A Time to Celebrate

I have now attended all Community Center celebrations this fall. I learned so many things by attending these exciting events. I learned that they all know how to greet and receive their volunteers and guests with radical hospitality and serve great food.

Asian Help Services provided wonderful food and entertainment, and recognized those persons that are key to their ministry – teachers in their English as a Second Language classes. I was privileged to sit by the Honorable Mayor Greg and Mrs. Ballard. They greeted the guests and showed the support of the diverse ministries within the United Methodist Church and the city of Indianapolis.

The East Tenth UM Children & Youth program at Marian, Inc. provided opportunities to purchase silent auction items to support their ministry. I am still very upset that I did not get the tray of snicker doodles – I thought my bid was high enough! Thank you to the person that over-bid me for the cause of East Tenth’s ministries for children. The stories from the children, teachers and parents were highlights of the evening.

Lawrence United Methodist Church hosted Brightwood Community Center’s celebration. Bernard McFarland, recipient of ABC’s Extreme Makeover home in May 2009, spoke about how he was supported by Brightwood Community Center as a child. He spoke about how it had made a difference to him and his family. He has brought his family back to the neighborhood, and he is making a difference. Brightwood Community Center is open and working towards making a difference educating children and youth. Watch for more information about the new Literacy Program and how you may volunteer.

A wonderful group of Fletcher Place volunteers and supporters were together for their luncheon in their dining hall. The ministries and volunteers of Fletcher Place were celebrated. There is a great appreciation for the continued financial support as they continue to “Sweep Away the Debt” and work towards funding their 2010 budget. The annual “Angel Award” was given the Mrs. June Owen for her gift of volunteerism and “shopping those sales” during the Christmas Shopping season. There is no doubt that she is an angel.

I am thankful to all of the community centers and their ministries. The directors and their staff deserve a “standing ovation.”