Radical Hospitality -- You never know Where it is going to come from....

I attended the leadership training events at Calvary Brownsburg UMC and Christ Westfield UMC on January 10 and 17, 2010. Each location was very hospitable to those of us with a display, teachers and participants coming for these events. The events were all well attended and appreciated.

But, you never know where your church is being “radical” until you look around the community. I stopped at the Marathon station in Westfield following last Sunday’s event to fill up my tank. I was surprised to see that I would need to go into the station to pay. I stepped into the station and thought maybe a snack was in order for me – laughed that was smart of this station to make people come inside for the hot chocolate and other items available – and told the clerks this. In our conversation I told them I had been at Christ UMC nearby for an event. One of the clerks smiled and said, “Yes, I have been directing a lot of people to the church today.” Many of the participants needed help to get to Christ UMC, and there was radical hospitality received even before they entered the church. Cool.

Change -- You've Got to Love It

The Metro Ministries, Inc.’s office is now a part of the Central District of the United Methodist Church. The running of the office has gone from six persons to 3 ½. It feels like it too. We knew it was coming, but nothing prepared us for this transition.

On the other hand, change allows us all to do things differently and Metro Ministries is continuing to work in different ways. After the Metro Ministries’ Celebration on December 13, Nancy Myrland came to me with an idea of a baby shower for the BIBS pantry run by the United Methodist Women at University Heights UMC. This program promotes the healthy moms and babies in Marion County through Methodist Hospital and Healthnet. Who would not want to support something like this? Nancy learned about the BIBS Pantry at the celebration display booth led by Peggy Richwine of University Heights. I told Nancy, yes, I agree – let’s do it. The event is scheduled to be an all United Methodist Church Baby Shower on February 14, 2010 – For the Love of Mothers and babies – on Valentines Day. Please watch for the details on the website and eNewsFlashes from Metro Ministries.

The BIBS baby shower is different. Metro Ministries is about supporting the local churches doing mission and ministry in their community. Metro Ministries does not have to create mission and ministry. It is being done in the local community centers and the local churches. By supporting Metro Ministries, individuals and local churches are making a difference within Central District, Indiana Conference and the connectional United Methodist Church.

Keep in touch, Metro Ministries is changing -- doing things differently. Please invite me to visit your church for a Mission Moment, mission team, UMM or UMW meeting to tell the story of the mission and ministries that are changing lives throughout Central Indiana.