OUTREACH MINISTRY

Grace UMC Outreach Ministries Completes Paul Bunyan Trail Side Rest Area

While using the Paul Bunyan Trail on warm, sunny days this summer, LOOK for the Trail Side Rest Area at Grace United Methodist Church. The trail runs adjacent to the church property, however because of DNR regulations signage is 50 feet off the paved trail. The rest area is approximately 1/2 mile north of the 371 trail overpass south of Pequot Lakes and north of Nisswa.

The rest area will provide a peaceful, welcoming place to pause for bikers, hikers, and runners in their journey. A “port-a-potty” is available for the convenience of those using the trail. Over 55,000 people use the trail every year. The effort was an outreach project spearheaded by the Outreach Ministry Team at Grace. It is hoped that the rest area provides a service for the people who use the trail and that it brings an awareness as to how Grace UMC is making efforts to reach out to the community. The rest area has already received many positive comments by those who use the trail! The effort also displays an example of the bonding that occurs within the church family as adults and youth worked side-by-side on a project to provide a positive impact and service for the community.

For those using the trail it can also be viewed as an open invitation for anyone looking for a place to worship on Sunday mornings. As one member stated “come off the trail “just as you are” and worship with us at 9 AM on Sunday”.