March 2024

Ministerium Social Outreach and Planning Meeting

March 7, 2024

Welcome: Doug Lamb

Introductions:

Community Updates:

·       Judge Randall Miller

o   Pathways to Recovery has taken the place of the prior Second Chance program.

o   DUI & Possession are the top two charges in the area.

o   In 2023 3,000 cases, up 500 since 2022. Public drunkenness is a big problem in Etown.

·       Police Chief Prayer

o   Looking to pray with pastors the first Wednesday of the month, most likely at 7am. Look for an email to confirm time.

Informational Updates:

·       EASD- Michael Pericci

o   Bear Bags helps feed families within the district. Now located at the CPOW Campus.

§  40% of the kids are on free or reduced lunches.

o   Facility Therapy Dogs

§  Every building but Bear Creek has one. They are on the waiting list for a dog for that building.

§  All paid for by donations from the community and organizations.

o   Pray for teachers and administrators. This time for education is very challenging.

·       EACTC- Mason Brown

o   Homework helpers at the Middle School on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s just accountability before or after school to help kids.

·       UCEA- Doug Lamb

o   CPOW- Doug Lamb

§  Food Bank     

·       7,000lbs of food donated last month

·       274 volunteer hours last month

·       If your church wants to donate food, its greatly needed during the spring/summer months.

§  Campus Manager needed. If you need the job description, please email the ministerium and we can get you the info. Most likely will be 20 hours + a week.

§  The Clothing Barn

·       Open Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 12pm, and evenings by appointment only.

·       Love, Inc. Lancaster- Jay R

o   The Project will be this summer. Informational meeting virtually tonight and trainings in April.

·       Catalyst Ministries- Gina McNally

o   Still putting pieces together to start a learning and mentor center to teach life skills. It is located on S. Market street at the old Now Wear This

·       Cornerstone- Mason Brown

o   Volunteers are needed on Middle School nights. Monday, Wednesday, Fridays are the nights they meet, 3-6pm.

·       Upcoming Events

o   Be the Church Event in June

§  Service in the morning at the Elizabethtown Community Park Amphitheater, working in the community to serve in maintenance around the borough, then lunch in the park afterwards.

o   Lenten Services

§  Going well, there are 2 more this season, check Facebook for more information.

o   Carry the Cross

§  Good Friday “parade” walk through Etown, learning about the life of Jesus that ultimately lead to his crucifixion on the cross.

§  Starts and ends at Elizabethtown Mennonite

o   Cornerstone Banquet is March 21, register and pay on their website.

o   ECHOS of Hope Gala- April 13 at 6pm at Masonic Village.

o   Spiritual Enrichment & Encouragement- March 21 at Bossler’s Mennonite.

·       Closing Prayer- Doug Lamb