SEMO FESTIVAL
OF
SHARING

   

   The Festival of Sharing is celebrating its 28th year this fall.  It began as an outreach of the Office of Creative Ministries of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church.  What began over two decades ago in Columbia Missouri has grown into a two day affair at the Missouri Fairgrounds in Sedalia, MO. on the third Saturday of every October.  What began as solely a Methodist endeavor, now involves volunteers from at least 29 denominations and faith groups in Missouri.

   Policy and planning are overseen by a Coordinating Committee composed of representatives from participating faith groups meeting at least three times each year.  The Festival employs a part-time coordinator and maintains a small warehouse and office in Columbia operating on a year-round basis. 

   Projects supported and promoted by the Festival are those that respond appropriately to the root causes of hunger, poverty, and/or justice.  Donations are distributed wholly to the designated agencies or mission projects approved by the coordinating committee.

   7 years ago Southeast Missouri specifically Dexter, Missouri, became a satellite location of the annual ingathering.  The SEMO Festival of Sharing is coordinated by a volunteer non-denominational committee and schedules its mini-festival at the local Methodist facility, Wesley Hall on the most convenient fall Saturday. 

For updated information about the State Festival visit www.umocm.com/festival.htm