This week has been a whirlwind. As the impact of Mission Central’s closing begins to ripple through our community, I’ve been blessed with a front-row seat as God has continued to be at work, even in the midst of grief. I’ve always believed that ministry should move in the area of least resistance and this transition of the Village Library from Mission Central to the church has felt just like we were rolling downhill. It’s been incredible. On Sunday evening, I sat around a table with a group of folks invested in continuing the Village Library’s important tutoring work in our community. That group includes folks from the Pacesetters Rotary Club, HEB ISD, Texas Health HEB, Martin UMC, FUMC Hurst, and more.
The first and best news is that the Village Library will continue to operate with the only real change being a change of location from Mission Central to FUMC Hurst. That is a temporary stopgap while the team named above begins to draft governing documents, write vision and purpose statements, devise marketing plans, and set fundraising goals for a longer-term, sustainable solution that will keep the library open for years to come. I am thankful that God has pulled all of these folks together to reconsider this old, new thing.
Several other conversations this week raised questions surrounding the Village Pantry and the Mobile Food Pantries. The more we listened, the more it became apparent it would be necessary to continue the mobiles at our church. NEED in Bedford has told me that they are experiencing a record increase in demand since Mission Central’s pantry closed this week. Additionally, 6 Stones is currently in the middle of a facility transition, and will temporarily close their food pantry until September. I was thrilled when I got the call yesterday from Jon McKenzie informing me that N.E.E.D. (North East Emergency Distribution) and United Way were working on a plan to fund the Mobiles at FUMC Hurst through the summer until things settle out in the broader network. Our piece of the puzzle will be to help ensure these Mobiles run smoothly by recruiting volunteers from the community and offering incredible hospitality as folks come and go.
Lastly, we know many of you are seeking new places to share your hearts and hands. On May 5th, we will host a Community Prayer Service and Volunteer Round-Up. We have invited partner organizations in our community and from our church to be present that evening to share about the work that they are doing in the hopes of getting you connected with a new place to share your gifts. Join us that evening to get a deeper sense of how our community strives together for good, and maybe find a new way to express your love for God’s people. We hope to see you there.
Sunday, May 5th, 2024
Community Prayer Service: 5-5:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Volunteer Round-Up: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
In all, yes, it HAS been a whirlwind. It has also been incredible to see all the ways that God continues to be at work in all of the mess and chaos. I am hopeful for our community and trust that God is doing a new thing, even though we don’t know exactly what it will be, yet.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!
