Warm Wishes & Gratitude - Jingle All The Way |
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Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Your Blessings to LUM |
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In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, reflects on how "blessed" and "stressed" LUM has been this year, much like the first Christmas. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Please also see below and read his entire holiday letter to YOU.
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Thank You for the Glorious Blessings |
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A Holiday Letter from the LUM Executive Director |
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Dear Friend,
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a blessed 2023 and I wholeheartedly wish you joy this holiday season.
I imagine that for Mary and Joseph the first Christmas ever was both stressful and blessed. There had to be some stress with all the travel, the less-than-stellar accommodations, and the many unknowns of being first-time parents. But the blessing was glorious: “A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
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At Lafayette Urban Ministry, we enter the Christmas season in a year that has been both stressful and blessed. We have experienced the stress of the ever-increasing needs of people in our community and the ever-increasing expenses to meet those needs. We have been blessed by all the people whose lives, through the support of amazing people like you, we have been able to uplift.
Through your generosity, each week LUM is providing more than 500 meals through its various food programs, offering safe and secure overnight shelter 254 times to people who are unhoused, processing 11 cases and consultations for local immigrant neighbors, disbursing $2,700 in emergency financial assistance, nurturing and tutoring local children from low-income families 234 times, and so much more — each week.
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While on the surface, all this is nowhere near as glorious as parenting the Light of the World, the reality is that each time we serve our neighbor in need, we are in truth serving Christ himself. That first Christmas baby grew up to be a man who taught, “What you do for the least of these sisters or brothers of mine, you do for Me” (Matthew 25:40).
This Christmas I want to say thank you for the glorious blessings we experience here at LUM, despite many stressors. I am ever-aware that LUM would not be able to uplift lives at all if it were not for the generosity of people such as you. THANK YOU.
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As we come to the close of 2023, I ask you to please consider making a holiday gift to LUM of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more. While donations have been down this year, with a year-end outpouring of strategic kindness, together we can continue to serve Christ by serving those in need.
Thank you for your visionary compassion and for being a blessing to others. In spite of any stressors you may face, may God grace you with all the most significant blessings of life: joy, justice, peace, prosperity, faith and love.
Peace be with you!
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Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director
P.S. Donate online at LUMserve.org/donate, OR for greater tax advantages, give from your assets like stocks, IRA, or Donor-Advised Funds. |
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Discover the festive flair crafted by talented students in the LUM Youth Programs showcased in the artwork above. Choose from the seven unique card designs available for purchase online, each thoughtfully designed by a current LUM student (click HERE to learn more about the youth artists) and embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season by participating in our Holiday & Christmas Card Fundraiser. These cards are perfect for sending warm wishes or gifting to loved ones. All proceeds directly support the LUM After School Program. Invest in LUM students and spread joy with our holiday cards this season! |
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National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day - Greater Lafayette |
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Today | Thursday, December 21 | 4 p.m.
12 Street between LTHC & Salvation Army, Lafayette, Indiana
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LUM is proud to stand alongside our partners, LTHC Homeless Services and Salvation Army, as we come together to observe National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day today at 4 p.m. This solemn day occurs annually on the winter solstice, December 21, the longest night of the year. As we reflect on the lives of individuals facing homelessness, we recognize the importance of collective action to address this ongoing issue. Join us for a candlelight vigil, as we pay tribute to those who have passed and commit ourselves to preventing another year of growing homelessness. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
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Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? Do you have a flair for fundraising and building lasting connections? Look no further – LUM is searching for a dynamic individual to fill the crucial role of Development Director.
Why LUM?
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Impactful Mission: Contribute to empowering individuals and families in need.
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Collaborative Environment: Join a dedicated team committed to positive change.
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Leadership Role: Drive the development strategy for a renowned organization.
Ready to elevate your career while contributing to a noble cause? Join us in making a difference. Apply now and be a catalyst for change! Please share with others.
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Financial Assistance Program |
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