On February 2, twenty-seven local religious leaders met in Trinity’s Fellowship Hall to talk about ways that we can build stronger relationships between faith communities in greater Lafayette. Ruth and Marc Smith called the meeting in response to the executive order on immigration and the ways that this policy and the general political climate are having day-to-day impacts on our Muslim neighbors.  

The executive order on immigration, particularly the halt in refugee resettlement, counters beliefs that many of us hold. A United Methodist bishop from Minneapolis, like many other community and faith leaders,  released a statement condemning the order. He wrote: 
The biblical witness is clear and unambiguous. Walls are unbiblical. Hospitality is biblical. Denying one’s neighbor is unbiblical. Welcoming the stranger is biblical. It is not surprising that Judaism, Christianity and Islam teach the reign of God as a banquet to which all peoples are invited. We are to welcome the  sojourner, love our neighbor and stand with the most vulnerable among us. These very values from our  sacred texts and faith traditions are currently reflected in the mandate of the U.S. Refugee Admissions  Program and must not be usurped by any executive order.  

His statement goes on. But how can we, as individuals, welcome strangers at a national level, if we are not equipped to welcome them at a local, daily one?  

We challenge our faith communities to strategize ways to welcome the sojourner, love our neighbors, and stand with the most vulnerable among us, here, in greater Lafayette. Today, it is our Muslim neighbors that need our support. Tomorrow, it may be someone else. 

At the meeting, two local Muslim Americans shared remarks about how current policies are affecting  Muslims locally and about local and national interfaith initiatives to start our conversation about ways to build better relationships between our faith communities through education, relationship, service, and  political endeavors. 
The meeting was not a political response, rather the focus of the conversation was on ways to strengthen  interfaith relationships and create short- and long-term local initiatives.  

From these conversations groups began meeting to organize:

• Coffee Discussion groups for men and women (One women's group is meeting 4th Mondays at 1 pm at Fuel Coffee Shop -- all are welcome)
• An Interfaith Habitat for Humanity Build
• Increased participation in the University Religious Leaders group and Inter-religious Network of Greater Lafayette (both active on Facebook)
• Muslim Neighbors panels and presentations (see www.muslimneighbors.com for more info) 

Many other ideas for ways to engage in educational, relational, and service-oriented activities were  generated. Less so were LOCAL political responses. Therefore, we plan to host a series of meetings focused on educating religious leaders on issues pertaining to immigration and refugee resettlement and the current state of our local community with regards to immigrants and refugees so that we can engage in a well-informed, critical conversation about what kind of community we, as faith organizations want to promote.  

One of the questions raised was how to respond when we hear disparaging remarks about Muslims,  immigrants, and refugees. For example, if someone makes a comment suggesting all Muslims are supportive of ISIS, point out that no one has suffered more from ISIS than Muslims both because ISIS has killed more Muslims than any other group and because ISIS’ claim to represent Islam fuels negative attitudes and  aggressive behaviors towards Muslims around the world, including here in greater Lafayette. Point out the stereotype and bring the conversation back to local concerns.  

Islam is not a foreign religion, it is a minority religious community in America.  We have a diverse Muslim community in greater Lafayette, and many opportunities to get to know our Muslim neighbors. Take  advantage of local programs such as Islam 101 or Muslim Neighbors, contact the Islamic Center to visit, or join an interfaith discussion group. Meet a Muslim, find out how the current climate has affected them, learn about how they are engaged in the community, and most importantly, recognize them as neighbors.  

If you are interested in getting involved in any of these activities, please contact Ruth Smith (ruthmcsmith1987@gmail.com) for more information and to get connected.  

The April, 2016 issue of The Messenger included a Ministry Action Plan for Trinity.  With an accepted offer on the Education Building and an anticipated closing this spring, now is a good time to evaluate where we are in relation to that plan.

In January of 2014, Rev. Dr. Dan Bonner, a church growth consultant from the Center for Urban Congregational Development, delivered his report with recommendations for Trinity’s future.  His consulting process included many conversations (“interviews”) with Trinity’s members and constituents.  Through those interviews, Rev. Bonner heard concern from our members regarding the upkeep of our facilities and our financial needs.  Also, though impressed with Trinity’s long-time support of Missions, he was concerned that our congregation did not have an effective strategy to build relationships within the neighborhood.  Bonner wrote:  “we did not observe or hear described any strongly held value or strategy in place for ‘going’ to strengthen your congregation’s ties with your neighbors.”  Through the report and dialogue with church leadership, Rev. Bonner recommended exploring ways to utilize our Education Building to address these concerns.  He recommended we initiate a partnership with another local ministry partner that could promote community relationships and address the financial burden of the Education Building.  That recommendation was the impetus for our conversation and negotiations with Head Start through last spring and summer.  However, over time it became apparent that such a partnership would require significant financial commitment from Trinity (financial expenditures to make improvements and modifications to the building required to meet Head Start standards) thereby increasing, rather than decreasing, financial stress.  Following up with a couple of additional not-for-profits yielded (although much more quickly) a similar response.  Therefore Trustees recommended, and a Church Conference approved, the sale of the Education Building.  It seems likely that the sale proceeds could pay off Trinity’s loan and provide much firmer financial footing.

But that does not address the additional concern Dr. Bonner identified; that we need to find effective ways to reach out into our community and build relationships.  So, toward that end, a “Dream Team” met last fall to brainstorm some potential initiatives to grow our involvement with our community.  At a Community Dream Day, held after worship on Feb. 12, the following ideas were further discussed and developed:

• A Community Garden accompanied by cookouts, fresh produce cooking demonstrations, etc.  This is an approach that Brown St. UMC has utilized to build relationships in their historic Jeff neighborhood.  We have already begun to work on this initiative.  Trinity has joined “Grow Local,” a Lafayette community garden coalition.  Through “Grow Local,” the ground can be prepped and seeds made available free of charge.  Ken McCammon leads this initiative throughout the city and the results have been tremendous.  Mel Shoaf, Trinity’s Roving Listener, is also our Grow Local representative.  If you would like to be involved with the Community Garden, please let Mel know. 
• Outdoor concerts or other art events:  We are exploring Centennial Park or our own front lawn as the venue.  We may even be able to combine a garden cookout with a concert.  If you are interested in being involved with this initiative, contact Lisa Drake or Dr. Steve Ash.
• Building relationships with individuals and their families who have successfully completed the Character Restoration program.  Melissa Kramer is in dialogue with the program director, Harry Heyer, to develop some evening family nights at Trinity.  If you are interested in getting involved, let Melissa know.  This initiative will require, primarily, a “ministry of presence.”
• Though we have had involvement with Miller School in the past (collecting Christmas mittens, etc.) we are exploring ways to build more personal connections with the school’s teachers and families.  If you are interested in developing this initiative, please talk with Amanda Atkins or Pam Delaplane.
• Identifying ways to build relationships with those we help through our Care Fund.  Of particular interest was assigning a weekly time for people to request assistance.  Then, church volunteers would be available to talk with the individuals, learn more about them, offer an opportunity to complete a fairly simple task at the church, and help them to discern skills and connections they may already have.  If you are interested in helping with this initiative, please contact Pastor Tracey.

In order for these outreach initiatives to be successful and to truly grow relationships, many volunteers will be needed.  Some will need to have specific skills.  In other cases, volunteer responsibilities will be easy and simple.  We are currently in the process of identifying the volunteer needs, skills and tasks. So watch for more information about this in the future.

• Outdoor music or similar events in Centennial Park or on the church lawn:
  • Where:  If @ Centennial Park, will need a sign and also water bottles.
  • When:  Concerts could take place in the spring and summer; could also have a Harvest Meal and Christmas Caroling.
  • Who might we engage to help us:  Church choir members, High school musical groups (jazz choir, jazz band, Battleground HS; area church praise teams/bands; local musicians; hand bell choir
  • Type:  hymn sing, drama
  • Other ideas:
    • Include a free meal, include music for kids or a children’s choir
    • An open mic night
    • Combine a talent show with an ice cream social
      
      
• Ways to make our care fund ministry more personal and relational:
  • Have set hours (perhaps beginning when LUM’s conclude) so church volunteers can be present to assist.
  • Give those who request assistance an opportunity to “earn” by volunteering or serving the church in some way.  This will involve organization of potential tasks in advance (e.g. weeding the garden, folding newsletters, raking leaves, etc.) and church members to volunteer alongside them working hand in hand.
  • Create a “skill inventory” and help them identify and name their skills.
  • Yoke them with a church member who is willing to do follow-up (phone call) to check in and see how they are doing and develop relationship over time.
  • Partner them with a church member and find other places to volunteer as well (perhaps a shut-in’s home, etc.)
  • Work with LUM, school counselors, and other agencies for referrals; identifying families most in need of both financial and emotional support.
    
    
• More involvement with Teachers and/or Children at Murdock and Miller Schools:
  • Grade-specific packed backpacks
  • A summer clothes/supplies packed backpack (flip flops, sunscreen, t-shirts)
  • Revamp Cub Scout program
  • Volunteer at the school after school as a reading mentor (Read to Succeed)
  • Host a Parents’ Night Out where parents can enjoy a meal and there are activities for the children
  • Provide a food pantry cabinet
  • Book cycle/coloring books/ trace letters
  • Have a weekly lunch during the summer since most of the children have free lunch during the school year.  Provide it for the families or perhaps provide it at dinner time so the whole family can attend.
  • Provide school supplies throughout the year, including clothing and hygiene items
  • Teacher gift baskets / baking bread
  • Monthly lunch or breakfast for the teachers
  • Candy bars for the staff
  • Involve the parents in developing ideas
  • A homework club
  • After school math help or mentor program
  • Find out if we can advertise a Church Family Night at the school
  • Sponsor a Family Night at the School
  • Help teachers get supplies ready in the fall.
  • Contact the school board and principals directly for ideas
    
    
• Involvement with Families whose parents have completed Character Restoration:
  • Have a game night / bingo
  • Movie (but limits socializing)
  • Volleyball
  • Theme nights
  • Games that get you moving and rotating tables
  • An annual dinner
  • A Graduation party for the alumni who complete the program
  • A pitch-in meal or free will offering with meals
  • Informal “jeans” church w/ a meal or snacks
  • Help with the garden
  • Karaoke night
  • A class or program for adults and/or kids
  • Combine with other events or programs
  • Help with the garden
    
    
• Community Garden
  • (Need to take tuck pointing and equipment into consideration for location)
  • Music/ concert on the lawn by the garden and cookout
  • Do a food demo or cooking tips
  • Consider a vertical garden
  • Decide on what to plant: cabbage, carrots; decide on straw or mulch
    
    
• Other unrelated ideas:
  • Outdoor greeters on the sidewalk when weather permits; perhaps with coffee available
  • A Welcome Wagon
  • In October, when Purdue Half Marathon goes by the church, pass out water bottles
    
    

Additional Concerns: Need to better define the Centennial neighborhood; need to take good signage into consideration when we move to the Lily House