Spring Outreach Focus: Affordable Housing

According to the North Carolina Housing Coalition, 46% of renters and 16% of homeowners have difficulty affording their homes in Wake County. With a shortage of affordable housing options across the Triangle, homelessness becomes the outcome for those who experience an eviction. How can our congregation advocate for a thriving community in which everyone has access to a safe, affordable home? We will address this question by centering our Outreach efforts this spring around affordable housing, with opportunities for all to donate, volunteer, and learn:

Donate

Contribute to a home-goods drive for the future residents of King’s Ridge, a new community built by the Triangle nonprofit CASA that will end homelessness for 100 individuals and families in Wake County. The community will be move-in ready in September, and will have on-site supportive services, including a medical clinic staffed by WakeMed, case managers, a tenant liaison, and a community space. Your gift of essential household items will help fill King’s Ridge with love, ensuring that future residents have everything they need to live a stable, comfortable life in their new home.

Volunteer

Join us on Saturday, April 13 for Scattered to Serve! This is an annual tradition at Hayes Barton UMC through which hundreds of church members engage in service opportunities and connect with organizations and agencies that serve our community. We believe that Christ will be present through our service, we believe we will meet Christ in those we serve, and we pray that others will experience Christ through us. Be on the lookout to sign up for this event in the coming days--for now, mark your calendar!

Learn

On Wednesday nights in April, come learn from our nonprofit partners about affordable housing in our community. Each learning session will begin at 6:30 p.m., immediately following Wednesday night dinner.

• April 3: Refugee Housing Support led by Welcome House
• April 10: Breaking Down Stigmas Between Mental Health and Homelessness led by CASA
• April 17: What Would it Take to Put Habitat for Humanity Out of Business? led by Habitat for Humanity
• April 24: Engaging the For-Profit Sector led by Lotus Campaign

With so many opportunities to find Christ in the faces of all residents of Wake County--both housed and unhoused--we hope you will join us.

In Christ's Love,

Lindsey Nugent, Director of Outreach and Fellowship

VBS 2024 Registration: Camp Firelight

Join us as we go on a summer camp adventure with God! 

Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Age range: 3 years old as of 8/31/23, through 5th grade.

Please use this form to register each child. **One form per child--please submit another response if an additional child needs to be registered.**

Registration fees are $25/child (includes VBS t-shirt and digital music access) and are to be paid via the HBUMC online giving. Please select "VBS Registration Fees" in the dropdown fund option. Payment must be made by March 31, 2024 (when registration closes) to secure your child's spot. 

Farm & Faith Partnership Spring CSA 2024

Sign-ups Open March 6

On Ash Wednesday, ashes were applied to our forehead as the minster said, “For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19). What a beautiful reminder of our unique connectedness to the earth, to the very dust and soil that sustains life. This awareness infuses a sense of holiness into the way we interact with the soil as caretakers of God's sacred creation. 

Regenerative farming, the method used by our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farmers, emphasizes soil health and strives to restore the land to its full potential. It is a way to live out our calling to work and care for the garden. Learn more about our partnership with the Farm & Faith Project and the Spring CSA season here.  

Sign-ups to join the CSA will open on our church website March 6. Please support this important ministry and enjoy fresh, organic produce as a delicious benefit! There will also be an option to buy a share to donate to a local food pantry, if desired.

Update on Children & Youth Listening Sessions



The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) appreciates the feedback provided during the in-person listening sessions and through the online survey. The common themes have been identified and included support for ongoing programs for children and youth, as well as suggestions for making each of these programs stronger.  SPRC members are reviewing the information and will meet to discuss and determine next steps.

Order Easter Lilies

Add to the beauty of our church during Easter. The purchase of Easter lilies ($12 each) helps Soroptimist International of Mid-Atlantic with their "Live your Dream" program to help end violence against women and girls. Use this form to indicate "in honor of" or "in memory of," and **please complete a form for each lily sponsored.** You can either pay by check to HBUMC and put “Lily” on the memo line or click here to pay online and choose "Seasonal Decor Fund." Please return form and check by March 22. Any questions: contact Amy Piland: [email protected]

Dementia and Caring for Caregivers: March 12

Hayes Barton UMC’s Stephen Ministry group invites you to a learning opportunity on Tuesday, March 12. Lisa Levine, Senior Director of Programs for Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, will share how we can recognize signs of dementia, as well as information on how we care for caregivers. This gathering will take place in the Fellowship Hall, 7-8 p.m. If you would like to participate through Zoom, please sign up at this link. 

Lisa collaborates with government agencies, colleges, other non-profits, faith-based and service-related organizations to implement the mission of Dementia Alliance of North Carolina which is to provide support, services, and resource information to North Carolinians with dementia, their families and the community-at-large.

After graduating college, Lisa began working in skilled nursing facilities as an activity director. It was there she learned how passionate she is about assisting people with dementia and their families. To this day she continues to work toward improving the quality of life for people living with cognitive impairment and dementia.

Creation Care Tips for March

Are you ready to get your hands dirty in the garden? Urban community gardens provide food, address food insecurity, and increase well-being for gardeners. They also support plant and animal biodiversity—a win-win. This March:

• Volunteer at one of the urban community gardens we support through Outreach.
• Create a tiny garden in your backyard or a container garden for your patio.
• Learn more about regenerative farming.
• Purchase a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share and meet our regenerative farmers on March 6 at the Wednesday Night Dinner.

For more tips click here.

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