H.H.E.L.P. Lunch Program

The H.H.E.L.P. lunch program is an ecumenical group that includes several churches in the communities of Cicero and Arcadia. This is a different summer program than most I plan to visit. Many of the volunteers will not see the children that will receive their ministry gift. Volunteers from the different churches take a Saturday putting together bags of food at Angels Attic, a food pantry and thrift store in Arcadia. The group works with the school system inviting parents to sign up for the program to receive bags with enough food for the week.

Parents and children pick up their bags at the local library. Nutritious food, as well has snacks, are in the bags. In addition to food, a goodie bag of worksheets, crayons, prayer coin, booklet and book mark was added by the Cicero volunteers. It was a pleasure for me to join them in this ministry on Saturday. Don’t you think that the children know that there are people in their neighborhood that love them?

"The Pied Pipers of Indy"

There were more than 25 elementary-aged children sitting on the gym floor waiting patiently for the director, Ethel McCane. Ms. McCane is a member of Barnes United Methodist Church. She and her group of volunteers from Barnes UMC – men and women - gathered together for prayer prior to entering the gym. This was day four of the Praise Stage Production Theatre summer program at IPS School 27. A seamstress arrived with her sewing machine ready to take measurements for costumes as it was dress rehearsal day. A professional dancer soon came during her lunch break to work on the dance routine. Each volunteer had an assignment and a group of children to work with their lines and “stage presence.” Each child had already learned the stage language – front stage; left stage, etc. - and learned their parts. The children listened to instructions, were respectful, and delighted to be a part of the production called “The Piped Pipers of Indy.” It was entertaining but also serious as the play described the dangers of following those that are not good examples. It encouraged children to close their ears and eyes to the madness and turn their backs to the smoking, drugs, and being disrespectful. If the dress rehearsal was anything to go by, their finished production had to be great. It was delicious. I am glad that Metro Ministries and those that support Metro had a part in it.

1923 The Tribute

I recently attended the Beef & Boards “1964 The Tribute.” I’m actually a little young to remember the original group that they are honoring by singing their music. I did seem to recall “The Yellow Submarine.” I suggest that Metro Ministries look into becoming “1923 The Tribute.” As we re-think church, perhaps we can expand our mission, ministry and resourcing beyond the urban setting – sing the same song but with a different tune.

I met with the Metro Auxiliary president and vice-president today. I suggested that we look at the things that the organization and members do well. I remember when Juanita Arnold at Fortville UMC was in charge of volunteers – no one ever dared tell her “no.” She was an icon of volunteerism that continues today with the auxiliary. There are many churches that use the Auxiliary Love, Memorial and Service awards to honor their most effective volunteers, beloved members that have gone before, and those that have gone far beyond in the area of mission and ministry. I have been touched by past and current leaders, and I feel privileged to work today challenging the leaders to expand their ministry beyond the urban setting – to see the new possibilities for service.

Lisa

Whirlwind of Activity at Metro Ministries!

It has been a whirlwind since the Metro Ministries Board selected me as the Interim Executive Director for Metro Ministries. I have heard from many lay persons and clergy that are as excited as I am at the possibilities for the mission, ministry, and resourcing to local churches and communities.

I had my first sit down visit yesterday. Pat Thorlton invited me to visit with her about her ideas to connect with local churches, clusters and community centers in her field and passion of health care. Pat is the Faith and Community Nurse at North United Methodist Church. I didn’t have to go far -- her office is across the street from mine. I also had an agenda item. She agreed to participate in a meeting with me and PICO National Network about issues surrounding health care policies for all people. If anyone else has a passion for health care concerns please email me at lmorris@indymetroumc.org. Pat has invited me to consider planning ministry programs connecting our community centers in non-costing ways to inform their clients about health care that is available that they may not know about.

Castleton United Methodist Church is working on a risk-taking mission and service program to care for Senior Citizens – providing a Senior Day Care Center in their church facility. It is in the beginning stages. They are asking for funding from Metro Ministries. I have asked the pastor and planning team to keep me informed. One of the major priorities for Metro Ministries is to provide a funding application that has criteria provided by the Board of Directors to avail local churches to take on these risk-taking programs in the communities they provide ministry. Once the criteria are set and an application form is available this information will go on the Indy/Metro website www.indymetroumc.org.

Are you or your cluster ministries interested in what Metro Ministries is planning for the future within the new Indiana Conference? I would like the opportunity to meet with you or your cluster ministry soon, so that I can go into the planning meetings informed on what would best serve the local churches and clusters through the mission, ministry and resourcing of Metro Ministries. Please email me at lmorris@indymetroumc.org or call me at 317-924-4140.

This is just the beginning…. more to follow …. please keep watching for future posts.

Lisa

Summer Grants Awarded to Churches Focusing on Children and Youth

The following programs received summer grants from Metro Ministries, Inc. If you would like to support these programs, learn more about them or begin a similar program in your area, contact information is provided.

o Descubriendo Indy is a summer camp especially designed for Hispanic children in elementary school. Each year the program has been a huge hit with both children and their parents. Twenty five children will be exposed to and learn more about Indianapolis. The fact that these children are growing up in a bilingual, bicultural community is also at the center of our program. We celebrate Hispanic tradition and language, while helping children to experience success and feel confident in their new culture and in using their new language. Contact: Stacy Penalva at stacypenalva@sbcglobal.net.

o Summer programming at the Sunrise Early Child care Center consists of a Discovery Days program and Camp Sunrise. Camp Sunrise will include daily Bible verses, lessons, and crafts, in addition to the themed games, activities and snacks and will also include a mission project for the campers to work on throughout the week. Contact: Emily Hawthorne at emily@castletonumc.org.

o Zionsville United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Program will serve 120 children between the ages of one and five giving the children opportunities to interact with each other and have fun at summer camp. Contact: Pam Wagner at pwagner@zumc.org.

o Sheridan United Methodist Church provides a free lunch program for children Pre-K through High School that offers a nutritional meal, fellowship and a safe haven five days a week. Contact: Helen Martin at sheridanumc@sbcglobal.net.

o Cicero United Methodist Church partners with Hamilton Heights Evangelist Lunch Program (H.H.E.L.P.) providing a free summer lunch program for children at the elementary and secondary grade levels. This program is designed to ensure that the children continue to receive a healthy lunch during the summer months when school is not in session. Contact: Rev. Byron Fritz at ciceroumc4u@verizon.net.

o East Tenth United Methodist Church and East Tenth United Methodist Children and Youth Center’s Summer Days for Youth fulfills a great need on the Near Eastside by providing quality, affordable care, education, nutritious meals, and a safe place for children during the summer months. Contact: Jean Casmir Hill at jcasmirhill@east10th.org.

o Forest Manor United Methodist Church provides Religious Education for children and youth in the community including arts and crafts and a variety of fun activities. Contact: Pastor Rosa Harris at coot1959@aol.com.

o University United Methodist Church Summer Academic and Arts Academy will combine academics and arts, by implementing a summer reading, writing skills focusing on rules of grammar and training using computers. The arts component combines singing, dancing and acting. Contact: Doris Clark at dfc49@comcast.net.

o Barnes United Methodist Church’s Praise Stage Production Theatre Company exposes urban youngsters to theatrical presentation and enhance their verbal and visual presentation skills, which will allows them to gain more self confidence and esteem – especially when making presentations before audiences. Contact: Ethel McCane at mccanee@aol.com.

o Lawrence United Methodist Youth Corps is a 6-week summer program where youth age 10-15 work in teams providing community service. The priorities of the program: to teach youth respect and responsibility; to teach youth leadership skills and teamwork; to transform our community; to share the Love of Jesus Christ with these youth and with the people we provide service. Contact Pastor Joe Johnson at pastorjohnson2@hotmail.com.

o Lawrence United Methodist Church SWAN (science, writing, arithmetic, nature) Program provides a place where children of all ages and ethnic and religious backgrounds can come together for fun and learning. Contact Vicky Crittenden at vickycrittenden@lawrenceumc.org.