Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Grace Ministry Gathering to Share Ideas

Grace Ministry Gathering to Share Ideas

Notes and Pictures from Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2010

Organization, Purpose and Agenda: This meeting was organized by Shiloh Baptist Association, Danny L. Morris, Director; hosted by Northside Baptist Church, Wayne Roberts, pastor; and the meal prepared by workers from Restoring Hope Global, Ron & Julie Dixon, directors.

Its purpose was to network, share ideas and share needs. Hopefully, the group can develop a more effective approach to work together to be a blessing to the community.

Pastor Wayne Roberts and Pastor Ron Dixon desired to have an across the community participation in the development of a new Plant City Life Recovery Center.

All pastors and church leaders participated with desire to have guidance and assistance in helping with the increasing needs of individuals in crises. Some came to improve their current food/clothing pantry while others sought information to develop a plan. Other just desired to know what churches and organization in East Hillsborough were doing related to these community needs.

Evangelical pastors and churches desired guidance related to how they might effectively be an evangelistic witness to provide the “Bread of Life” while they are attempting to help with the food/clothes/household items or shelter of individual or families in their community.

People Present: Wayne Roberts, Paul & Linda Pickern, Jerry & Cynthia Taylor, Marianne Lovelace, Rev Benny Baker, Marianne Parks, John Parker, Mary McCarter, Bob & Terry Dygert, Rose Marie, Libby Combee, Jason Leland, Julio Santana, Tom Mull, Ron Dixon, Hal Sexton, Chuck, Edmondson, Nancy Chaney, Earl Smith, Dave Robinson, Tim Johnson, Margaret Djekovic, Tracy Crocker, Skip Athey, Wintely Ingram, Erik, Jim Morgan, Jennifer Currence, Danny Morris, Julie Goff


Ideas and Ministries Discussed:

ALL PRO PASTORS
Paul and Linda Pickern are looking to share with pastors and churches who can partner together in our community. We help pastors make trusted Friendships with encouraging accountability. Paul can be reached at 813-967-5144.

BREAD OF LIFE MISSION
Julio Santana’ program is emergency food and clothing. He provides food and clothing for 25 people each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. His plan does not allow the same family to come weekly unless it is an emergency. He or his assistant, Alicia, may be reached at 754-2840.

HELPING RAINBOW, INC.
Rose-Marie (Bilingual Spanish) indicated they offer case management service to the public in the process of extending free HIV testing and other services in Plant City and Polk County. They offer mobile case management. Rose may be reached at 813-474-2437.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOMELESS COALISION
It is an organization in the county partnering with Hillsborough County businesses and individual to end homelessness. Tracy Crocker and Margaret Djekovic may be reached at 813-223-6115. Their web page is www.homelessofhc.org

HOPE OUTREACH CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Wintely Ingram indicated that they are looking for information to start a food ministry to meet the needs of families with the community. Also, they will be feeding community program feeding program for children. Wintely may be reached at 813-404-8514.

PLANT CITY LIFE RECOVERY CENTER
Pastor Wayne Roberts asked that we all pray that the Plant City Life Recovery Center will happen in the near future. It is a vision that he and Ron Dixon share related to those who are in life crises. It does not exist at this time. However, anyone who would like to help make it possible should fill out a card or contact him. Pastor Wayne would like to partner with the Homeless Coalition and other life crises ministry organizations and come under one umbrella and work together. The definition of the “Homeless has changed” explained Tracy Crocker, Homeless Coalition, the government definition of homeless is now “Not having a place to live of your own and having to move in with others or relatives. The crises center would be more than an optional place to provide shelter for the homeless. It would help with the over all crises of life. The crises might include issues of drugs or other needs.
Tracy Crocker shared a personal story. Her life testimony indicated how she understood the need for a Life Crises Center because she found herself in a needy place. Previously she had always thought it was only others who faced those life crises. Now, she said it is possible that it could be any of us.
One of the homeless men just a few weeks ago made a profession of faith and is now a Christian sharing in this event as an act of helping others.
Pastor Wayne Roberts and Pastor Ron Dixon are working on a business ministry plan to develop a Life Crises Center. Any one interested in helping is invited to participate with them in the planning. Those filling out the card will be contacted.

TAYLOR’S OUTREACH MINISTRY
Cynthia and Jerry Taylor have the Food Bank Ministry Monthly Outreach through out the United States.
They mainly have food and non-food items. They are a food bank ministry for nonprofit organizations.
They are open Mon-Tuesday 7 am – 1 p.m., Wednesday – Families Only 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Fridays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
We make pallets (18 banana boxes) available to non-profit organization at $95.00 donations nonfood (ex house wares, feminine products, adult diapers available at $55 donations amounts.
Jerry Taylor, “Taylor’s Outreach Ministry,” (see directory) indicated that their operation had food. Their food bank has food donated from Publix and other food items is purchased from various sources. There is a modest cost because they need to cover their operation costs.
Jerry Taylor stated that Publix donates food to Taylor Outreach Ministries. They are willing to partner with any church or organization desires to help people.
Jerry Taylor may be reached at 813-263-9917 and Cynthia Taylor at 810-7032

RESTORING HOPE GLOBAL
Their ministry and workers provided the lunch and preparation for the event. Ron Dixon indicated that they had food for distribution. They help as a food bank and help the needy directly.
Their ministry includes an evangelism ministry and they celebrate the numbers who have come to a profession of faith in Christ while their physical needs were met.
Ron Dixon asked the question, “How do we get our food banks to partner with the local churches”?
We give out food door to door on Tuesday’s. We helped 70 families monthly through community outreach and feed 100 families.
Pastor Ron Dixon and his wife, Julie, or their assistant Jeannie White provided an on going ministry for the needy. The workers cooked the meal for today meeting. They can be reached at 813-737-4656 or 813-299-1583 or info@restoringhope.us or revron@restoringhope.us .

LELAND FAMILY MINSTRIES/ METH FREE PROJECT
Jason Leland operates an addiction recovery program, food bank, and a clothing warehouse. They are open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Jason Leland may be reached at 863-660-5399.
Libbie Combee indicated that they have drug education of additions and recovery programs. They are starting a drug awareness and resource program in Plant City. Also, they are starting an Addiction Recovery Groups in Plant City. Libbie Combee may be reached at 863-519-0000 or cell phone 863-602-9202

MEET THE NEED ORGANIZATION
Meet The Need connects churches and ministries in a community so they can communicate their needs and work together to meet those needs. Meet The Need (at www.MeetTheNeed.org) is the system behind Feed the Bay, Metropolitan Ministries, BSBC Connects (Bell Shoals), iServe (Idlewild), The Crossing, and the local missions activities of many other churches in Tampa Bay. After 8 years of development, Meet The Need is now available to all churches in the Tampa Bay area as they prepare to grow nationwide. It is designed to mobilize churches and church members to do much more to serve the community in Jesus’ name by taking nearly all of the administrative burden off of the church's staff.

Because all of the churches and ministries using Meet The Need are on a shared “platform”, Meet The Need ensures that families are only in the system one time. Therefore, it coordinates all assistance efforts by ensuring families are not getting the same help from multiple churches or ministries. Note that families cannot post their own needs – they must work through a local church or ministry or call Meet The Need’s Help Line, which Meet The Need shares with the Joy FM. Ministries who are recommended by local churches are able to post their own needs into the database. Then, members of local churches can sign up through their churches’ web sites to meet the needs of local families or ministries based on their skills, interests, items they want to give away, etc. Because it is a common system shared by many local churches, Meet The Need makes church members aware of the needs in the community and coordinates how the Body of Christ works together to meet all of those needs.

For more information, Jim Morgan can be reached at 813-230-0189 or jmorgan@meettheneed.org. Jennifer Currence can be reached at 813-361-9352 or jcurrence@meettheneed.org.

OPERATION TRANSFORMATION
Tom Mull showed a package that his organization is able to provide equipment and training to a church to feed hungry people. It is a sealed package that feeds families in crisis and can be shipped to people in any country. He is willing to provide the equipment and training for anyone desiring to provide this ministry. Tom may be contacted at 813-477-0068


Churches Reporting their Grace Ministries:

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH & FOOD PANTRY COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Marianne Lovelace, Director of Bethany’s Food Pantry, indicated that they have a great demand on their church food closet called Food Pantry Community Outreach.
They were serving around 20 families weekly. Now they are serving around 60. They are open the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 am to 11 a.m. Food and clothing are donated. Marianne Lovelace may be reached at 813-293-1951.
Mrs. Lovelace indicated that they have seven of their people present. One of their needs as John Parker indicated was to find out what others are doing and see how they might improve.
Rev. Benny Baker, a retired pastor and a member of Bethany, indicated that he sits in a chair in the entrance of the Food Pantry. Each week by invitation only he is available to share the Gospel with those interested. He indicated that several have made professions of faith. One this last Saturday came to the Lord. They are receiving physical food but most of all the “Bread of Life.” They have had three to be baptized and become members of their churh..
They continually need to affirm the validly and integrity of their ministry to their congregation as it relates to an effective church ministry. Also, they look to assure the church and the governmental agencies to validly of the use of the USDA or any other foods.

CHURCH ON THE ROCK
Tim Johnson was present from the Church on the Rock. He indicated that they provide financial assistance with needy church families and those connected to them from the Food Assistance for emergencies and ongoing needs. Tim and the Pastor, Jeff Howell may be reached by calling 813-752-3740.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor Earl Smith indicated that they have a Jericho Road Fund people with emergency funds such as electric bills and help meet financial needs. They have a SHARE food program where ones sign up on the 2nd Saturday and distribute or pick up food on the 4th Saturday.
He indicated that they have an excellent kitchen and they would like to offer a hot meal program through their kitchen. Pastor Earl can be reached by calling 813-754-3519 or e-mail at revearl@hotmail.com.
Nancy Chaney, Minister Congregational Care indicated that they are a Plant City Food Bank partner. She indicated that their major source of food is the Plant City Food Bank.
Nancy can be reached by calling cell 813-763-2297.

GRACE & TRUTH FAMILY BAPTIST CHURCH
We have a Grace Ministry and we are seeking ways to help individuals and families. Pastor Skip may be reached at 813-478-4800.

SPRINGHEAD BAPTIST CHURCH
Chuck Edmondson asked the question “Is there a central food bank in the Plant City area?” Their church, Springhead Baptist does the “Angel Food” where you pay $30 for a box of food valued around $60. However, they could use more. (The Taylor’s and the Dixon’s responded.) Pastor Church indicated that they wanted to help more but they were not sure what they were able to do. Pastor Chuck can be reached by calling 813-752-4879 or e-mail edmondson@tampabay.rr.com.

PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
They are open and seeking how they might assist with the community needs. Pastor Hal Sexton may be reached at 813-737-1212 or e-mail hdsexton@yahoo.com with a web www.parkwaybaptist.org

PLANT CITY FOURSQUARE CHURCH
Pastor Dave Robinson reported that they give out food on Monday and Thursday mornings 9:00 a.m. They call their program “Manna Ministries.” They have had some shortage of food. They provide help one time each two weeks. Pastor Dave can be reached: Church 813-759-0523, Home 813-567-5835, and cell 941-713-2648.

KNIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH
They have a clothes closet with shoes, clothing, household items and toys. They are open the first Tuesday of each month. Pastor Bob Dygert and his wife, Terry, can be reached at 813-752-4972.

WEST THONOTOSASSA CHURCH
Mary McCarter, Food Ministry Director and church sectary, feed people 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9 – 10 am. They would like to know other food services and the list of those who can help with housing, clothing, and food. Presently, they are in need of a bread supplier. Mary may be reached at 813-986-2924 or e-mail maryandjim2@verizon.net.


Other Churches Not Represented:

MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Plant City has meals available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those in need. The lunch is provided by the Metropolitan Ministries and is served in their fellowship hall. Dr. Roy Liburd is pastor. The church contact is (813) 754-3834 or e-mail liburd@ij.net.

(Add other Churches)


Conclusion:

The meeting was very helpful and successful. Follow-up meetings will be set by various organizations or pastors needing additional information and participation. Another gathering would be good to be planned in late May to continue the dialogue and add to the network information. A suggested date to consider would be the week of May 24th. A directory of persons, churches, and ministry organizations will be placed on the Shiloh Baptist Association web page: www.shilohba.org. Also, notes of the meeting will be posted on the web page. Any corrections to the directory or meeting notes updates, revisions, or questions may be addressed to the Association by using the e-mail address dmorris@shilohba.org or mail@shilohba.org.