Connecticut District Missions and Church Extension Society (DIMCHEX)

DIMCHEX is the Connecticut District Parish Development. DIMCHEX’s purpose is to help assist churches within the CT District who would like to reach out to the community through programs like: after-school or summer programs for children/ youth, special projects that benefit the community, emergency repairs or needed improvements to churches, street church signs, etc.

Here are excerpts from two churches that were helped this past year:

If you are like me, the word DIMCHEX is a bit of a mystery, or at least it used to be. Prior to 2008, I probably couldn’t tell the difference between DIMCHEX and Rice Chex. But now, I not only know the difference, but I have seen the difference that DIMCHEX can make. In 2008 the church I serve, Watertown UMC, applied for a grant from DIMCHEX to help fund a part-time youth leader at the church. At that time youth ministry was hanging by a thread at the church with a small group of youth. The church decided to commit to a paid staff member whose primary focus would be the youth. The salary the church wanted to offer to attract quality persons was a little beyond what the could afford, but a DIMCHEX grant for the first year allowed the church to hire a leader and the youth group over the next 4 years grew in numbers (to about 25-30 weekly attendance from 6) and ministry. The grant was a one-time, start-up gift, but it gave the church the momentum it needed to build this important ministry. I like Rice Chex, but for the difference it made, I think I like DIMCHEX even more.
– Paul Hibbard, Watertown UMC

This summer, First UMC of Shelton witnessed the completion of a long-standing vision for a true handicap entrance to the Fellowship Hall. Phil Cooke, a Boy Scout with our chartered troop, Troop 25, approached the Board of Trustees with the idea of building a ramp. This was a large and challenging project but thanks to the dedication of the Boy Scouts, the congregation, generous donors from the community and a grant from DIMCHEX, the church now has a new electronically opening door, larger stairs and landing and a ramp leading from the parking into the building. First UMC of Shelton has been blessed to be able to give to DIMCHEX in the past and now blessed by how those gifts have multiplied and will allow us to expand our outreach and ministry.
— Rev. Heather Sinclair, First UMC Shelton
 

For more information, please contact:

Rev. Marjorie Nunes, Chair
203-367-8783
revnunes@optimum.net

Jerry Dion, Treasurer
202-238-4622
gldion@cox.net

Visit Connecticut District Missions and Church Extension Society (DIMCHEX)'s website