The Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is an organization of more than 40 Christian churches that serves as a social safety net for Lafayette, Indiana's needy children and families.
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Last week, the students enrolled in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program took a trip to Prophetstown State Park in West Lafayette. During their visit they hiked through the park exploring the fens, prairie and open woodlands; and learned about prairie grass, and Native American culture.
They also participated in the Silly Safari Program at the Tippecanoe County Library and met some animals including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bugs and more.
At least once a week, the LUM students go on an excursion, locally, to continue their summer learning (zoo, library, museum, firehouse) and for recreation (swimming, bowling, local park, hiking). If you wish to support the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program — you may make a monetary donation, sponsor a study/recreation trip, volunteer, and/or donate snacks and supplies. For more information, click HERE or email Kristi Hogue at khogue@lumserve.org.
Be a volunteer LUM Camp counselor and join Marlena Edmondson, former youth camper & 2019 program director, and Joe Micon, camp director, who is leading his 40th consecutive LUM Camp this year. Be a part of something epic.
Volunteer camp counselors must be 18 years old, enjoy working with children and be able to spend the entire week at camp. Counselors are needed from 11 a.m. Monday, July 29 to 4 p.m. Friday, August 2. Join Marlena & Joe and make this the year YOU make a difference in the lives of local children.
To apply or find out more information, click HERE.
LUM Camp is a week-long, overnight, scholarship-based camp for 8, 9, and 10 year old boys and girls whose parents have received services from LUM in the past year and who are not able to afford the $150 per child cost of camp.
Would you please consider sharing a gift of $150 to give a child this marvelous opportunity?
Your campership will pay for a child’s transportation, room and board, camp activities, books, supplies, and all of our career and vocational programs, in other words everything a camper will need to attend this year’s LUM Camp.
Sending $300 will allow two children to attend LUM Camp
Sending $450 will provide three camperships
$75 will provide half a campership
LUM Camp is one of the finest overnight summer camp programs available to children anywhere. I know of nearly 100 children waiting anxiously to attend. Please, won’t you offer them the gift of LUM Camp?
Summer is here, and solar energy will be at its peak in the next three months. The LUM Solar Energy Initiative launched about five months ago, and to date, the LUM Office building has generated over $1,840 worth of electricity. Thanks to LUM, 19,200 pounds of carbon dioxide were NOT emitted, the equivalent of 484 trees being planted.
In addition to the environmental benefits of going solar, the savings to LUM could be $5,000 per year. The LUM April 2019 energy bill was $350 less than last year’s.This savings include a reduction in energy needed as well as revenue from trading Solar Renewable Energy Credits. This money will be re-invested in LUM programs & services in support of local families. Hopefully there will be more long summer days with bright sun and clear skies, and the amount of energy generated daily will keep increasing. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.
Recently, the Heartland Community Church Youth Ministry (Vessel) and Battle Ground United Methodist Church Youth Group assisted in cleaning and doing outside chores at the LUM Ray Ewry Center and office building. This was part of their 6th annual Mission Lafayette service week, where a group of middle and high school students work together to serve the local community. The students were led by the Rev. Brandon Smith (Heartland) and Allen Gould (Battle Ground UMC). Their goal is to give these young adults an opportunity to grow their faith through service work in their own community.
LUM is very thankful for the help from these two hard-working youth groups. LUM relies on groups like these to get most of our outside work done. If your group is interested in helping out with yard-work or mowing the lawns, please email or call us (lum@lumserve.org | 765-423-2691).
If you wish to VOLUNTEER, click HERE for more information.
To view more PHOTOS of Mission Lafayette at LUM, click HERE.
Hunger Hike is only a short three months away. Why not get started NOW? Here’s what you need to know to begin raising money and “fighting hunger.” Hunger Hike is an annual community fundraising event whose mission is to Raise Awareness & Make a Difference in the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike (Official Kick-off & 3K Walk) event details are as follows:
Sunday, September 22
2 p.m. – hike starts
Riehle Plaza, Lafayette
Hunger Hike is the perfect event for a team or group — church group, student organization, civic group or your family. Put together a Hunger Hike team and start raising money using our online fundraising site — or any way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger. Here’s how to get started:
Enjoy an intimate tour and presentation at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed, John & Catherine Christian House, commonly known as Samara. The event details are as follows:
What: Tour & presentation followed by a Reception with hors d’ oeuvres & wine
Date & time: Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
Location: Samara House, 1301 Woodland Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana
Donation: $45 per person
Limited to the first 12 lucky individuals
Host: Linda Eales, Associate Curator, Samara House & Trust
Samara, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the most complete Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the United States. Nestled in the woods of West Lafayette, the 2,200 square-foot Samara House affords visitors of all ages the rare and immersive opportunity to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s fully realized Usonian design just as if they were guests of the Christian family. Make Your Reservation TODAY! If you & your friends are interested, call, email or stop by the LUM Office (765-423-2691 | lum@lumserve.org | 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette). First come, first served. Limited to ONLY 12 participants. Only nine seats left — so, hurry!
Thanks to our event sponsors, 100% of your donation goes to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, an emergency financial assistance program for local families in need. Thanks to the Samara Trust & the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County.
Make your reservation today. Space is very limited.
Last week, the students enrolled in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program took a trip to the Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette. During their visit they learned a lot about animals (from wallabies to pot-bellied pigs) and met a two-day old Nigerian dwarf goat.
At least once a week, the LUM students go on an excursion, locally, to continue their summer learning (zoo, library, museum, firehouse) and for recreation (swimming, bowling, local park, hiking). If you wish to support the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program — you may make a monetary donation, sponsor a study/recreation trip and/or donate snacks and supplies.
The LUM Protein Food Pantry opened in April and has already been busy, serving more than 207 local families so far. This new “pop up” food pantry is open weekly and focuses on providing “protein, paper goods & produce.” Volunteers are needed each Thursday morning, and delivery of donated items will be received during that time.
Four Ways YOU can help the LUM food programs are as follows:
Nina L. Morgan is originally from Bainbridge, Indiana and currently lives in Lafayette with her husband, Rob. They have two grown children, Jennifer and Craig.
Nina graduated from North Putnam High School and earned a BS in Home Economics Education from Purdue University. She retired from managing the food service at Franciscan Health after more than 36 years in food service, starting at Home Hospital. She is a member and Stephen Minister at Grace Lutheran Church and volunteers with various local nonprofits. In addition to serving as the coordinator of the LUM Protein Food Pantry, Nina also serves on the LUM Board of Directors and volunteers as a LUM afternoon receptionist and with Jubilee Christmas.
Nina gets inspiration from her favorite Bible passage, “I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:13. She considers being with and supporting her family her “most important job.” Nina finds it fulfilling and satisfying to help those who are in difficult situations in life through her work with her church and nonprofits like LUM. She shares, “This gives me energy and purpose.” Through her new role with LUM, Nina feels she will be, “Helping to make a positive impact with those who have food insecurity, health issues and loss of home and income.” She expresses that, “It takes many volunteers to make a difference, and I hope to help in any way I can.”
Nina has always admired the work of LUM, and shares that as a, “Christian based organization, LUM families, clients and guests are welcomed and treated in a respectful way. Everyone at LUM listens to their concerns and goes the extra step to help them find a path. Those who come to LUM for assistance are encouraged and empowered to take charge of their lives.”
Nina’s current relaxation is working in her new greenhouse. In addition to gardening, she enjoys quilting, crafts, camping and traveling. Nina is excited to start her new role with LUM and to begin having a positive impact on the community through her work. LUM is fortunate to have someone with Nina’s expertise and energy to lead the new LUM Protein Food Pantry.
