Ministry Manager: Sandy Belisle

Mission Statement:   
Jesus Christ calls us to “Feed [his] sheep.” John 21:17 
“Living out this commandment as disciples of Christ, in faithful hope of
mutual ministry and empowerment, the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario
Synod will provide for the spiritual and human needs of inner city residents
of Winnipeg and volunteers through the Lutheran Urban Ministry.”

Ministry:
Lutheran Urban Ministry (LUM) is a ministry of presence that expresses God’s grace to inner city residents in Winnipeg, in the area approximately bounded by the streets of Arlington, Isabel, Notre Dame and Portage. Programs being run include Worship, Bible Study, Children’s time, Drop-in/fellowship times, food bank, thrift store and special dinners. Individuals have access to spiritual care and support through staff person Sandy Belisle and through volunteers.  

History:
Urban ministry programs in this area were started by First English Lutheran Church. While the congregation aged, declined and eventually closed, the MNO Synod recognized the value of this ministry. Over the last decade, the Synod’s responsibility for leadership and financial support has grown. In April, 2006, the MNO Synod in convention affirmed Lutheran Urban Ministry as a priority ministry for the Synod. A new board of directors has been appointed to continue, energize and renew this ministry. 

About Us
Sandy Belisle, our Ministry Leader and Manager, joined us in Mar. 2008 and has embraced the both the people and the ministry. She can be reached Monday to Thursday 12:30 – 9:00, Sundays 10:00 – 4:00 at the Urban, 774.3143 or theurban@elcic.ca. Call ahead before making a delivery to ensure she is on site. 

We run our drop-in from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. most week days, depending on if there are two of us present. We hold three community meals per week. These are with the assistance of many volunteers who prepare the meals, serve them, and assist with the clean up after meals. We now serve approximately one thousand meals per month.
 
On Monday we utilize the time to prepare for the rest of the week. We do see quite a few people who "just want to talk". We run our drop in Monday through Thursday when able. Tuesday evening we have a community time for sharing. We have several community members who come to discuss current issues in the neighborhood, issues impacting their daily lives, and for some it is an opportunity to help keep them from getting lonely.
 
Wednesday evening we serve a community meal. We try to encourage people to think of it as a time for community building. We have several families that attend and it offers parents a chance to discuss community issues. All are welcome to take part so long as they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many people come to avoid these within the home and so we try to keep the place calm and peaceful for all.
 
Thursday evening we serve another community dinner. After the meal we offer time for a community activity.  At the present time we play Bingo after the meal. The games are free and we offer some lovely prizes. Entire families come and play Bingo.

The West Central Women's Resource Centre is now located at the corner of Ellice and McGee. They have a lovely store front property and they will accept donations of clothing etc.

There are a few emergency food supply items that we seem to run out of regularly. Next time you're out grocery shopping pick an item for the Urban: tea, peanut butter, healthy breakfast cereal, canned meat or tuna (no salmon please), margarine, canned soup, granola bars or cookies.  Also watch for bulletin inserts and the biweekly CrossWord e-newsletter for specific and seasonal items that we require from time to time.  If you would like to subscribe to the CrossWord, contact Rick Scherger – rscherger@elcic.ca.