6-18-14

Greetings and Good Day!

I hope all of my UBFM friends and family are having a magnificent week and hump day. For the first time in weeks I am composing this message with no regard to rainy days in the near future. When I say near future I mean the next couple of days so don’t get too excited. However, we are back to humidity and hot bike rides. If you are riding with us this evening, be sure to stay hydrated.

Last week we made a record, 370+ burritos! Many thanks go to the people who made this possible. Thanks to the folks who donated funds and supplies, thanks to the hands the help prepare all the food, and thanks to the discyplists that came together to deliver all of the food and supplies. Nearly 30 people came out on bikes to help allocate gifts to our friends on the streets. Not only do you deliver the tangible gifts but also each of you offers something different. While riding down Poplar Ave last Wednesday night I stopped to talk to a gentleman and offer him dinner. He accepted but he asked where Jackie was. Apparently, there has been a friendship created and he looked forward to a conversation with her. People ask about certain volunteers regularly. But last week I realized something. The unique friendships we create mean much to folks. We all ride around with food and supplies to distribute but we all have something exclusive to offer, our emotion. That is a very personal gift to share with someone and it goes a long way.

Each summer and winter I try to coordinate a UBFM care package project. Essentially, we try to accumulate basic needs/supplies to distribute into one-gallon Ziploc bags and give them out as gifts to our friends and neighbors on the streets. The summer packages consist of sunscreen, insect repellant, hygiene products, tissues, candy, bottle water, and anything else you can think one might need during the summer months. The time has come that I would like to make some of these packages. However, in the midst of taking on a new job and moving, I am having a hard time coordinating this project. So, I am looking for individuals, groups, churches, Sunday school classes, etc. to volunteer for a care package project. This is a great opportunity to get involved with UBFM. It is also an opportunity to create your unique gift. You can make these care packages anyway you want. If you have any questions or want to take on the project please let me know. tommy@ubfm.org or 931-703-7542

Last night some of us got together again to make burritos and have a bible influenced discussion time. I would like to thank Christian and Shannon Lemon for hosting this event. I think we are going to try to continue with it but we are hoping others will volunteer to host it. We get together at 7:00 PM to make burritos then move into a discussion moment. You do not have to be well versed in the bible to be part of this. This is more of a time to talk and unload rather than study. I encourage you all to join us for these events or host one if you are interested.

The Saturday morning ride is still going very well. This past weekend we made some very unique breakfast burritos to distribute to our friends on the streets. Sarah Petschonek and 365 Memphis donated several pounds of BBQ, slaw, and beans. We made our burritos with scrambled eggs, BBQ, cheese, and mild sauce. Sounds delicious, right? We distributed 88 of these culinary masterpieces. Thanks to all who came out to help with our Saturday ride. I would like to encourage you all to come out and ride with us on Saturday morning. It is a great ride and a good way to start your day. If you are free at 7:30 Saturday morning, join this group for a short ride around downtown while serving breakfast to our neighbors on the streets. They meet at FUMC: 204 N Second St, Memphis, TN 38105

Tonight we will meet at our regular scheduled time and place: 7:30 PM at FUMC, 204 N Second St, Memphis, TN 38105. If you would like to help with preparing some burritos, Brent will get started in the kitchen around 6:00 PM. We will roll out around 8:00 and return around 9:30 or 10:00. If you plan on riding with us I look forward to seeing you and serving with you. If you are joining us for the first time all you need to bring is a bike, helmet, backpack, and a giving spirit. Try to remember to put some flashing lights on your bikes. You can purchase front and rear flashers at any bike shop or sporting goods store. These lights allow motorists to see us and it also allows our friends on the streets to see us and know we are near.

If you are unable to join us I ask that you pray for our mission. Pray that we are safe but pray that we find people who are in need of our offering. Pray that we make a difference in someone’s life and pray that we make an impact on our city. Thank you for all of the time, donations, and prayers you all give to this mission. It is a blessing to work with you sharing God’s love with God’s people.

Peace