It is an exciting time for Belmont’s efforts to act out our faith and convictions in service to our neighbors—both next door in Edgehill (a vibrant neighborhood with lots of assets and opportunities for service) as well as greater Nashville. I want to let you know what kinds of things are happening, and what kinds of things you might expect from UM Outreach:
· INTO Nashville—provides monthly opportunity to reach out to neighbors all over Nashville in service. INTO Nashville is a great way to get a taste for Nashville’s neighborhoods, its community organizations and ministries, as well as the issues of urban life that many of Nashville’s residents face daily. Be on the lookout for the October, November and December dates to be announced and sign up to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon serving those around us in need.
· Urban Outreach Teams—we’re assembling groups of students who have a passion for specific issues in urban life—homelessness, the working poor, health care, immigration and refugees, education,etc—as well as those who have or want to establish relationships with community ministries and organizations in neighboring Edgehill and beyond.
· City Retreats and Immersions—be on the look-out for opportunities to experience various aspects of urban life, and space to reflect on how the city can and does shape our discipleship and faith commitments.
· Issue engagement—Book discussions? Convocations? Excursions? You bet.
Perhaps you’re looking for a way to get plugged in—maybe you served in high school and want to build on that experience. Or maybe you are already plugged in, and want to share that opportunity with others, or team up with us to make it as fulfilling as possible. Or maybe you’re scared senseless of urban involvement, but still feel pulled to find out what the streets—and the people who actually live there—are really like.
We’re always on the lookout for leaders, for ideas, and especially for folks who want to explore what discipleship in the city looks like. Please feel free to stop by my office and talk more about the opportunities available to you in the surrounding community!
Micah Weedman
Director of Outreach
