Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries

Director:
Assistant to the Bishop for Mission, Urban and Multicultural Ministries

The Lutheran Pantry

The Lutheran Pantry is supported by congregations, individuals, and grants. It is used to provide food for needy families throughout the Omaha area and is the largest denominational system in the city. We have three key sites:

South: Cristo Rey at 25th and "J" Streets in South Omaha.

Central: First Lutheran at 31st and Jackson on the west edge of downtown.

North: Project Hope at 42nd and Boyd Streets near Fontenelle Park in North Omaha.

In addition we also work to provide support to Together Emergency Relief Services, the ecumenical pantry system.

Project Embrace: All food from the Food Bank used in these important youth programs is provided by the Lutheran Pantry to provide healthy meals and snacks for youth involved in positive programming in the city.

The Dorothy Day House: A day shelter where homeless people can get out of the heat or cold and get a hot meal during the day. This site is especially used by the homeless people who do not usually sleep in the shelter system.

Emergency Assistance: In collaboration with other agencies, we work to provide emergency assistance to people who may have other financial needs. Limited assistance may be available for utilities, rent, transportation, medical costs and other expenses. Payment is made directly to the creditor to whom the bill is owed.

NETWORKING

Lutheran Metro Ministries is the connection point for ELCA Lutherans seeking to work together in the metro Omaha area. Working with the urban cluster in partnership with the West and South Rim Mission Clusters, Lutheran Metro Ministries attempts to provide programming that will help members of congregations connect with each other in meaningful ways for mission, education and learning.

Examples of this include:

* School of Lay Ministry

* Reformation Fest

* Cornerstone Chorale

These events are planned with input from the Program Planning Team and clergy and laity from congregations in the metro area.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

An important part of effective ministry is the right tools to do the work. Knowledge is power in trying new and groundbreaking things. To help with this, Lutheran Metro Ministries has sponsored continuing education events. Past events have included:

* "Urban Biblical Theology" with Dr. Ray Bakke. (1997)

*"Effective Coalition Ministry" with Rev. Rick Deines. (1998)

* "An Ecumenical Consultation on the City" with Dr. Ray Bakke. (1999)

* "School of Lay Ministry" led by area leaders. (2000)

* Healthy Communities - Healthy Youth (2001)

Additional events will be planned as needs and opportunities arise with an eye toward equipping both clergy and laity for the important work of serving Christ in the city!

Advocacy and connections

Lutheran Metro Ministries participates in a variety of groups to help make connections and make a difference in the world. Among these are:

Bread for the World

Christ Child Society Board

Food Bank

Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance

Interfaith Health Service

International Urban Associates

Lutheran Service Corps

NAACP

Nebraska Criminal Justice Review

OTOC--Omaha Together One Community

Project Hope Board

SCUPE (Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education)

Southern Poverty Law Center

Urban League