I don't know what the last week has been like for you. For me, it's been a time of recognizing that the risks of COVID-19 are not behind us. While we are certainly in a better place facing the persistent pandemic than we were this time last year, when vaccines were just becoming available to segments of the population, versus today when almost everyone can be fully vaccinated, at least here in the United States. We are, unfortunately, not out of the woods. We still must think about each others' welfare and safety in ways that we never imagined 22 months ago. The reality is we still must care for one another in as many ways as we can, including how we can individually help keep others healthy.
Again (or still for some folks), we are living with mask-wearing in group settings, we are worshipping with more physical separation or only online, we are worrying about and praying for our children, youth, teachers and school administrators, and we have heightened concern for folks at higher risks for severe impacts from COVID-19. We are praying for loved ones who are fighting the virus and uplifting those who lost their lives to it, and we are in a time once again (still?) of fervently praying for our health care workers and institutions, where hospital beds and urgent care are in short supply.
I am fairly certain that none of us wanted to start another year from this place. I know I didn't. Yet here I am, and here we are. I have been incredibly frustrated and disappointed this week to inform Metro's board members that our annual strategic planning meeting scheduled for this Saturday is going to be virtual on ZOOM, rather than in person as we had planned.
As frustrated and disappointed as I was to arrive at this decision, it is the right thing to do. I am certain that this is the best way to show Metro's board members that I care about them. So I have turned my attention to how to make this virtual meeting as engaging as possible, to provide folks creative ways to get to know each other when many have yet to meet in person at all. Our board members and I will pray, fellowship and work together this Saturday, where we will envision Metro's work, outcomes and impacts for 2022 and beyond. Right now, this is how I will care for Metro's board members. My prayer is that you are able to see how you can care for those in your circle right now, and that you can turn away from the frustration and disappointment and turn towards how you will show them care and love.
Many of us will not be going to work or school on Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I must admit that I hadn't given much thought to what I would do Monday, until I decided to publish information in today's newsletter about possibilities. Now, I plan to do something instead of nothing on Monday. Here are possible options of ways you can observe the holiday.
DreamKeepers Panel
St. Luke's UMC is honoring the legacy and lessons of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. through DreamKeepers. This second annual DreamKeepers panel is a virtual gathering of justice thought leaders from our community who will explore the ways in which Dr. King's call for equity and anti-racism translates to economic, educational, political and community development initiatives today. Panelists include Fady Qaddoura, State Senator District 30, Rev. Annettra Jones Stephens, Associate Directory of Diversity, Mission and Justice for INUMC and Ryan Calvin, Director of Program Operations Indianapolis Freedom School Partnership. Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross, Pastor of Mobilization and Outreach at St. Luke's. This online panel will begin at 11:00 am on the 17th. All are welcome to register for this free event HERE.
Indiana University 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Indiana University faculty, staff and students invite the community at large to join in a two-day virtual conference, reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. King. This event had been in person prior to the pandemic but is now virtual, thus providing an opportunity for all to participate in workshops, films, panel discussions and hear guest speakers. Folks are invited to view the full conference schedule, to register and to participate in as many or as few sessions as desired. Full details are available HERE.
Free Admissions to Museums in Indianapolis
White River State Park partners with Gleaners each year to host a day of free admissions to many museums in Indianapolis. Donations for Gleaners are accepted at each location, but admissions are free, as well as free parking from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm on Monday at White River State Park Garage. The following offer free admission, but some require advance registration and all have COVID guidelines to be followed. Click the desired link(s) for specific details:
Upcoming Grant Opportunity: Bishop's Christmas Offering Grants
The Bishop's Christmas Offering is collected each year from Indiana United Methodist churches. This annual offering seeks to strengthen ministries by providing financial support of efforts to reach out and improve the lives of young people. One of the ways this happens is through the Bishop's Christmas Offering Grants program.
Ministries seeking this grant must have a connection to the work of the United Methodist Church either directly by use of church building, members or boards; or indirectly as partners with other faith-based community groups.
Applications for this grant will be accepted from February 1 to February 28, 2022. For the full criteria and more details, click HERE. The link to apply will be activated on this page on February
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Event Postponed: Children Mater Most All In
The decision has been made to postpone this in-person event. Reschedule details will be shared in Metro's newsletter as soon as they are made available.
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INUMC Job Posting Board
Did you know the Indiana Conference website has a job posting board of open church staff positions and beyond?
Did you know that churches can post staff job opportunities on the INUMC Conference Job Board?
View current openings HERE, and scroll down to the "Post a Job" button to add your church's open positions.
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!
If you know of other resources we should share, please let us know by emailing Tina McAninch at metrodirector1923@gmail.com.
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FOOD RESOURCES
Community Compass
Community Compass is a tool created by Indy Hunger Network and has two key ways to connect individuals with food resources near them. The first is an app for smart phones that automatically provides food resources based on where the individual is. The second is the ability to text for food resources if an individual does not have a smart phone. Check out details of Community Compass. This very valuable tool now works in the donut counties as well as Marion County!
Listing of Central Indiana Food Pantries
We have updated the format of the food pantry list, making it easier to view when printed. You can download the updated listingHERE or from Metro's website's Resources Hub. Please let us know if you have food resources to add or update. We will make updates to this list on a quarterly basis.
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