Terre Haute Ministries INC: September 2008

Monday, September 15, 2008

Terre Haute Ministries Luncheon

We had an outstanding turnout for our first ever Ministry Luncheon. It was great to see so many ministry leaders in attendance. This event gave us the opportunity to share the information about what God is doing through the vessel of Terre Haute Ministries.

In case you were unable to attend, we do have some handouts available. Please send an e-mail to honnalorah@aol.com and we will be sure to get copy in your inbox.

Vince McFarland communicated the history, formation, and vision of what this organization is all about. He also extended an opportunity to every Church in Terre Haute to join us on this amazing journey that the Lord has set us out upon. Vince shared that each Church that participates in the ministry has the opportunity to place a representative on the board, clearly communicating this is a "WORKING" board. The people that we ask that serve on this board should have a heart for meeting the needs of God's people in a very tangible and hand's on way.

Terre Haute Ministries is determined to fulfill the call that the Lord has placed upon us. We are determined to come together as "The Church", ministering as one Body to meet the needs of our community that are not met by the existing organizations. It is also our hope to help alleviate not only the suffering in our community but also the burden that is placed on so many organizations. We desire to assist and strengthen through partnership those that are already serving the needs of our community.

Two important immediate projects were also discussed at the luncheon. They both relate to the CRWRC team coming into our community to assist us with our needs assessment survey as it relates to flood recovery. Terre Haute Ministries has asked that each Church place the CRWRC information in their weekly bulletin. The team will be in the Wabash Valley, going door to door, September 23 - October 2.

The second project, also relates to the CRWRC and the gift that they our to the Wabash Valley and our efforts in the recovery process. Their team has requested the cooperation of the local Body of Christ. They will be taking care of their breakfast and noon time meals, but would like local Churches to consider providing their evening meal. There are 18 members on their team. Again, please contact Honnalora if your are able to help us honor this request.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sept 2, 2008 THM meeting

We had a very successful Terre Haute Ministries meeting. Thanks to all those that attended. We would also like to thank our guest Michelle Swiger from Lifeline come and share with us what her organization is doing, especially in the area of assisting in flood recovery.

Terre Haute Ministries is growing and getting stronger. We are looking forward to the luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th at Maryland Community Church. If you are an area Pastor, make sure you RSVP by September 8th to reserve your seat.

Next meeting - October 7th at Hulman Street Wesleyan Church.

Executive Summary

Terre Haute Ministries, Inc.

Summary

Structure. Terre Haute Ministries, Inc., ("THM") was organized in 2008 as an Indiana nonprofit corporation. THM’s members are Christian churches and similar Christian religious organizations located in the Terre Haute area, each of which may designate up to two persons to serve on THM’s board of directors. The board of directors, in turn, elects the officers of THM, who conduct the daily business of the organization.

Origin. In 2006 former Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke called local religious leaders to a meeting and issued a challenge—that the religious community begin to seek unity in service to Terre Haute. Pointing out that local business leaders had begun to achieve important civic successes when they decided to cooperate with one another, he expressed the hope that religious organizations could follow their example. Beginning with a small group that gradually grew, several local ministers began to discuss and to pray about possible responses to the Mayor’s challenge.

Community ministry organization. Research led to a type of organization that has proven very successful in other towns and cities. Called a "community ministry organization," it is characterized by broad-based membership among religious congregations, who support the organization and its missions with resources and volunteers. The particular activities of these organizations vary according to local conditions, but generally they address the needs of persons for food, housing, utilities, healthcare, employment skills, and the like. The basic purpose of such organizations is to demonstrate that religious congregations can overcome their doctrinal differences and can unite to meet human need, a mission held in common by many faith traditions. By helping churches to communicate with each other and to coordinate and track the relief that is provided, THM believes it can reduce program overlap, make services more accessible, and increase the likelihood that persons receive the assistance they need.
THM membership. At the organizational stage, the membership of THM included the following faith traditions: United Methodist, Wesleyan, Missionary Baptist, Southern Baptist, Catholic, non-denominational community churches, Assemblies of God, Salvation Army, Christian Church (independent), Congregational, Presbyterian, and Episcopalian. Now that THM is organized, the next step will be to recruit other churches—from these groups and from other Christian traditions—as members. Although the membership of THM currently is comprised of Christian churches, THM hopes that it will have opportunities to cooperate with other religions in meeting human needs.

Next steps. Throughout the remainder of 2008, the officers and directors of THM will be engaged in three main efforts: (1) applying for recognition as a corporation exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) recruiting as many churches as possible to the membership of THM; and (3) assessing the needs of the Terre Haute area and determining what ministries are the best "fit" for THM. Terre Haute is blessed with many organizations that provide social services and relief, yet it is clear that there is still much work to be done. THM intends to be a good partner with these existing agencies and to be a catalyst for even greater cooperation among them.

Terre Haute Ministries INC

Monday, September 15, 2008

Terre Haute Ministries Luncheon

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sept 2, 2008 THM meeting

Terre Haute Ministries INC, officers

Our Director - Contact Information

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Executive Summary