4-16-14

Greetings UBFM!

Happy Wednesday of Holy Week! It looks as if we will have some stellar weather for our ride tonight. We might still weather a bit of the cold spell passing through but for the most part the sky looks clear. I hope you all are able to enjoy some of the sunshine that this day bears.

I have a few things I want to cover in this update but first I want to say that we had two great fundraisers last week. I would like to take a minute to thank all who participated in the preview showing of GRACE and the Silent Auction w/ Big City Circus. A mighty thanks goes to The Law offices of J. Vincent Perryman for investing time to support UBFM. Mr. Perryman created the connection between the Circuit Playhouse and UBFM that allowed us to establish this fundraiser. Also, thanks to Get Fresh Catering and High Cotton Brewing Co for providing food and refreshments.

Thanks to all who participated, donated, and came out to support the silent auction. We had a fantastic crowd, great food, marvelous music, and several magnificent items up for auction. As I told everyone there, it was great to have so many of my friends celebrating in one place. A special thanks to these people and groups: Big City Circus for the great music and donating a show to be auctioned, Central Barbecue for the great food, Bike the Planet, Boo Gordo Pottery, Tastin Round Town, Breakaway Running, Frank and Heather Rouse, Arpana House, Taylor Merritt, Joan Bailey at Nickell’s Glass Art Studio, Tom and Patty Clark, and Amy Hutcheson for donating the art lesson, the yoga lesson, the beautiful piece of art, and all of the help in making both of these fundraisers possible. All of the items were sold. A big thanks to the people there who placed bids and donated to the organization.

Looking ahead: the two fundraisers last week were created due to the interest in vision that I’ve had for this organization. If you remember, a couple of months ago I spoke of a building downtown that had a lot of potential for a shelter or possible community center. That is still brewing. I have found that other homeless ministries are also interested in the same building. This creates a more tangible opportunity. This offers the opportunity for a group effort between two or more ministries. The building we are looking at provides such space for a project of this capacity. Nothing is yet set in stone but a few others and I have a vision and a prayer. It is to my understanding that’s where a lot of great things begin. I invite your prayers as this project is being discussed.

Regardless of fundraisers, projects, collaborations, and vacations one thing is for certain: we will always meet on Wednesday night for our ride. That is the foundation of this ministry. We distribute supplies, food, fellowship, and friendship to our friends and neighbors on the streets. I have learned something quite valuable in the passed couple of years: a burrito, bottle of water, a handshake, and a hug will go a long way.

Tonight we will meet at our regular scheduled time and place: 7:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 204 N Second St, Memphis, TN 38105. If you would like to show up early to help make some burritos you are welcome to come at 6:00. Our burrito chef, Brent, will not be present tonight so we might need some extra kitchen assistance. If this will be your first time with us all you need is a bicycle, backpack, helmet, and a giving spirit. When you arrive at the church ask where the UBFM group meets.

If you are planning on riding with us tonight I look forward to seeing you and serving with you. If you are unable I ask that you pray for our mission; pray that we are safe riding bikes in Memphis traffic but pray that we find the people that are need of our offering. Thank you all for the support! Thank you for the donations, time and effort, love, and prayers. This ministry is for God’s people, orchestrated by God, through God’s people—you. God Bless!

Peace