Mission Moment - the Story of Rickie
The Impact of the LUM Emergency Shelter
A Letter from Joe Micon, LUM Executive Director
After 29 years of failed relationships, substance abuse, unemployment and being homeless, Rickie (41) thought he had hit bottom -- but then his backpack, wallet and ID were stolen from him while he was sleeping in the park. Alone and afraid, he came to Lafayette Urban Ministry and was immediately welcomed into our Emergency Shelter.

After only two weeks, Rickie had worked with a LUM staff member to get new photo ID and was rested and eating regular meals. He felt safe, valued and respected; and by God’s Grace, he agreed to call his father and ask for permission to return home. Just as in the parable of the Prodigal Son, Rickie’s father showed compassion and agreed to welcome him back. LUM purchased his Greyhound ticket and placed Rickie on the next departing bus for home.
With skill, perseverance and dedication, LUM staff members are often successful in helping our guests, like Rickie, move off the streets into more self-sufficient living environments. I hope you are as excited as I am about the positive changes we are helping to make possible in the lives of those we serve. Lafayette Urban Ministry provides a well-run, safe and secure shelter for homeless individuals as well as the support, encouragement and tools that enable our homeless guests to live more independent, self-sufficient lives.

Please, won’t you support this important work with your dollars? Your gift of  $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 will help to keep the LUM Emergency Shelter open and staffed and will help us to provide our homeless guests with the support they need to leave our shelter for a home of their own.
Countdown to Hunger Hike = 10 Days
Start Fundraising Today — www.hungerhike.org
Hunger Hike is only 10 days away. Now would be a perfect time to create a Team for your church or organization — and begin raising money for Hunger Hike. This year is our 25th anniversary, so we hope you'll want to be a part of it. Go to  www.hungerhike.org for more information.

Thanks in advance for your support of Hunger Hike. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please email  hungerhike@lumserve.org  or call  765-423-2691 . Join us in the Fight Against Hunger locally, regionally & globally.

| Hunger Hike | Sunday, September 17 | Riehle Plaza | 2 p.m. |
Join the Race to Fight Hunger - HH5K Run
Hunger Hike also offers an opportunity for runners to be a part of the fight against hunger — the HH5K Run — one day prior to Hunger Hike (traditional 3K Walk). The HH5K Run is open to runners of all ages and abilities who share a common goal:  Fighting Hunger!

The annual HH5K Run will convene at White Horse Christian Center (1780 Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette) with start/finish in the Celery Bog Nature Area. The 5K route allows participants to run while a scenic route through West Lafayette in early autumn.

Advanced Registration (only $30) is encouraged. For more information and to view the HH5K Run route map, click HERE.

| HH5K Run | Saturday, September 16 | Celery Bog Nature Area | 9 a.m. |
Meet Saedie - New LUM Intern
Saedie Spikes, LUM Intern
Originally from Fowler, Saedie now lives in Lafayette. She is matriculating toward a Bachelors in Social Work from Indiana University - Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Saedie will graduate from IUPUI in May 2018 and plans to pursue an advanced degree in Social Work.

As an intern at LUM, Saedie is working with the After School Program and the St. John's/LUM Food Pantry.
Film & Discussion about Reinhold Niebuhr
Central Presbyterian - Theological Reflection
During their Weekend of Theological Reflection, Central Presbyterian Church (Lafayette) is hosting An Afternoon with Reinhold Niebuhr. The event will include a viewing of the PBS film, An American Conscience - The Reinhold Niebuhr Story, as well as an introduction and a discussion led by Dr. Jeremy Sabella, the author of the film's study guide.

Event details are as follows:
  • Date: Saturday, September 16
  • Time: 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Place: Central Presbyterian Church, 7th St. at Columbia St., Lafayette
  • Schedule: 2 p.m. - Introduction; 2:20 p.m. - Film screening: 3:20 p.m. - Q&A with Dr. Sabella; 4 p.m. - Round table discussion; 5 p.m. - Closing prayer & dismissal
  • Admission: FREE, Open to Public & larger Faith Community

Dr Jeremy Sabella will also be offering a sermon at Sunday Worship (September 17) at 10 a.m. followed by an optional Q&A with Dr. Sabella in the Fitch Parlor. For more information, please email or call Don Nead ( donnead@aol.com | 765-491-7267).