MISSION. God answered Greg s prayer through you! The MARCH Stories of the Lord s provision through you in Tarrant County NEWSLETTER

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1 MISSION The Stories of the Lord s provision through you in Tarrant County NEWSLETTER MARCH 2019 God answered Greg s prayer through you!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS listed with church affiliations Chairman Charlie Allen Christ Chapel Bible Church Vice Chairman Mary Jane Edwards Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church Treasurer Eddie Broussard

2 THE MISSION NEWSLETTER 1321 E. Lancaster Avenue Fort Worth, TX ugm tc.org FOLLOW US ONLINE: A local united Christian organization and ministry dedicated to providing love, hope, respect and a new beginning to those experiencing homelessness. BOARD OF DIRECTORS listed with church affiliations Chairman Charlie Allen Christ Chapel Bible Church Vice Chairman Mary Jane Edwards Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church Treasurer Eddie Broussard Watermark Community Church Secretary Columba J. Reid St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church President & CEO Don Shisler Saint Mark Episcopal Church Chaplain Fr. Andrew Powell Saint Timothy s Episcopal Church Bill E. Bailey, Christ Chapel Bible Church James O. Branch, St. Andrew s Episcopal Church Nicole Brown, Christ Chapel Bible Church Carl R. Brumley, Christ Chapel Bible Church Larry Chilton, Christ Chapel Bible Church Ronald Clinkscale, First Presbyterian Church Larry D. Eason, First United Methodist Church Gene Gray, Christ Chapel Bible Church Crawford Gupton, Christ Chapel Bible Church Pat Hawkins, Doxology Bible Church Barcus Hunter, St. Andrew s Episcopal Church Robert J. Keffler, Christ Chapel Bible Church Otis Lemley, Without Walls Church John Mitchell, Watermark Community Church Terry Montesi, Christ Chapel Bible Church Peter Philpott, St. Andrew s Episcopal Church Caroline Stephens Samis, Christ Chapel Bible Church J.D. Stotts, White s Chapel Methodist Church Allison Wagner, Christ Chapel Bible Church W. David White, Christ Chapel Bible Church J.W. Wilson, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church Robbie Zimmerman, Trinity Presbyterian DON SHISLER President/CEO A SEASON OF CHANGE We talk a lot about new beginnings here at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County. And we see that for every new beginning, there s also something that ends. That s especially true at Easter time. Our Lord s resurrection the greatest new beginning ever came at the end of His earthly life, ministry and passion. Likewise, residents at UGM-TC put aside their old lives to become new creations in Christ. In this issue of The Mission, you ll read about how Greg left his old life on the side of the freeway and found renewed purpose through becoming one of our ALPHA leaders. This year has also seen change among our staff. I want to take this opportunity to thank Father Stanley Maneikis Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. for his years of dedicated service as UGM-TC s Chaplain. Father Stanley retired from his position in February, but his love for our residents remains strong and we ll still be seeing him here! As Father Stanley s tenure comes to an end, the Reverend Andrew Powell s begins. Father Powell is already winning hearts for Christ among our residents and I m sure you ll be hearing more about him in upcoming newsletters. In the meantime, I wish you and your loved ones a very blessed Easter season filled with hope, joy and renewal! In Christ, President/CEO ROMANS 6:4 nkjv HAVE YOU CONSIDERED INCLUDING UGM TC IN YOUR ESTATE PL ANS?

I KNOW GOD SAVED ME AND PUT ME HERE FOR A REASON. You helped Greg discover his reason to live I M HERE TO HELP SOMEBODY ELSE DOWN THE ROAD. God, either take me or save me, Greg prayed.

3 I KNOW GOD SAVED ME AND PUT ME HERE FOR A REASON. You helped Greg discover his reason to live I M HERE TO HELP SOMEBODY ELSE DOWN THE ROAD. God, either take me or save me, Greg prayed. Sitting alone in his car by the side of the freeway for seven days, Greg hadn t eaten in nearly a month. When a concerned trucker stopped to look in on him, Greg knew he had been saved and that it was a miracle. After eight days in the hospital to get his strength back, Greg came to Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County. Here, he began to face the issues that had cost him a six-figure job and a lifestyle that most would be grateful for. Greg had used alcohol to relieve his post-traumatic stress disorder, only to find that it robbed him of everything, including his will to live. The only reason I didn t commit suicide is because I didn t want to go to hell, Greg admits. I know God saved me and put me here for a reason. I m here to help somebody else down the road. Today, as an ALPHA leader, Greg lives his faith by sharing it with others. It s powerful, he says. You just feel the Holy Spirit. Once you experience it, you want more of it. It s addictive in a good way. Even when he s back on his own, Greg says, I m still always going to be part of the Mission. Greg is studying psychology in college, hoping to be able to encourage others through their struggles with addiction and homelessness. I ve been there, so I can say, I know what you re going through. There s hope. Greg tells us that your support inspires him. When you donate, you re giving back, he says. That s what I want to be, a contributing member to society. When we re a society, we re whole and we re strong. That s what the Mission is building. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. EPHESIANS 2:10 nkjv VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE STORIES

What do you lov Easter is a very special

We asked some of ou staff what they love

MYRTAL JANE, UGM-TC Resident Dressing up

JORDAN, UGM-TC Resident The resurrection.

4 What do you lov Easter is a very special time at UGM-TC. We asked some of ou staff what they love most about this holiday and here s what th KATHY BREEN, Family Center Case Manager Liturgy. I love Lent and the Easter Triduum starting with a Seder Meal on Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil. GARY, UGM-TC Resident New beginnings. Here at UGM-TC we start our new lives. MYRTAL JANE, UGM-TC Resident Dressing up for church services and Easter baskets! JORDAN, UGM-TC Resident The resurrection. That s pertinent in my life because I feel as if I m going through my own resurrection. KEEP UP WITH THE MISSION! // WEB: // SOCIAL:

e about Easter? r residents and ey said: TERRANCE, UGM-TC Resident Family.

again. KETURAH SMITH, Family Center Case Manager Scripture.

Easter can be found right here at UGM-TC!

All of our residents enjoy a spaghetti lunch on Good Friday, as well as our

neighbors to share our joy on this special day.

5 e about Easter? r residents and ey said: TERRANCE, UGM-TC Resident Family. We would have breakfast and religious services and after that, we would get together in fellowship. SUMMER, UGM-TC Resident Jesus Christ our Lord, who has died for us and is risen again. KETURAH SMITH, Family Center Case Manager Scripture. I remember giving my Easter speech (Psalms 23) in church as a child and I see the importance of memorizing scripture. A time for faith and fellowship Everything our residents and staff love about Easter can be found right here at UGM-TC! For the little ones, the festivities include an Easter egg hunt, a visit with the Easter bunny, an Easter basket full of treats and a brand-new outfit to wear to chapel. All of our residents enjoy a spaghetti lunch on Good Friday, as well as our very special Easter Sunday brunch, where we welcome a few hundred of our hungry neighbors to share our joy on this special day. Last but certainly not least, our new Chaplain, Father Andy Powell, looks forward to celebrating his very first Easter at UGM-TC. It s sure to be an inspiring and memorable day for everyone. Please join us if you can and thank you for your gifts and prayers on Easter and every day! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE STORIES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DRESS A SPECIAL CHILD FOR EASTER Every Easter each family at the Mission receives a Walmart gift certificate to buy a new Easter outfit for their children.

Items such as laundry detergent, paper towels, large trash bags, Windex glass cleaner and Clorox wipes are always appreciated to keep the Mission looking its best.

Donation Drop Off: You can bring your donations to the Mission Warehouse, Monday through Friday 9:00 am 4:00 pm (1111 E. Lancaster), or to the front desk of our main building at any time (1321 E.

Instagram (@ugmtarrantco) Include your email address on the enclosed response form to receive Mission news and opportunities via email SAVE THE DATE Annual Rummage Sale May 2 3, 8:00 am 6:00 pm May

6 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DRESS A SPECIAL CHILD FOR EASTER Every Easter each family at the Mission receives a Walmart gift certificate to buy a new Easter outfit for their children. A $20 gift certificate will give one girl or boy something special to wear to chapel and our Easter festivities. SPRING CLEANING For many of us, springtime means one thing: spring cleaning. Items such as laundry detergent, paper towels, large trash bags, Windex glass cleaner and Clorox wipes are always appreciated to keep the Mission looking its best. Also, please help us stock our warehouse and prepare for our Annual Rummage Sale with gently used household items and furniture. Donation Drop Off: You can bring your donations to the Mission Warehouse, Monday through Friday 9:00 am 4:00 pm (1111 E. Lancaster), or to the front desk of our main building at any time (1321 E. Lancaster). For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at or lkinney@ugm-tc.org. KEEP IN TOUCH Far more is going on at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County than we could ever fit in a newsletter! Here are some simple ways to see how you make a difference every day and be the first to hear about big news and special events: Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter (@ugmtarrantco) Follow us on Instagram (@ugmtarrantco) Include your address on the enclosed response form to receive Mission news and opportunities via SAVE THE DATE Annual Rummage Sale May 2 3, 8:00 am 6:00 pm May 4, 8:00 am 12:00 pm Will Rogers Memorial Center, Cattle Barn 2 Join us the first weekend of May for our Annual Rummage Sale. One hundred percent of proceeds will go towards providing new beginnings for men, women and children experiencing homelessness. You can expect to find 35,000 square feet of quality new and used furniture, home décor and more at bargain prices. We hope to see you there! HAVE YOU CONSIDERED INCLUDING UGM TC IN YOUR ESTATE PL ANS?

CHAPLAIN STANLEY MANEIKIS Easter is a Time for Growth and Change I begin this, my final column in The Mission, with some thoughts about Easter, spiritual growth and change.

in a glorified body, recognizable by the wounds on His hands and feet. Three days before, He had been taken down from the Cross and sealed in the tomb.

As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. When we accept this central truth, with God nothing is impossible.

7 CHAPLAIN STANLEY MANEIKIS Easter is a Time for Growth and Change I begin this, my final column in The Mission, with some thoughts about Easter, spiritual growth and change. We look forward to the remembrance of that first Resurrection Sunday when Jesus was raised from the dead and found, not in a tomb, but in a garden, in a room with disciples, and on a walk to Emmaus, in a glorified body, recognizable by the wounds on His hands and feet. Three days before, He had been taken down from the Cross and sealed in the tomb. Before that, He had spoken of the Son of Man being raised from the dead in three days. And it happened! The Good News is that fear of death and despair of the future need not overwhelm us. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. When we accept this central truth, with God nothing is impossible. I reflect also on Paul s pronouncement in 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. God has directed me to step down as Chaplain, which I have long counted as an honor and a privilege. I will continue as a volunteer for the Vineyard on Lancaster. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. EPHESIANS 2:10 nkjv Our new Chaplain, the Reverend Andrew Powell, began his duties on January 1. He brings ten years experience leading ALPHA. He listens to people and keeps his own counsel. Most importantly, he has a servant s heart and loves our Lord. I know that he will be as happy as I have been serving God here and I pray God s richest blessing on him and this Mission. And I thank you for your love, prayers and support over these many years. PRAYER REQUESTS FILLED WITH THE JOY AND HOPE OF OUR LORD S RESURRECTION, PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER THAT: The Holy Spirit will open minds and hearts to the Good News of new life in the resurrected Christ. This Good News casts away the darkness of sin and suffering, bring hope and joy to everyone. The things on earth do not distract us from heaven, our eternal home with God. ALPHA UPDATE ALPHA is a Bible-based course offered on Thursday evenings that gives our residents the opportunity to explore the meaning of life through Christ in a relaxed, friendly setting. The ALPHA course Questions of Life continues under the great leadership of Fr. Andy Powell. The ALPHA Celebration and Holy Baptism will be on April 25. The ALPHA Celebration on December 13 witnessed 19 baptisms and a number of recommitments to Christ. If you would like to be a part of the team, please contact Chaplain Powell at or apowell@ugm-tc.org. KEEP UP WITH THE MISSION! // WEB: // SOCIAL:

8 Mary Jane finds respect and stability at UGM-TC I HAVE A LOT OF GOOD FRIENDS HERE. When she moved in with her children, Mary Jane thought her off and on years of homelessness were finally off for good. Then, she says, her children moved to Corpus Christi and left her behind with no job and nowhere to stay. I had lived under a bridge for a while, Mary Jane recalls of her earlier years on the streets. Thanks to you, she didn t have to go back to that life again. A hot meal, a warm bed and a new beginning were waiting for Mary Jane at UGM-TC. I feel safe here, Mary Jane tells us. I have a lot of good friends and my case manager is awesome. Mary Jane says that staff at the Mission treat her with respect and give her a sense of stability. You don t have to carry all your stuff with you every day. You can go out and look for jobs and know you have someplace to come home to. While Mary Jane works on getting a job and housing, the Mission provides her with plenty of activities to get involved in. She enjoyed participating in the activities UGM-TC had planned on North Texas Giving Day to celebrate their 130 th anniversary. The event raised over $60,000 to provide new computers and tools for the Children s Enrichment Program and raised awareness of people experiencing homeless ness. When you ve walked in those shoes, you look at homeless people a lot different, Mary Jane says. More recently, Christmas at the Mission was also a special time for Mary Jane. She received a gift basket and, even more importantly, was able to get a gift to give her grandson. But the greatest gifts are the ones you provide as you reach out to hurting people like Mary Jane. Thank you! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE STORIES

THE LORD IS GOING TO SET ME IN THE RIGHT PLACE! MARCH 2018

THE LORD IS GOING TO SET ME IN THE RIGHT PLACE! MARCH 2018 1321 E. Lancaster Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 339 2553 ugm tc.org A local united Christian organization and ministry dedicated to providing