In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shows how LUM uses its resources to shelter people from the cold -- and asks, "What resources do you have that can be utilized to BLESS other people." Please take 61 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

Sincere thanks to the outgoing 2020 LUM Board of Directors & Executive Council members, who served valiantly during the transition of a new executive director and impact of the pandemic. Congratulations to the incoming 2021 Executive Council members (pictured above L to R), who are as follows:

LUM is governed by a Board of Directors — made up of one representative from each Member Church plus a few appointed individuals from specific community groups. Led by the officers listed above, the board meets each month to oversee and direct policy decisions, fiscal matters, and programming issues, and to ensure that LUM fulfills its vital Mission. The board members are passionate, hard-working, talented — and are well-equipped to serve during this difficult time.

Nancy L. Emig is the new clerk, responsible for assisting the LUM business office and working directly with the Good Samaritan Program.

Nancy grew up in Valparaiso, graduated from Valparaiso High School, and lives in West Lafayette with her husband, Greg, daughter, Carly, and their three furry children (dogs), Zoey, Abbey & Bayley. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Supervision. Nancy enjoys being a mother, supporting her daughter's activities, listening to music, traveling, golfing, watching Purdue sports and NFL games, loving her dogs, and helping her husband with their business venture/adventure. She is inspired by the quote, "As I look at my life, I would prefer to err on the side of GRACE rather than judgment, to love too much rather than too little, to believe in my sisters and brothers too much rather than not enough, to believe the best and be wrong rather than believe the worst and be right."

Nancy started with LUM as a volunteer, serving more than five years, as an afternoon receptionist and with Jubilee Christmas, the Good Samaritan Program, and with her "reading" dog, Bayley, the After School Program. Nancy shared, "I am here to serve and give back to the community that has welcomed and been so gracious to my family. I hope to bring the same joy, a smile or sense of peace to just one person, my day is fulfilled." LUM is fortunate to have had Nancy Emig as a volunteer and is thrilled to have her join the LUM staff. Please join us in welcoming her in new role with the LUM team.

The LUM Solar Energy Initiative was switched on two years ago. To date, the LUM Office building has generated...

In addition to the environmental benefits of going solar, the savings to LUM should be close to $5,000 per year. These savings include a reduction in energy needed as well as revenue from trading Solar Renewable Energy Credits. This money will be reinvested in LUM programs & services in support of local families and children. The amount of energy generated daily has been substantial. LUM is to expand our solar energy project in the future. Stay tuned.

Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, served on a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service community panel entitled: "Beloved Community Conversation: Where Do We Go From Here?" The event was sponsored by Beloved Community Lafayette, a grassroots group in Greater Lafayette with a passion for social justice. The group is led by the Reverend Annettra Jones, associate pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, a LUM member church.

The topics focused on how our community leaders plan to create more unity and move forward after last year's local Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The virtual, live panel discussion featured county & city elected officials, school corporation leaders and social service agency directors. Thanks to the moderators, which included the Reverend Dr. Bradley Pace (St. John's Episcopal Church rector) and the Reverend Dr. Hilary Cooke (Chapel of the Good Shepherd chaplain), the conversations were lively, informative and transformative. Wes Tillett took the opportunity to share the mission, programs and aspirations of LUM as important initiatives about equity & inclusion are addressed. Thanks to Beloved Community Lafayette for sponsoring this meaningful event and inviting LUM to participate in the conversation.