Advent Week 2, Comfort & Joy, Center for Congregations Grant, Dec. Events...
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WEDNESDAY WORDS
FROM METRO MINISTRIES, INC.
December 7, 2022
Celebrating East Tenth Children & Youth Center
Last week I, along with Metro board members Sherrae Davis and Debb Ebersole, had the pleasure of joining in East Tenth's United Methodist Children and Youth Center's Annual Celebration, the first in-person since 2019. Staff and board members, business and individual supporters, along with families of the Center, gathered with Executive Director Jean Casmir Hill, to celebrate the successes of this organization.
Jean shared what the past three years have been like for the children, families and staff. She shared how nearly every aspect of the programming had to be adapted with some changes remaining permanent, like hand-washing before entering and exiting the building and daily temperature checks. Stories were told and images were shared of the children in the safe, loving and exceptional care of the teachers and other staff members.
Having begun as an outreach initiative of East Tenth United Methodist Church 26 years ago to attempt to address the need for affordable childcare in the near east side of Indianapolis, the Center has become an NAEYC fully accredited early learning program and a Paths to Quality Level 4 provider. Achieving these designations in 2019 opened up access to local, state and federal funding streams and partnerships, allowing more children and families to be served, as well as being in the loop on best practices for early learning centers.
Metro Ministries is proud to have walked alongside the Center for many years, and we sincerely appreciate the impacts made every day on the lives of the children, their families and their community.
Devotional on Peace
I spent time earlier this week, working on a message about peace and peace-making for today's newsletter. But after reading today's devontional in the Grit to Grace Advent devotional, I realized I couldn't come up with more appropriate words than those of Pastor Angela Mante. His message today is based on Romans 12:17-19: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
Pastor Angelo writes "We’re living in a tumultuous time. While hyperbole comes easy, it really does seem like we’re living in one of the most tense, conflict-ridden periods in our nation’s history. With the exception of the Civil War era, politically we are at least as divided as we’ve ever been. Hate crimes and domestic extremism are on the rise; domestic violence has surged since the beginning of the pandemic; and the gun violence crisis has reached the point of national emergency.
Sadly, for those of us who call ourselves United Methodists, our own denomination finds itself in crisis, as decades of ongoing conflict finally appears to have come to a head. In the midst of all of this chaos and conflict, we’re called to be a people of peace. We’re called to be peacemakers, which is to say that we’re called to actively seek and make peace in a violent world.
I’ve been reflecting all year on the wise words of St. Paul in Romans 12:18, especially on the phrase “as far as it depends on you.” There are times in which we might be in a conflict with another party who simply doesn’t want peace. No matter what we say or do, they continue to curse and revile us.
In some situations, it might be appropriate to stubbornly seek peace and reconciliation. In other cases, we might need to release the relationship. But in every conflict, we’re called to continually reflect upon our role and ensure that we’re not contributing to the conflict in ways that cause further harm.
What’s a conflict that you’re dealing with in your own life? What’s your role in this conflict? Have you responded at any point with revenge or by “repaying evil for evil?” What might “making peace” look like for you? Can the other party be won over, or do you need to release the relationship?
As the people of God, we must develop the selfawareness and capacity to engage in conflict constructively. We must not mirror the violence of the world around us, but rather model for the world an alternative way to be and live. And the world will know us by our love.
God, as far as it depends on me, help me go about my days and weeks with a commitment to live at peace with everyone. Amen."
This Mental Health Initiative is an education and grant initiative designed to assist Indiana congregations in addressing mental health and wellness among their members. This opportunity includes educational sessions and a grant of up to $40,000 to fund expenses and activities that support mental health programming in congregations.
The Center for Congregations is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and therefore encourages congregations of color and rural congregations to apply.
As a result of participating in this Mental Health Initiative, your congregation will:
Understanding ways that their congregation can benefit from the intersection of mental and spiritual wellness.
Harnessing their congregation’s spiritual practices and faith claims to promote healing and mental well-being.
Understanding cultural dynamics that can limit the discussion of mental health in congregations.
Equipping themselves to identify and offer mental health resources to support their faith community.
Finding rejuvenation and healing while learning how to offer it to their own congregation.
Learning ways to support clergy people and their spiritual and mental wellness.
This grant awards 90% funding up to $40,000 and will require a 10% commitment from each participating congregation. This is a competitive process with a a cohort of 30 congregations across 29 Central Indiana counties. Information sessions about this opportunity are available in December and January. Visit the Center for Congregation's Mental Health Initiativewebpage for full details. Note the applicaiton deadline is January 27, 2023.
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December 9: Evening with Santa at University Heights UMC
6:30 pm, 4002 Otterbein Ave., Indianapolis
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December 9 & 10: A Journey through Bethlehem at New Life UMC
6145 N 400 W, Fairland
This drive-through nativity story will be available on two dates: December 9, 6 - 8pm; and December 10, 4 - 7pm.
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December 10: Potato Distribution at Grace UMC
8am - Noon, 3500 E. Adams Dr., Franklin
Potatoes are available in 10 pound bags, for food pantries and for individuals. Food pantries should call to request number of bags to be set aside, especially if large quantities are wanted, 317-736-7962. Potatoes must be picked up on Saturday only. Individuals can just show up that morning.
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December 10: Grinchmas Party at Speedway UMC
2 - 4pm, 5065 W. 16th St., Indianapolis
This free event is for the community, with stories, treats, games, crafts and raffle prizes.
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December 10: Christmas Organ Concert at Greenwood UMC
4 pm, 525 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood
This in-person concert will also be live-streamed. Scan the QR code above to access the live-stream.
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December 10: Christmas Breakfast at Christ UMC
8 - 11am, 8540 US 31 S, Indianapolis
Santa will be making an appearance as well!
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December 10: Holiday Bazaar at McCordsville UMC
10 am - 3 pm, 6247 W. Broadway, McCordsville
Check out the MUMC Holiday Bazaar and luncheon with 35 vendors, including bake sale, jewelry, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Kelly’s Jelly’s, home decor and much more.
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December 10: Cookie Walk at New Palestine UMC
8:30 - 11am, 3565 S 500 W, New Palestine
Cookies will be available for $6.50/lb., with proceeds supporting mission endeavors for women and children, both locally and abroad. Santa will be there too, from 9 - 11am.
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December 10: Indianapolis Symponic Band at Castleton UMC
7pm, 7101 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis
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December 11: A Christmas Cabaret at Union Chapel UMC
2 - 3 pm and 4 - 5pm, 2720 E. 86th St., Indianapolis
Celebrate the Christmas season with a special holiday cabaret concert featuring several Garden signers and special guests. Admission is $35 and proceeds will support The Garden. Tickets are now available HERE.
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December 12: Comfort and Joy Service by Grace UMC
6 - 7 pm, at Coffeehouse Five, 41 W. Monroe St., Franklin
This is a time to gather for song, prayer and scripture. This service is for all who find Christmas a challenging time of year for a variety of reasons. Coffee and pastries will be provided, courtesy of Coffeehouse Five.
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December 16: Unwrapping Christmas, Old Bethel UMC Puppeteers
7 pm, 7995 E 21st St., Indianapolis
Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to this fun Christmas puppet show. There will be great music and a wonderful message. All are welcome to this FREE event!
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December 17: Breakfast with Santa at Faith UMC
9:30am, 9031 E 16th St., Indianapolis
All are welcome at this free event for the community.
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December 18: Comfort and Hope at North UMC
5pm, 3909 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
This simple service of silence and song, scripture and prayer will acknowledge the gift of letting go and celebrate the gift of holding fast to hope.
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December 18: Christmas Celebration at University UMC
3pm, 5959 Grandview Drive, Indianapolis
Celebrate with guest churches Bethel Cathedral AME, Crossroads AME, Scott UMC, and True Victory Church of God in Christ. Featuring music from Ivan Moreland and Joe Heyward.
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December 25: Christmas Dinner at Grace UMC
4 - 6 pm, 1300 E. Adams Dr., Franklin
This is the 14th year Grace UMC has offered Christmas dinner for the community. Delivery will be available but must be requested by December 20 by calling 317-736-7962. Carry-out requests will be filled from 2 - 4pm and in-house dinner will be served 4 - 6pm.
Check out these holiday events and activities throughout the Central District, beginning as early as this weekend!
Featuring free pictures with Santa, live reindeer, free hot chocolate & cookies, and craft vendors.
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December 10: Whoville Holiday in New Palestine
3 - 8pm, 11 E. Main St., New Palestine
Visit the annual Winter Fest and Christmas Walk. There will be vendors at New Palestine Town Hall, Depot Street and businesses along Main Street. Parade starts at 4pm, Luminaries will be lit at 5:30pm, Tree lighting at 6:15pm.
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December 10: Holidays Around the World
10am - 1pm, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis
At Garfiled Park Arts Center, this free event includes holiday-themed arts and crafts, live music, performances, and more, in a celebration of holidays from around the globe.
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December 24: Children's Museum Free Admission
10am - 2pm, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Admission is free between 10am and 2pm, but tickets are required. The museum will clost at 2pm. Tickets will be available beginning December 14 and will go quickly. More information is available HERE.
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.
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