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Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
December 2002 |
Does your church have a 'Brite Idea' for ministry? |
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Each month we've been recognizing local churches for creative, new ministry ideas. We plan to continue sharing these ideas in the new quarterly magazine, Hoosier United Methodists TOGETHER, the first edition of which will be out next Spring. However, the "Brite Ideas from Local Churches" section won't begin until the Summer issue. We're especially interested in programs that grow out of lay members' recognition of a need and creation of an innovative way to minister to that need. Describe your church's Brite Idea in 150 words or less. Include a clear, well-lighted photo or two with a note about who is in the picture and what's going on. Also, please note your name and a daytime phone number. Send to: "Brite Idea," 1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 210, Indianapolis, Ind. 46208. Items must be received by the Feb. 1, 2003 in order to be considered for the Summer edition. |
The 40-day prayer
Our church is in the midst of a program that began with 40 days of prayer to discover the people's (and God's) dream for Trinity Church. Once there is a collection of dreams assembled at the end of the 40 days it is hoped that we will begin programming toward some or all of those dreams. The further hope is that as the congregation reaches toward those dreams, miracles will occur in the life of the church and in the lives of its people. Rev. Ralph Baker, clergy member, ret., South Indiana Conference, now worshipping at Trinity UMC in Bradenton, Fla.
'Christmas Journey' gift to community
The folks at St. Matthew UMC in Frankfort are preparing for our 6th year of presenting "A Christmas Journey" as our gift to the community. It is a trip back through time, looking at the various traditions of Christmas and the meanings behind them, ending, of course, at the Nativity. Guests gather in Fellowship Hall, which has been turned in to an outdoor park in the 1800's and are entertained by carolers, bell ringers, a juggler, children building a snowman and instrumentalists. They visit Ebenezer Scrooge (after his conversion) and a guide walks them through the rest of the journey, going to different rooms in the church. Each scene takes about four minutes and there are eight scenes. This year scenes include the writing of Silent Night, poinsettias, the 12-days of Christmas, gift-giving, King Wenceslaus, Gabriel & Mary and the Nativity. At the end, they will be reminded that the Journey isn't over, that Jesus is still looking for places to be born.
We have been told we should charge admission, but we want this to be our gift. Our building is completely handicap accessible, and we have a couple wheel chairs available for people to use. It is also a wonderful event for children because they don't have to sit still for very long, and they find out the real reasons we do the things we do at Christmas. Janeen Burrows
Brooke's Place offers emotional support
The bright lights and cheerful bustle of the year-end holiday season often mask the fact that for many children and adults, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day can be a sad one, especially for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, which was initiated at St. Luke's UMC, Indianapolis, was founded on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and understanding environment. Available to young people of ages 3-20 and their families -- Brooke's Place provides a safe place to express and explore their grief. Located at 6100 N. Keystone, in Indianapolis, the focus of the program is to help young people and adults learn healthy ways of going through the holidays without their loved ones. For more information, contact program director, Carol Braden, 317/255-2442.
'Treats' from Jesus
This year over 250 "trick or treaters" stopped in to receive a "Treat from Jesus" during Warren UMC Kid's Klub "Treats for Jesus" on Halloween night during Warren's trick or treat hours between 6 and 8 p.m. This was the second year for the ministry to the kids and families of the Warren community. Attached to each treat was an invitation to Kid's Klub. Each child was also offered a bag of popcorn compliments of the Warren United Methodist Memorial Home's "theater" popcorn popper! For those who didn't guess, "Mr. Basketball Head" (the evening's added attraction) was the pastor, Mike Beall.
Glossary of Ministries
Mt. Comfort UMC, Greenfield, had a great idea to keep members and potential members "in the know." Their October newsletter published a "Glossary of Ministries" that listed all the ministries in the church, what they do, what age group the ministries are targeted for, and when they meet. Senior pastor is the Rev. David W. Patrick.
Beyond Santa
Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of Christ again into our world and into our lives. Are our children learning about the greatest gift or has the commercialism of Christmas become the focus? In an effort to encourage their membership to remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, First UMC in Sheridan held a month-long study and discussion based on the book, Unplug the Christmas Machine. Discussions were led by Becky McClure and the pastor, Rev. Archibald Hawkins.
Making Ready for Christmas Visitors
Christmas Eve is replacing Easter as the time when most newcomers and visitors arrive at UM churches. According to Dan Benedict, director of worship resources at the General Board of Discipleship, it is important that the congregation be visitor friendly. "Churches need to be planning now for these visitors and newcomers" on Christmas Eve, said Benedict. "You need to have a congregational conversation to answer the question, 'How do we show hospitality in worship?'"
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Help out visitors. Regular church members can help newcomers who might be lost in finding their hymnal or pew Bible.
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Use care in what worship leaders say and what is printed in the bulletin.
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Use page numbers when referencing hymns, prayers, and biblical passages.
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Celebrate the church's history and story without apology and hesitancy.
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Offer options in worship times.