Lanesboro United Methodist Church may be small in membership, but it's big on community outreach.

On May 12, women from Lanesboro United Methodist Church hosted a “High Tea for High Waters.” More than 100 people gathered for delicate desserts, elegant table settings, and time together. Through ticket sales and donations, the event raised $1,300. 

Money from the high tea has since supported two disaster relief efforts.

During the month of May, young people from the church used some of the money to prepare four cleaning buckets through the United Methodist Committee on Relief; the cleaning buckets will likely help with cleanup efforts in Oklahoma, where a tornado that ripped through the state in late May caused widespread devastation. Supplies in the buckets included bleach, insect repellent, gloves, and sponges.

Additionally, in June, some 19 people from the Lanesboro community traveled to Moose Lake, which has experienced major flooding, to assist with post-flood reconstruction on three homes. Work performed on the mission trip included framing in basements, paneling, sheet rocking, and even a little demolition.

“We do the mission activities to be the hands, heart, and voice of God’s love in the world," Pastor Amanda Larsen says. "We encourage hope to flourish and help young people learn service and leadership skills while having fun."

A little creativity really can make a big difference.