Advent Week 1, Collaboration Snapshot, Upcoming Church & CommunityEvents ...
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WEDNESDAY WORDS
FROM METRO MINISTRIES, INC.
November 30, 2022
Tardy once again... there are so many events to share this week, that I ran out of time. I hope you enjoy Wednesdays Words on Thursday. Be sure to check out the church events and other free community holiday events this month!
Collaboration at Faith UMC
Faith United Methodist Church sits on several acres of land on East 16th Street, just off Post Road. Soon after his appointment to Faith UMC last year, Pastor Matthew Phipps reached out to Indy Urban Acres last fall, asking if they would be interested in expanding their urban garden coverage to include the land at the church. The answer was "Yes!", and the details were worked through.
This spting, the ground was turned, and vegetables and flowers were planted. In its first year, 63,000 pounds of produce were harvested from Faith Garden by Indy Urban Acres staff and volunteers, along with help from Faith UMC members on occasion, including on Labor Day, when the garden was not staffed. Volunteers from Faith UMC harvested 2,500 pounds in that day alone.
All of the produce harvested from Faith Garden has been distributed to east side pantries, service providers and families. including Old Bethel and Partners Food Pantry and Moorhead Resource Center for regular distribution throughout the harvest season.
The partnership between Faith UMC and Indy Urban Acres will see an orchard planted in 2023 in protected wetlands, with Faith UMC having donated 34 trees to get this project started. Metro Ministries congratulates Faith UMC for seeking collaboration and making such connections. We cannot wait to watch the Faith Garden grow next year and beyond!
Idle or Active Hope?
I hope tomorrow is a better day than today. But I didn't identify a single thing I can do to make tomorrow better. Ok, maybe I have but I haven't yet held myself accountable for following through with that action. So, what are the chances of tomorrow being a better day, if I don't take any steps myself?
I wonder if hope can lead us to action. I wonder, if in hoping for a better day or a better world, we can take our place in making things better.
Perhaps instead of hoping to avoid conflict and disagreement, we can hope to seek common ground to work together on making a positive difference. Maybe instead of praying "God, help our troubled world.", a better prayer would be "God, give me hope for our troubled world." Better still, a hopeful prayer would be "God, may hope lead me to action for the troubled in our world."
I hope for better days, for a better world, for many things to end: gun violence, hunger, poverty, injustice. I wonder what I could do about these things, if I prayed that my hope sparked action. God, help me to have active hope instead of idle hope, Amen.
Please see these employment opportunities that have been shared with Metro Ministries.
Outreach Coordinator at Grace United Methodist Church, Franklin
Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin is seeking a part-time Outreach Coordinator. The person selected will work with the staff and Outreach Team to organize and coordinate the many outreach ministries of the church as well as relate to the many community partners. Persons who are lay leaders or lay speakers who are looking for experience in a local church might find this position helpful. Hours are flexible during the week. For more information, please contact Pastor Andy Kinsey at andykinsey@franklingrace.org.
Children & Youth Ministry Director/Coordinator at Lawrence United Methodist Church
Lawrence UMC is seeking a full-time children and youth ministry director who will encourage all children in the congregation and in the community to grow in faith as Christian disciples. This person will work with other church and community leaders to address the needs of children so that all God's children are strong and wise. Other than set service times on Sunday mornings and planned children/youth gatherings and events, this is a flexible schedule position. Starting salary is $15/hour. The full job description is available HERE. To express interest in this position, contact Lisa Egler-Kellems at lisae93@comcast.net with subject line: SPRC-Children and Youth Director Search, or via mail at the address provided in the job description.
INUMC Job Board
The Indiana Conference of United Methodist Churches Job Board is available HERE.
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December 2 and 3: Live Nativity at Castleton UMC
6 - 9pm both days, 7101 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis
Come experience this guided Journey to Bethlehem and experience the original Christmas story.
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December 4: Family Nativity Walk at Meridian St. UMC
1 - 3pm, 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Enjoy crafts and snacks along this informative walk through the classical elements of a nativity scene.
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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: 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 11: A Christmas Cabaret at The Garden
2 - 3 pm, 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 11: 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 and collectively remember the loved ones whom we've lost this year. 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
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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!
Check out Cumberland's big Christmas celebration, with lots of family friendly activities throughout the day, including Santa and Mrs. Clause, live reindeer and elves, the artisan vendor tent, live music in the entertainment tent, food and drink trucks, an expanded light parade and the annual Christmas tree lighting! HERE is the full schedule.
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December 3: Winterfest in Fortville
12 - 7pm, Downtown Fortville
Enjoy a festive parade at 1:30, visits with Santa, a kids’ zone, art displays, live music, food and beverage vendors, local shopping, family photo ops, and the tree lighting to cap off the festival at 6pm.
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December 3: Franklin Holiday Lighting
10am - 8pm, Downtown Franklin
Enjoy festive activities all day, including a winter market featuring handmade and hand grown products from 2 PM to 8 PM on North Main Street, a lighted parade along Jefferson Street at 5:30 PM, and the lighting at the courthouse at 7 PM.
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December 4: Broad Ripple Lights Up
3 - 6pm, 818 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis
Lights Up feature a Wonderland Village which includes holiday-themed activities for children, visits with Santa Claus, musical entertainment, and more. Tree lighting is at 5:30pm.
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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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