LIFE TOGETHER ON WEST MORRIS STREET
A weekly information and prayer journal by Pastor John Hay, Jr.

June 11, 2008

Following Jesus - Crossing Borders - Loving Neighbors

OUR MISSION: "We are called by God to do whatever it takes to reach people in love, restore them in Jesus Christ, and return them to minister to a lost world."

CONTENTS
- New Orleans Mission Update
- Praying
- Gathering
- Word Centering
- Incarnating Christ
- Blessing

NEW ORLEANS MISSION UPDATE

GREETINGS FROM THE CRESCENT CITY Members of the WEMO youth group, along with Gale and Georgia O'Connor and me are in New Orleans this week, serving in the continuing post-Katrina Hurricane rebuilding effort. Travis Stevens, Ronnie Payne, Sam Hay, Jordan Bowles, Hannah Drummond, Molly Hay, and Michelle Leak are all working hard on a 100-year old house that was ravaged by the hurricane and levy break that flooded much of the city. I am posting photos and updates on the WEMO website each day of the mission trip. Go to www.westmorrisfm.org and click on the bold words in the "Announcements" side bar. I am proud of these kids and of the caring ministry Gale and Georgia offer WEMO youth and their families. Please continue to pray for our safety, for spiritual growth, for the family whose home we are working on, and for our return to Indy for worship at WEMO on Father's Day.

MAKING PROGRESS Our group has worked in the sun and 90-degree+ heat, completing prep work necessary before we can start painting the house. What at first looked like quick work has more detail and demands greater time than I first thought. However, we've finished scraping paint, bleaching the wood, caulking cracks and corners, repairing wood, and applying a primer/sealer on the house. Two team members have been at the top of 28-foot ladders much of the time, though just about everyone has spent significant time on ladders at varying heights. We're ready to paint!

NATASHA'S STORY We've had good conversation with the homeowner, Natasha, and her three sons, Justin, Tre and Tyler, as they assist us in our work. This family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina. They lived for a while in Texas and then in Atlanta before returning to New Orleans to begin to begin to rebuild their lives here. As with many families, it has been a long and complicated process. Stories of displacement and attempts to rebuild range from heroic to tragic. We're happy to be included in part of the story of this family's recovery and hope for the future.

CHURCH VOLUNTEERS - A SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT We have been told by the folks who are coordinating our project that the work of church volunteers from across the nation are a very significant part of rebuilding New Orleans and the encouraging the individuals and families affected by the hurricane. Some contractors have been scandalous and some policies have been confusing and limiting. In the gaps and after the money trickles away, church volunteers are helping households who have nowhere else to turn. Let's give thanks to God for his people and pray that more will continue to hear and respond to the call for help in this place and for people who are in crisis around the world.

PRAYING

CONCERT OF PRAYER Thursdays at 6:30; all are welcome to gather to pray earnestly together for our church. Meet in the East End (Coffeehouse).

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST All men are welcome each Wednesday morning at 6:15 am in Ellis Hall. Hot breakfast, table fellowship and earnest prayer. On your way by 7:15 am.

PRAY IN INTERCESSION Pray God's comfort, healing touch and answers for the following requested concerns:
-- Pray for Pat Strange who continues in therapy at Eagle Valley Meadows after shoulder replacement surgery.
-- Pray continued healing for Mike Leak as he continues therapy at home.
-- Pray encouragement for Guy Lane at Lakeview.
-- Pray continued recovery for Nancy Strange.
-- Pray for Anita Miller as she anticipates further heart tests.
-- Pray healing for Ruby Hill at Plainfield Healthcare Center.
-- Pray grace for Mike & Heather Pierce as Heather nears delivery date for their firstborn child.
-- Pray grace for Joe Black at Lakeview; also for Phyllis.
-- Pray grace for Vance Robbins at home; also for Viola.

PRAY FOR BREAKTHROUGH With thanksgiving, pray for encouragement, wisdom and spiritual breakthrough:
-- Pray for the people of Indiana whose lives are in upheaval after the weekend's flooding.
-- Pray financial wisdom and breakthrough for individuals and families who are currently struggling.
-- Pray wisdom and vision for Free Methodist World Missions.
-- Pray wisdom and healing for individuals working through tough relationship challenges.
-- Pray for the Youth Mission Trip in New Orleans.
-- Pray for the youth and guides who are preparing for the National Bible Quiz Finals at Spring Arbor University beginning July 7.
-- Pray for Tim & Dirancy Foddrill and Jason Courtney as they prepare for a mission trip to Brazil with Covenant Christian High School.
-- Pray wisdom and power for preparations, activities and services for all weeks of camps at Wabash Park Camp.
-- Pray for me as I prepare to proclaim the Word twice a day for the 10 days of the West Virginia Family Camp, July 10-20.
-- Pray daily for our Free Methodist missionaries:
- Drs. Joel & Janette Miller (Mexico City); David & Sheryl Yardy (Bangkok, Thailand); Kay Stotts (Santiago, Chile); Michael & Maria Long (Athens, Greece). Get updated news and prayer requests regarding these missionaries and their work with people at www.fmwm.org, the website of Free Methodist World Missions.

GATHERING

CLC+ COOK-OUT & SWIM 5th & 6th graders will have a cook-out and swim at Conkle's this evening (Wednesday, June 11). The event begins at Conkle's at 6 pm. Plan to meet at the church at 5:30 pm to ride together.

SOFTBALL The Comunidad Cristiana/WEMO softball season is in full swing, games are Monday evenings. Call Tim Foddrill if you'd like to play.

SCAMPS @ INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS All 55+ are invited to join the SCAMPS attending the Indianapolis Indians baseball game together on Wednesday, June 25. Meet at the church at 1 pm to carpool to the 2 pm game at Victory Field. Tickets are $9; give your $ to Wally or Mary Murray by June 22.

FUGETT/HEATON WEDDING SHOWER All are invited (men, too!) to a come & go shower for MacKensie Heaton, fiancée of Brad Fugett, on from 2-4 pm on Sunday, June 29, from 2 to 4 pm in the Lower Level. They are registered at WalMart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES Please mark your calendar, save dates, plan for involvement and pray for:
- Pre-Teen Game Night - June 18, 6-8 pm
- The Phil @ Garfield Park - June 19, 7 pm - last free outdoor orchestra concert
- Wabash Annual Conference - June 20-21
- Kids Camp I - June 23-28
- Senior Teen Camp - June 23-28
- N.I.T.E. Bicycle Ride - June 28 Join a group of WEMO friends who annual participate in this 20-mile night-time bicycle ride through Indy (along with 3,000 others!), 11 pm-1 am. Contact Pastor John Hay, Jr. if you'd like to participate.
- College/Career Cook-out - June 29, 5-9 pm @ Eagle Creek Park. This is an all-area Free Methodist Church event.
- Young Teen Camp I - June 30-July 5
- National Bible Quiz Finals - July 7-11 @ Spring Arbor University
- Kids Camp II - July 7-12
- Young Teen Camp II - July 14-19
- Wabash Family Camp - July 21-27 - Family Camp brochures are at each facility entrance. Learn about the family-friendly opportunities and events of this special week at Wabash Park Camp. Camp Evangelist is Brenda Young, an outstanding Bible teacher and pastor in Ohio.
- WEMO Vacation Bible School - July 27-31
- Mission Indy Street Rally @ Indy First - Aug 10

WORD CENTERING

FATHER'S DAY, THE LORD'S DAY Please join us for Morning Worship on Sunday, June 15 at 10:30 am. This is Father's Day. It is also the Lord's Day - the first day of the week that we set aside to "put first things first" in our lives. "First things" for those who follow Jesus includes gathering together to praise God, explore the Word and share in Christian fellowship. There are many ways and settings in which we can do this, but none are more important or focused for us as a community of faith than our Sunday morning gathering. Please make this a continuing priority -even and especially during the summer. And, when you are out of town or on vacation this summer, I encourage you to attend worship wherever you can. This is part of what it means to be the people of God.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Dedicated teachers share solid Bible lessons at 9:30 am each Sunday for students at all levels - children, youth and adults. Make this hour a part of your weekly Bible exploration and application -- a key component of a life of discipleship. Start your Lord's Day with Breakfast Fellowship in the Lower Level, 9:00-9:30 am.

SERVICES & SERMONS ONLINE Recent Morning Worship services and sermons are available for online listening. Go to the WEMO website (www.westmorrisfm.org) and click on "Sermons Online." Also online: four years of Word insights and application through "The Compass."

READING THROUGH THE BIBLE Start now…you'll finish before the end of June 2009! Get a guide at our facility entrances.

INCARNATING CHRIST

BABY SHOWER FOR DAWN MILES All WEMO women are invited to a baby shower for Dawn Miles on Sunday, June 22 in the Lower Level, 2:00-4:00 p.m. A baby boy is due in July. Contact Denise Bowles for info.

WEMO VBS - SUPPLIES YOU CAN GATHER We are now recruiting volunteers and seeking supplies for our VBS. It is Sunday-Thursday, July 27-31. Please save and bring the following common items for use in VBS crafts:
- empty 12-ounce frozen juice cans (cardboard or plastic)
- cardboard boxes (various sizes)
- empty 2-liter bottles with lids
VBS Director Lana Reeser is counting on lots of us - MOST of us! - being a part of this great week of outreach and Christian education. Please clear this week, pray for it, and get involved!

APPOINTED TO SERVE At our West Morris Street Free Methodist Society Meeting on Sunday, June 1, the following persons were elected to serve throughout the next 12 months: Trustees: Ed Larrison and Dan Crawford (3-year term). Treasurer: Missy Bradburn. Financial Secretary: Dave Kirk. Counting teams: Rachel Lane, Ken Garner, Judy Garner, and Dee Blankenhorn. Let us support these as they begin or renew their servant leadership among us.

BLESSING

BENEDICTION May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

West Morris Street Free Methodist Church
2302 West Morris Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46221
John Hay, Jr., Senior Pastor
Phone: 317.632.8311
Office e-mail: wmsfmc@juno.com
Website: www.westmorrisfm.org

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