The University United Methodist Church summer program included learning scripture, along with vocabulary, reading, writing and arithmetic. The leadership – it is not hard to describe – has strength. Teachers, retired teachers, principals, retired principals, accountants, business men and women were the leadership in the classes. The wealth of knowledge of scriptures and the spirit of God were a part of the leadership. The delightful children and youth learned the Lord’s Prayer, learned about Jesus’ parables, the 23rd Psalm and performed their knowledge at the end of the evening with joy. Ms Doris explained the use of the summer program monies. They were able to add internet to their computer lab. This summer they have been using it during each session and the plan is to continue a tutoring program this fall.
Now that is a grant that keeps on giving.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Come on Over to East Tenth...
I stopped by East Tenth United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 21. I had heard about the program – lots of children – learning programs – great staff and it goes on and on. I was greeted by the Center Director, Mike, at the door. I invited myself to have a tour, and he graciously provided a grand one.
I do believe that every room in this church is being used to keep children safe, teach them skills in everyday life and education reinforcement. We started with the babies – adorable smiling babies. The three year olds were outside; two year olds wanted to tell me everything they knew, and that was a lot! They really wanted me to stay awhile. The high schoolers were learning about the environment; the four years olds were building a house and a heart out of small pieces of paper. The elementary age were headed to the garden that will provide a cooking assignment later in the day. Swimming and field trips are also a part of this summer program that is supported through grants including a Metro grant. I know that I’m missing some of the many experiences they are providing.
Later in the week I visited Rev. Ray Lynn, retired pastor, who is serving the church. I asked him about the three services that were listed on the sign. He said, “yes, we have three services.” I was amazed at the number of people from the community that they serve. He told me about God’s Souper Bowl program on Sunday evenings. He would like for visitors to come and sit with those that come for food. I told him that I plan to do that very soon. I know that if you asked Rev. Lynn if you can visit he would say, “come on over.”
I do believe that every room in this church is being used to keep children safe, teach them skills in everyday life and education reinforcement. We started with the babies – adorable smiling babies. The three year olds were outside; two year olds wanted to tell me everything they knew, and that was a lot! They really wanted me to stay awhile. The high schoolers were learning about the environment; the four years olds were building a house and a heart out of small pieces of paper. The elementary age were headed to the garden that will provide a cooking assignment later in the day. Swimming and field trips are also a part of this summer program that is supported through grants including a Metro grant. I know that I’m missing some of the many experiences they are providing.
Later in the week I visited Rev. Ray Lynn, retired pastor, who is serving the church. I asked him about the three services that were listed on the sign. He said, “yes, we have three services.” I was amazed at the number of people from the community that they serve. He told me about God’s Souper Bowl program on Sunday evenings. He would like for visitors to come and sit with those that come for food. I told him that I plan to do that very soon. I know that if you asked Rev. Lynn if you can visit he would say, “come on over.”
Friday, July 17, 2009
Vida Nueva: Visitors Welcome!
Michelle Cobb and LeKisha Reed, newly appointed Indiana Conference staff members, graciously allowed me to drive them to Vida Nueva United Methodist Church and Centro Familiar Wednesday evening. David and Stacy Penalva greeted us as we arrived, and gave the tour of the facilities. If you have not visited this ministry recently, you will be pleasantly surprised in the many changes to the building. There are activities Monday-Thursday in the evenings, where families from the neighborhood gather for GED classes, Bible Studies, English as a second language and many more activities. A newly renovated computer lab is used by children and adults. Many individuals and churches have provided food for the food pantry where the community may come Tuesdays and Thursdays for needed food items.
Please contact me at lmorris@indymetroumc.org or call 317-924-4140 and I will take to you Vida Nueva.
Please contact me at lmorris@indymetroumc.org or call 317-924-4140 and I will take to you Vida Nueva.
Sheridan UMC Feeds Community Children
I have visited and volunteered 6 of 11 summer youth and children programs that were granted funding from Metro Ministries. If you remember, the funds come from local churches through district ministry support, Indy East and Indy West Lenten Breakfast offerings, and a grant from South Indiana Conference.
Several grants were given to children and youth programs outside of Marion County. One of the children’s ministries is at Sheridan United Methodist Church in Hamilton County. Charlie and Helen Martin are leaders in this daily meal in the fellowship hall. It started out for children three years ago – they averaged 7 daily. It is now expanded to children, parents, grandparents and senior citizens averaging 65 per day. There are posters around the community about the lunch that is served free of charge at Sheridan UMC. The children arrive by bike, foot, and one little girl proudly told me that she came by a moped. Children come alone; some have a parent, caregiver, or grandparent with them. They know that there will be a hot meal with meat, vegetables and fruit (watermelon is their favorite) along with homemade cookies and cake. Helen sneaks in pureed vegetables to make the meals extra healthy. Appropriately, Veggie Tales plays on a nearby TV.
They sign in and are greeted by regular volunteers including, Kate, Owen, Garrett – young and old. “Hey Charlie,” can be heard across the room. Charlie encourages a clean plate by ringing a cow bell and making an announcement “clean plate” -- dessert follows. They receive food donations from church members and the community. It is run carefully with spreadsheets and a complete summer menu planned by Helen.
It is wonderful that the church community can reach outside their doors and invite the children to come.
Several grants were given to children and youth programs outside of Marion County. One of the children’s ministries is at Sheridan United Methodist Church in Hamilton County. Charlie and Helen Martin are leaders in this daily meal in the fellowship hall. It started out for children three years ago – they averaged 7 daily. It is now expanded to children, parents, grandparents and senior citizens averaging 65 per day. There are posters around the community about the lunch that is served free of charge at Sheridan UMC. The children arrive by bike, foot, and one little girl proudly told me that she came by a moped. Children come alone; some have a parent, caregiver, or grandparent with them. They know that there will be a hot meal with meat, vegetables and fruit (watermelon is their favorite) along with homemade cookies and cake. Helen sneaks in pureed vegetables to make the meals extra healthy. Appropriately, Veggie Tales plays on a nearby TV.
They sign in and are greeted by regular volunteers including, Kate, Owen, Garrett – young and old. “Hey Charlie,” can be heard across the room. Charlie encourages a clean plate by ringing a cow bell and making an announcement “clean plate” -- dessert follows. They receive food donations from church members and the community. It is run carefully with spreadsheets and a complete summer menu planned by Helen.
It is wonderful that the church community can reach outside their doors and invite the children to come.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Railroad Tracks...
When you live in the neighborhood, you know how to go over the railroad tracks...
I recently visited Victory Memorial United Methodist, 1930 Woodlawn, Indianapolis and The Good Life Center next door. The Good Life Center building was previously the church parsonage. For the past few years, the church members have been cleaning it up with the help of Hope International youth. The Victory Memorial volunteers are now serving the community in the house in the following ways:
• Emergency Food Pantry
• IPS School Uniform Exchange
• On-line unemployment Applications
• Neighborhood Study Circle – Impacting over 200 residents in 15 different neighborhoods of Southeast Indianapolis.
• Youth Activities – Study Circle for youth include photography, silversmithing, computer classes, participation in the Fountain Square Art Parade, organizing a neighborhood Haunted House and Youth Leadership Facilitation training.
Victory Memorial also has two outreach programs for children – the Halloween Chili Supper and party and Breakfast with the Bunny the Saturday before Easter.
Keep this ministry in your prayers. Let me tell you the needs in this community. I listened and this is what I heard:
• Used polo shirts in red, white, blue or black sizes 10, 12 and 14 for IPS school uniforms
• Used khaki pants in blue, black or beige in 10, 12, and 14 for IPS school uniforms
• Canned meats, vegetables, and other food pantry items.
• Volunteer by calling Carol Roberts at 317-822-8178.
These volunteers, Martha, Jerry, Carol, Elizabeth and others know where the needs are in the neighborhood and are serving where they live. As I crossed the railroad tracks, I went straight over them; the cars before me and after me knew the railroad tracks and traveled over them on the right side. It's only when we get out into the community that we truly understand how to best serve.
I recently visited Victory Memorial United Methodist, 1930 Woodlawn, Indianapolis and The Good Life Center next door. The Good Life Center building was previously the church parsonage. For the past few years, the church members have been cleaning it up with the help of Hope International youth. The Victory Memorial volunteers are now serving the community in the house in the following ways:
• Emergency Food Pantry
• IPS School Uniform Exchange
• On-line unemployment Applications
• Neighborhood Study Circle – Impacting over 200 residents in 15 different neighborhoods of Southeast Indianapolis.
• Youth Activities – Study Circle for youth include photography, silversmithing, computer classes, participation in the Fountain Square Art Parade, organizing a neighborhood Haunted House and Youth Leadership Facilitation training.
Victory Memorial also has two outreach programs for children – the Halloween Chili Supper and party and Breakfast with the Bunny the Saturday before Easter.
Keep this ministry in your prayers. Let me tell you the needs in this community. I listened and this is what I heard:
• Used polo shirts in red, white, blue or black sizes 10, 12 and 14 for IPS school uniforms
• Used khaki pants in blue, black or beige in 10, 12, and 14 for IPS school uniforms
• Canned meats, vegetables, and other food pantry items.
• Volunteer by calling Carol Roberts at 317-822-8178.
These volunteers, Martha, Jerry, Carol, Elizabeth and others know where the needs are in the neighborhood and are serving where they live. As I crossed the railroad tracks, I went straight over them; the cars before me and after me knew the railroad tracks and traveled over them on the right side. It's only when we get out into the community that we truly understand how to best serve.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Celebrate!
Celebrations are a lot of fun. I keep smiling through them all. I talked with parents at the Lawrence United Methodist Church Youth Corps celebration last Thursday. Some of their kids had been in the program several years and others this was their first year. They all agreed that it is a great program for their kids.
It was a celebration for the kids. It was a celebration of the leadership teams. It was a celebration of those that provided funding, transportation, publicity, and for the community that was served with their service projects. There were awards for the kids; there were testimonies of lessons learned; and a few tears as the program came to an end. Congratulations to Lawrence United Methodist Church and the Youth Corps.
Metro Auxiliary gave the Brightwood Community Center summer program kids an opportunity to show what they have learned at their celebration Friday. The kids put on a play written by Debbie Hall, their director, which had lots of humor in addition to teaching a lesson. Debbie is a school teacher that has great leadership skills, has led the kids in good discipline, and lots of learning while still having fun at Brightwood. It was a big crowd helping with the celebration – visitors from as far away as Franklin UM Community, Brightwood board members, St. Paul-Brightwood UMC members, Indiana Annual Conference staff Rev. Michelle Cobb and Rev. LeKisha Reed. I especially appreciated that the Metro Auxiliary members served ice cream and brownies. The program continues another three weeks with an outing at Eagle Creek, library visits, field trips and a closing cook-out prepared by the Brightwood Board of Directors.
It was a celebration for the kids. It was a celebration of the leadership teams. It was a celebration of those that provided funding, transportation, publicity, and for the community that was served with their service projects. There were awards for the kids; there were testimonies of lessons learned; and a few tears as the program came to an end. Congratulations to Lawrence United Methodist Church and the Youth Corps.
Metro Auxiliary gave the Brightwood Community Center summer program kids an opportunity to show what they have learned at their celebration Friday. The kids put on a play written by Debbie Hall, their director, which had lots of humor in addition to teaching a lesson. Debbie is a school teacher that has great leadership skills, has led the kids in good discipline, and lots of learning while still having fun at Brightwood. It was a big crowd helping with the celebration – visitors from as far away as Franklin UM Community, Brightwood board members, St. Paul-Brightwood UMC members, Indiana Annual Conference staff Rev. Michelle Cobb and Rev. LeKisha Reed. I especially appreciated that the Metro Auxiliary members served ice cream and brownies. The program continues another three weeks with an outing at Eagle Creek, library visits, field trips and a closing cook-out prepared by the Brightwood Board of Directors.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
CHANGE...It's In Your Hands!
At the Metro Ministries luncheon at the Indiana Annual Conference, I challenged the 48 attendees to tell the story of Vida Nueva. I made a personal contribution and asked that the story be told to five more people by each person attending adding to the change envelopes included in the packets.
Vida Nueva ministries began in 1981. Their ministry has been ever changing. In addition to the worshipping congregation at 2801 W. Washington Street, the Centro Familiar, family center, provides a summer program for youth, computer lab, GED, English as a second language class, legal clinic, food pantry and Kids Klothes Kloset to name a few programs for children, adults and families.
Can I challenge to you help with CHANGE to Metro Ministries? Please email or call me and we will visit Vida Nueva together. I’ll give you a packet to add your CHANGE. lmorris@indymetroumc.org or call 317-924-4140.
Lisa
Vida Nueva ministries began in 1981. Their ministry has been ever changing. In addition to the worshipping congregation at 2801 W. Washington Street, the Centro Familiar, family center, provides a summer program for youth, computer lab, GED, English as a second language class, legal clinic, food pantry and Kids Klothes Kloset to name a few programs for children, adults and families.
Can I challenge to you help with CHANGE to Metro Ministries? Please email or call me and we will visit Vida Nueva together. I’ll give you a packet to add your CHANGE. lmorris@indymetroumc.org or call 317-924-4140.
Lisa
God Is Love!
I have taught and planned Vacation Bible School programs. You’ve got to love the smiles on the children. I recently attended the VBS summer program at Forest Manor UMC on East 34th Street. I received a tour of the building by Barbara Clemons, the Indianapolis East District Lay Leader, and long time member of Forest Manor. This is a wonderful building with lots of space for ministry. After the tour it wasn’t long before the opening of VBS began with music and introductions. There were classes for preschoolers to high school. The theme for the night was “God is Love,” which you could tell that each leader understood and was ready to pass on to the children.
I helped with the younger elementary class. Their faces were eager. There were questions and answers about the Bible story of the birth of Jesus and the wise men that followed the star. The craft was led by the Helping Hands group from Minnesota that was staying overnight at Forest Manor, while working on Helping Hands projects during the day for John Buswell, coordinator of Helping Hands. After crafts we were given a meal of spaghetti, salad and cookies. The program closed with music, clapping and hugs. God is love!
I helped with the younger elementary class. Their faces were eager. There were questions and answers about the Bible story of the birth of Jesus and the wise men that followed the star. The craft was led by the Helping Hands group from Minnesota that was staying overnight at Forest Manor, while working on Helping Hands projects during the day for John Buswell, coordinator of Helping Hands. After crafts we were given a meal of spaghetti, salad and cookies. The program closed with music, clapping and hugs. God is love!
Lawrence UMC Youth CORPS is awesome!
Since I was selected as the interim Executive Director of Metro Ministries, I have been blessed to visit several ministries in the Indianapolis districts. I recently had the chance to visit with the Lawrence UMC Youth CORPS. All I can say about this program is, "AWESOME!" The Lawrence UMC Youth CORPS is awesome.
Forty youth participate in the program designed to teach leadership and service skills. The morning begins with exercise followed by a meeting with the teams. Each team has a team leader which rotates each week. The leader keeps his/her team organized and on track. Team building games encourage interaction and relying on each team member. JoJo encouraged me during our memory game. Without all team members working together we would have had a difficult time finishing our task.
Pastor Joe and his team leaders led with quiet discipline. The schedule was to mow yards, weed the garden and more outside work during my visit. During our memory game it began to rain. Their outside work had been delayed several days already with rain. Nothing stopped the progress of the program. Plan B went into action. The city had a project for them -- all I can say is was a sticky job. Then came “butt ball” which is a version of volleyball sitting on your butt. The teams are still working together for a common goal. Next we got back into our groups to plan a day care program for younger kids starting with a theme, song, story or play and snacks matching the theme. Our group was planning to have a “green” theme. I wish I could have stayed to see the plans come together. At last the rain had stopped; the youth were headed out to the hard work in the yards, garden and guard rail work. I was really sad that I didn’t get to help my team pull weeds, but I decided that I had better get back to the office. In reality I felt like I had worked all day, and it was only 10:30 am. It was awesome.
Lisa
Forty youth participate in the program designed to teach leadership and service skills. The morning begins with exercise followed by a meeting with the teams. Each team has a team leader which rotates each week. The leader keeps his/her team organized and on track. Team building games encourage interaction and relying on each team member. JoJo encouraged me during our memory game. Without all team members working together we would have had a difficult time finishing our task.
Pastor Joe and his team leaders led with quiet discipline. The schedule was to mow yards, weed the garden and more outside work during my visit. During our memory game it began to rain. Their outside work had been delayed several days already with rain. Nothing stopped the progress of the program. Plan B went into action. The city had a project for them -- all I can say is was a sticky job. Then came “butt ball” which is a version of volleyball sitting on your butt. The teams are still working together for a common goal. Next we got back into our groups to plan a day care program for younger kids starting with a theme, song, story or play and snacks matching the theme. Our group was planning to have a “green” theme. I wish I could have stayed to see the plans come together. At last the rain had stopped; the youth were headed out to the hard work in the yards, garden and guard rail work. I was really sad that I didn’t get to help my team pull weeds, but I decided that I had better get back to the office. In reality I felt like I had worked all day, and it was only 10:30 am. It was awesome.
Lisa
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