held on the east side of the fairgrounds.  Exhibits were out of doors.  Apple butter was made on site.  Porkburgers were cooked outdoors.  CWS kits were assembled or checked under the grandstand.  A Habitat house was partially assembled under the grandstand.  Had large crowds for very special worship services.  Was a great day!
                                                                                                                          -- Martha Louise Baile, Church of the Brethern

The Festival has been memorable every year of its existence.  I thank God that the Methodists, with leadership of Mel West and Joe Trower, opened the Bishop’s Convocation to be ecumenical, inviting all churches to be a part of this great expression of Christ’s love to all people.  The Mennonite Men’s Chorus, then the beginning and growth of the quilt auctions have been fun and exciting.  Thank God for Elenor Vieth’s faithfulness all these years.
                                                                                                                            --Norma Kleme, United Church of Christ

“I attended the 1st Festival as a chaperone with our Adrian youth group.  On Friday night after the youth rally, we slept on the floor of the old gym at CMU.  My Mother even went with us.  Minnie Pearl was an awesome UM attraction.  The entire event was worship in action by the fabulous outpouring of mission giving in the numerous ways such as products, volunteer helpers and the excitement of all the youth. What an auspicious beginning..”
                                                                                                                           --Judith Ball, Adrian UMC