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February 2006 |
| Faith in Action |
Churches encouraged to partner in health, welfare
By David Hummel
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You can make a difference in the life of others by supporting Conference Advance Specials. |
The book of James teaches us to reach out to the homeless and widows in distress.
Churches in the North Indiana United Methodist Conference have an opportunity to do just that by partnering with a North Indiana Conference-related Health and Welfare Institution. Congregations may not be able to minister one-on-one, but by supporting a United Methodist institution they are able to provide the means for another to minister one-on-one.
North Conference has three kinds of institutions it supports. They include: children's homes, retirement and nursing care facilities, and hospital chaplain programs.
Children's homes meet the needs of children and youth who require a safe haven for a time, who may have special needs, or who may be placed by the state. These children find love, structure, support and direction at one of our United Methodist-related homes.
Retirement homes and nursing care facilities offer independence, health care, social programming and reassurance to families. They help families feel alive and vital in a time when they may have felt pushed aside by society.
The chaplain programs in our United Methodist-related hospitals offer spiritual care at the moment it is needed. By taking time to listen, pray and answer questions, chaplains assist patients in finding solace and peace.
Since the financial support of these institutions has changed from conference apportionment funding to Advance Special funding, this is where your church, Sunday school class or you as an individual can make a difference. Advance Specials can be given through your local church by marking checks and/or envelopes with the Advance Special name or number.
For example, the congregation of Winchester First United Methodist Church, where I am appointed, adopted a children's home a number of years ago. Vince Turner, Vice President of Development and Public Relations for Bashor Children's Home, comes each year to share stories and tell of the needs of the children at the home. Through this personal touch by Turner, we are able to hear of the work being done and know that we are a part of the ministry there. Other Health and Welfare institutions can relate to your church in much the same way.
Retirement homes and nursing care facilities also need our support. Through these homes we offer spiritual programs beyond the physical, emotional, and mental stimulation and support. Dignity and care are offered hand in hand here.
When people are in dire need at one of our related hospitals, we can offer them caring and support through our hospital chaplains programs, supported in part through Conference Advanced Specials.
Here is a list of the North Indiana Conference Health and Welfare Institutions and their Advance Special numbers for your consideration.
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Bashor Children's Home - 030201
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Clarian Health, Indianapolis - 031401
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Hamilton Grove Retirement and Nursing Care, Hamilton - 030901
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Indiana UM Children's Home, Lebanon - 031002
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Methodist Hospitals, Gary and Merrillville - 031402
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Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne - 031701
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Warren UM Home, Retirement and Nursing Care - 032401
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Wesley Manor Retirement and Nursing Care, Frankfort - 032402
You can make a difference in the life of others by supporting Conference Advance Specials.
David Hummel is an Elder in the North Indiana Conference and a member of the Mission Funding Team
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008