The UMCOR Coffee Project is an innovative way to reach out to small-scale farmers in the developing world while enjoying fellowship and an excellent cup of coffee. As Christians we can address a consumer dilemma by buying coffee that is fairly traded. United Methodist congregations that participate are helping small scale farmers in Latin America, Africa and Asia earn a fairer share of income, obtain access to credit and technical support, and gain a trading partner they can trust, a fair trade organization called Equal Exchange.

In your congregation, a women's group, youth group, mission or peace and justice committee might sponsor the UMCOR Coffee Project. Then, as your congregation enjoys this high-quality coffee, take time to learn more about its impact on the people who grow it. Read about coffee farmers and the ways in which the church is helping people like them. Discuss issues of justice in the global marketplace and take action in the spirit of love. United Methodist Churches have sustained UMCOR's ministries of relief and development for more than 60 years. With such commitment, we can also make a difference in this new way.

For more information, visit http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/hunger/, call 212-870-3877 or write to UMCOR Coffee Project, Room #330, 475 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10115.

See what you can do to be part of the United Methodist Committee on Relief Coffee Project.