Metro's Grant Submission Deadline is Sunday!

Time is running out for the Focus on Mental Health grant submissions! Submissions must be made online by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 14th. If you have questions or want to run ideas by us, please reach out by this Friday.

Metro Ministries invites all Central District United Methodist churches to consider how grant funding may be able to help your church take action toward some of these or other mental health concerns. 

We invite you to check out our website for full details on this grant cycle, thoroughly read the Request for Proposal, review the timeline and consider the possibilities at your church. Then, we invite you to Apply by the August 14, 2022 deadline. Be sure to download and save the application before completing.

This grant cycle is intended for new and re-imagined programs and projects. If your church already has active programs and projects in place, we invite you to let us know so that we can share with others who are looking for ideas.

What do you do when you find yourself with an abundance of used but functional bikes that need new homes? If you’re Rick Hutson, you reach out to Metro Ministries! Last week, Pastor Rick with Shirley Wilkerson UMC asked if I knew any place that could make use of 45 to 50 bikes, mostly for youth with some for adults as well.  I immediately thought of two programs that might need youth bikes and a former employer that may need bikes for adults. I asked Pastor Rick if I could get back with him the next day.

I then called Freewheelin’ Community Bikes and Chapel Hill UMC for their Cyclers program, both confirmed they indeed needed used bikes for their respective youth programs. I also reached out to HVAF of Indiana, as I remembered a co-worker there had started a bike program when I worked there several years ago. I was pleased to find out that there is still a very popular HVAF program for veterans they serve who are lacking reliable transportation.

I shared contact information for these folks with Pastor Rick, and he followed up with them right away. He was happy to make three trips from Shirley to Indianapolis to deliver a total of 50 bikes to the three locations. He shared with me that, while unloading bikes at HVAF, a woman approached him and asked if she could have a bike. While he didn’t feel it his place to give one away since he’d just donated them, he instead gave the woman his contact information and told her if HVAF was not able to provide her with a bike, to give him a call and he would gladly deliver one to her!

I am so glad Pastor Rick reached out to me, and I’m fairly certain that Chapel Hill Cyclers, Freewheelin’ Community Bikes and HVAF of Indiana are glad he did as well. 

Sometimes, meaningful and impactful connections are just this easy to make. While connections don't always result in such quick turnaround, we strive to be as helpful as we can in connecting resources. How can we help you or your church make a connection?

Central District Bowl-a-thon

We are looking forward to gathering with folks from across the District for time of fun, fellowship and some healthy bowling competition! If you have not already done so, we invite you to sign up today to Connect for a Cause with the Central District staff & Metro Ministries! All are welcome!

Registration information is available HERE. Individual bowlers and teams are welcome! All individual bowlers and teams must register IN ADVANCE by September 10th.

Registration for individuals is $30, which includes shoe rental and three games. Team sponsorship is $300, which will include shoe rental and three games for up to 5 people.

If you are not available on September 24, or perhaps bowling is not for you, you can still participate by sponsoring a lane or making a donation. Lane sponsors will be recognized at the event.

Net proceeds from this event will benefit Metro Ministries, Inc.'s Grants program. Your support helps extend the impact of Metro grants throughout the Central District.

Questions? Contact Tina McAninch at metrodirector1923@gmail.com or (317) 946-0251.

As you know, Southeastern Kentucky was devastated by floodwaters the last week in July that killed at least 37 people and destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses, churches and some entire towns. Local, state and federal agencies as well as many NGOs are stepping in to help.

Two organizations in Eastern Kentucky with deep roots in the United Methodist Church, Red Bird Mission and Henderson Settlement, are doing all that they can to help communities and individuals impacted by the floodwaters. Bell County, where both Red Bird Mission and Henderson Settlement are located, was spared significant flooding damage, while twelve neighboring and nearby counties were not. A crew from Henderson Settlement is delivering a trailer of donations today, donations collected from both their local communities and from supporters outside the area. Red Bird Mission has been active in the relief efforts since the flooding was in process, when they first delivered items from their pantries to a temporary shelter. Relief and restoration efforts will be needed for many days, weeks and months to come, and Red Bird Mission intends to be involved for the long haul.

Red Bird Mission leadership suggests direct financial donations through them, which allows their staff and volunteers to purchase most needed items at any given time and deliver them quickly. They have created a page on their website they hope to keep current, with the most needed items and the designated collection sites in Perry and Leslie counties, https://rbmission.org/eky-flood-relief/. They are also asking for items to restock their own pantries and programs, as they have depleted their stock of diapers, personal hygiene items, non perishable food, cleaning supplies and laundry detergent. All shelters, distribution centers and relief organizations in the area are asking that clothing NOT be donated at this time.

Red Bird Mission has been providing ministries in the southeastern region of Kentucky since 1921. They strive to meet the needs of community residents in the areas of:  education, health and wellness, community outreach, economic opportunity and community housing improvement. The community outreach arm includes crisis response aid with clothing, water, food and commodity assistance.

Henderson Settlement which began as a school and childcare center in the 1920s, established a farm in the 1930’s, and began a work camp program in the 1950s. During the 1990's through today, the work camp program has blossomed to become a ministry utilizing volunteers and mission teams from across the country, in support of numerous ministries: an annual home build, youth programs, senior support, craft store for community crafters, an opportunity store for community members, a cattle farm, a greenhouse, and the MIHOW outreach program for pregnant women and young families.

Here in the Central District, Mooresville First UMC plans to support Red Bird Mission’s flood relief efforts by donating their proceeds from the church's parking lot usage for Mooresville's Old Settlers Festival and Parade that just concluded. You or your church may wish to support relief efforts through Red Bird Missions or  Henderson Settlement as well. 

Metro Ministries Seeks New Board Members

Do you believe in Metro's mission of connecting resources to ministries and ministries to resources for the cause of Christ? Do you enjoy relationship building? Do you enjoy storytelling and impact sharing (in person, on video or in writing)? Would you like to help shape Metro's future? Are you able to volunteer, on average, two to three hours of your time per month?

If you said YES to some, most or all of these questions, serving on Metro's board of directors could be for you! Metro's work is guided by an all-volunteer board, along with Metro's Executive Director, Tina McAninch. The board is made up of a diverse group of clergy and laity from across the Central District. We value commitment of time, of participation and of sharing talents and knowledge. We also value mutual respect, comradery and diversity of work and life experiences.

As we prepare to celebrate Metro's 100th anniversary in 2023, we seek folks to help with financial and operational oversight, to help us grow our fundraising efforts to expand the impact of our grants program, to help guide our vision for the next century  and to help us build new and enhance existing relationships with churches and community organizations.

If you have interest in joining Metro Ministries as a board member, let's talk! If you aren't sure but are curious, still reach out to Tina McAninch via email or phone, metrodirector1923@gmail.com or (317) 452-4786. We will announce a Board Meet and Greet date soon, and we would love to have you join us!

Learning Opportunity for Growing Community Ministry

Church and outreach leaders are encouraged to sign up for this 7-session webinar series. The hosts will offer a glimpse of what could work best in your context and the resources to help get you started towards meeting your congregation's goals for community engagement. Each weekly session is an hour long and will provide an opportunity for questions, feedback, and sharing ideas with participants and panelists. These sessions will also be recorded if you are unable to attend all of them.

The series is provided by Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. The cost to register for the series is $50. Registration is available HERE.  

Upcoming District Listening Session

In response to inquiries that have emerged after Annual Conference, Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Conference Superintendent for the Central and West districts, is offering another informational session to answer questions regarding the current realities in the United Methodist Church. The session will be via Zoom on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 6:30 pm. Meeting information:

Link: https://inumc.zoom.us/j/86056128741?pwd=RlRtOUkwUkliWmgrQ1dSM1p2Ry82dz09

Meeting ID: 

Passcode: 129225

This District Informational is open to all laity, clergy, and those who are curious. There will not be an open mic for debates, however there will be an opportunity to raise pertinent questions. Please share this information with your congregations and leaders. If you attended the in-person gatherings, the information will be basically the same, except for the updates related to the announcement regarding the Special Called Annual Conference.

HERE is the link to the announcement regarding the Special Called Annual Conference scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2022.

Employment Opportunities

__________

Associate Director of Leadership Development - Laity & Discipleship

INUMC

The vision of Leadership Development in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church is to discover and develop fruitful leaders who empower others for intentional transformation that they might accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

This critical role within Leadership Development team may be filled by either a lay person or clergy. The full job description, requirements, qualifications and application details are on the INUMC website.

__________

Program Coordinator

Society of St. Andrew Indiana

SoSA Indiana is searching for a Program Coordinator! This position is full-time with benefits and can start immediately. You get to work with farmers, agencies, donors, and  volunteers to create partnerships throughout the state! Apply today! https://buff.ly/2GsXQ9W https://buff.ly/3oP8Pi5

                                          __________

Outreach Coordinator, Part-Time

Grace United Methodist Church, Franklin, IN

Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin is seeking a person to fill the Outreach Coordinator Position. People serving as lay speakers, or lay servants, with a strong desire to serve in and for the community of Franklin and surrounding areas are encouraged to contact Andy Kinsey, the senior pastor, at andykinsey@franklingrace.org. Job description is available upon request. The position coordinates the outreach ministries of the church and works as a member of a multiple staff. Grace UMC is located one-mile west of I-65 in Franklin on SR 44. Cultivating partnerships with nonprofits, civic organizations, and other churches is a part of the description of this position. Go to www.franklingrace.org for more information on ministry.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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Fletcher Place Community Center

Multiple Saturdays, 9am - 12pm

Volunteers are needed each Saturday through the end of garden season.  Individuals and small groups are welcome to come once or multiple times throughout the summer. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Beth Opell at beth.opell@gmail.com. can stay as long or as little as able and should plan to take water, sunscreen, hats, etc. In case of cancellation due to weather, Beth notifies volunteers via email on Friday evenings.

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Servants at Work (SAWs)

Multiple Dates 

Volunteering with SAWs is an opportunity to help change someone's life. SAWs is a faith-based nonprofit that builds outdoor ramps for persons living with permanent disabilities in low-income households.

SAWs has multiple ramp building opportunities available this summer. Most opportunities range from 4 to 6 hours and do not require specific skill sets. There are builds planned throughout Central Indiana and beyond. Visit the Volunteer Signup page to view currently available opportunities. You will need to create a username and password if you have not volunteered with SAWs before, or sign in with your previously created sign in information.

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Back to School Community Resource Day at Barnes UMC

Saturday, August 13, 2022

You Feed Them Missional Food Pantry is in need of several volunteers to help during this year's Community Resource Day.  Check out the needs on the Volunteer Form.

__________

Society of St. Andrew Indiana Gleaning Opportunities

Multiple Dates 

Society of St. Andrew Indiana is seeking individuals and groups who are interested in produce gleaning opportunities. Those who are interested should sign up for email notifications by creating a profile HERE. Folks will then receive emails of upcoming gleaning opportunities.

There are two ongoing opportunities in Indianapolis throughout this Farmer's Market season: on Wednesdays at 1pm at Original Farmers Market at City Market downtown, and on Saturdays at noon at Garfield Park Farmers Market. Email notifications will not be sent for these recurring opportunities; however volunteers are asked to sign up for the date(s) wanted. 

___________________

                                                                       

August 13: Community Resource Day

Noon - 4pm, 900 W 30th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208

Registration for families is CLOSED. If you are registered, do show up so that your registration is not wasted! Many community service providers will be on hand. 

                                           ___________________ 

August 17 Summer BBQ Party at Acton UMC

6 pm, 5650 Senour Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46239

Bring a dessert or a side to share and a lawn chair.

                                          ___________________ 

 

August 27: University Heights UMC Kids' Sensational Saturday

12 - 3 pm, 4002 Otterbein Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227

Join for a Saturday afternoon of fun, crafts, music, games and snacks. Your child will find a place to feel safe, special loved and welcomed; a place to learn about God's love, being a part of God's family and get an introduction to the Bible. Register HERE.

                                       ___________________ 

 

September 11: Franklin Grace UMC Music Event: The Happy Enchiladas

6 pm, 1300 E Adams Drive, Franklin, IN 46131

                                           ___________________

 

September 17: Good Shepherd UMC Craft Fair

9am - 3pm, 2015 S. Arlington Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203

Good Shepherd UMC is sponsoring a craft show, with Edward’s Dashboard Diner Food Truck, on Saturday, September 17 from 9 a.m. to 3p.m.
Vendors may reserve a booth space by completing the application from the church website: gsumcindy.org. Booth spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis with a completed application and payment of $25 which includes an outdoor 11’ X 11’ foot vendor space and a table and two chairs. Questions: call the church office at 317-356-3787.

                                            ___________________

September 24: Revival at Southport UMC

3 - 6pm, 1947 E. Southport Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227

Come and bring your friends to SUMC's Tent Revival on Saturday, September 24. The afternoon will be filled with spiritually uplifting live music, a message of grace & hope, and food!

                                           ___________________

October 8 & 9: Hamilton Series Creation Care Conference at North UMC

9am - 2pm 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208

The Richard E. and Anna Lee Hamilton Series on Theology and Contemporary Issues brings speakers, seminars, and special musical events to North United Methodist Church on various issues. The theme for 2022 is “Creation Care and Stewardship for the Earth,” and on Oct. 8-9 it will present a Creation Care Conference at North UMC, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Full details available on North UMC's Facebook page.

                                         ___________________

October 22: Craft Fair at Acton UMC

9am, 5650 Senour Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46239

                                        ___________________

November 12: Metro Ministries, Inc.'s Annual Celebration

2:30 - 5pm, 5959 Grandview Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46228

 Full details and registration information coming soon!

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Have Something to Share?

Do you have an event, volunteer need or job posting you would like included in Metro's weekly e-newsletter? Send us an email at metrodirector1923@gmail.com with the details. We will need to receive by Tuesday morning for inclusion in the current week's newsletter.

Did you miss the latest newsletter from Metro Ministries? Is there a specific article you are looking for? You can access past issues at www.indymetroumc.org/communications!