6-25-14

Greetings and happy Wednesday!

I hope you all are having a fantastic week and a happy hump day. The time has come for us to come together for a UBFM ride and I am quite excited. There are some weeks that I feel like I need that Wednesday night meeting. It helps get me through a busy week. I get to ride my bike, see my friends, tell jokes, laugh, sometimes cry, and serve my neighbors. For me, it is a time to refuel my emotions and my spirit. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes need that in the middle of the week.

I have been tracking the weather to see if a light rain jacket is necessary for tonight’s ride. After viewing the Weather Channel and watching the local news it seems that no one really knows if it’s going to rain tonight. I think my guess and your guess is as good as anyone else. To be on the safe side I am going to pack a light rain jacket. Here is the bright side: a little rain will feel good in this hot, muggy weather.

I want to thank all the magnificent folks who made last week possible. We distributed another record 400 burritos to our neighbors on the streets. Thanks to all of the hands that worked hard and invested time to prepare food. Also, thanks to all of the people who donated funds and supplies to allow us to continue our weekly mission. And of course, thanks to all of the people who volunteered to ride and distribute supplies. It is you all who make God’s work possible and it is a blessing for anyone to witness and be part of. Thank you!

There has been a large request for insect repellant from our friends on the streets. Many of you know how the mosquitos are in Memphis. It is hard to go anywhere without them getting a few bites in. last year we tried a few different ways of distributing repellant. Even the small, portable bottles are quite costly. The most cost effective method to distribute it was for each group to take a couple of cans with them and allow anyone to spray down. I am open to any other ideas as well. Any donations of repellant will be most welcome.

I am still looking for people to help with care packages. I have several items to add to them. This is a good project for any group, church, business, or family. We simply take one-gallon Ziploc bags and fill them with supplies to give out as gifts. The bags can be unique and contain what ever you would like to add to them. Some essentials are toiletries, sunscreen, a small bottle of water, snacks, candy, lotion, tissues, and lip balm. Last year a group made some with a stamped letter, pen, and paper in them. If you are interested in taking up this project let me know and I will give you the supplies I have to add to them.

Last night the UBFM bible/discussion group made 90 burritos for us. This is a fantastic little meeting. I want to thank Christian and Shannon Lemon for hosting this group. Next week the group will meet at Lyle Udell’s house. I will make an event page to remind everyone. We call this meeting a bible study but it is more of a bible based discussion group. We usually start with a topic; sometimes we stick to it and sometimes we don’t. It is no more than a time for people to talk, unload, and get to know each other over snacks and a beer or two. Come and join us if you are able!

 The Saturday morning ride is still going very well. Thanks to all who came out last week to help with this event. I would like to encourage you all to come out and ride with us this coming Saturday. It is a great ride and a good way to start your day. If you are free at 7:30 AM, 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