WEDNESDAY WORDS

FROM METRO MINISTRIES, INC.

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to support Metro Ministries, Inc.'s 2021 Grants Programs

January 13, 2021

May We Be Peacemakers

This prayer was posted by the Indiana United Methodist Conference last Wednesday and was shared 253 times. In the past week, many pastors and others have asked us to be in prayer for our nation, and Bishop Trimble has invited us to be in prayer for the next 100 days in light of the disturbing events in our nation's Capitol last Wednesday. I share the Bishop's invitation and the above prayer with you today, as further encouragement for us to turn toward one another in compassion and understanding, that we may seek to love as Jesus loves. We all have so much we want to accomplish in this new year. While we focus on the work ahead, let us not forget to pray for one another, to take care of one another and to pray for our nation and our world.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Update

You may have seen this image on social media or on the local news recently, providing information and updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. In case case you have not seen it today, as of earlier today, Indiana's vaccine registration site is open to individuals 70 and above. For more details and to register for the vaccine, click HERE.  If you do not have a computer or otherwise cannot access the registration site, you may call 2-1-1 and someone will assist you with registration.

Lenten Season 2021

The season of Lent begins this year on February 17, a little over a month from now.  With the risks of COVID-19 still very real and with vaccines availability for everyone likely months away, Metro Ministries will not be hosting a Lenten Kick-off Breakfast this year. We are, however, working on plans for connecting with you all throughout this Lenten season in unique and fun ways. Stay tuned for more details!

Central District Book Study

The Central District's anti racist commitment continues with a new study around the book Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation. The sessions will be via ZOOM and will convene during February, Black History Month. Meetings will be held from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Sundays, February 7, 21, and 28. The ZOOM link is here or you may dial in via phone 888 788 0099 US Toll-free, Meeting ID: 937 710 6582.

Upcoming Conference Workshops

The Effective Small Church Workshop

The Church Development Team has designed this virtual workshop intended for churches with 70 or fewer weekly worshippers, to assist smaller churches for coming back to worship settings stronger than ever. There are multiple sessions during the month of February  to choose from, see details HERE.

This free workshop zeroes in on enabling each congregation to focus on their own particular ministry context. In other words, this is not a “cookie-cutter approach”. The time spent will focus on the necessary components smaller congregations can utilize in their particular settings to carry out their vision in accomplishing the mission.

2021 Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Training (S/PPRC)

Three date and time options remain for this year's S/PPRC training, which will be held via ZOOM. All clergy, S/PPRC chairs and members and Administrative Council members are strongly encouraged to attend a session.

• Saturday, January 30, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Sunday, January 31, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
• Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom Link is here or you may dial 888 788 0099, Meeting ID: 937 710 6582.

Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning

Here is a shared learning opportunity for all current before/after school care providers, summer youth program providers and anyone who is considering such programs. Indiana After School Network will be hosting this two-day virtual event on April 20 and 21. 

This summit is designed exclusively for out-of-school time program providers and is a chance for program leaders, schools and community partners to connect, learn new ideas, access valuable resources and transform learning beyond the school day for Indiana's children and youth.

This the 10th annual summit and is hosted by Indiana Afterschool Network in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education.

Participant registration is $50.00 for both days. Participants who register by March 1 will receive a RE:LAUNCH Summit Swag Bag.

Click here more details about the Summit and for information on being a Presenter, Sponsor or Exhibitor.

Here are Children and Youth resources shared in prior weeks:

• 40 Developmental Assets
• 50 Ways to Engage Local Schools
• Helping Kids and Families Cope with the Stress of COVID-19
• Directory of Services for Children and Families
• Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences
• ACEs Primer Video
• "What do I do?" Trauma-Informed Support for Children
• Building Developmental Relationships During the COVID-19 Crisis

Please let us know if you have resources to share!

These Food Resources will continue to be shared weekly here and will also soon be available on Metro's website. Please note the information on these linked pages is subject to change frequently. For the most current information, use the links rather than printed documents.

For Food Pantries and Community Meal information in Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Johnson, Morgan and Shelby counties, click HERE.

Note: Mt. Olive United Methodist Church in Morgan County January pantry dates are January 15 and January 27, 4 - 7 pm.