25 pastors and ministry leaders gathered for the October meeting, hosted by Bethany Lutheran. President Mike Sutton opened in prayer and then introduced Rev. Mario Bustos, Rev. Rich Schmidt, and Rev. John Santoro as representatives from P.A.D.S., a ministry for homeless people in Valparaiso, There are currently 14 different churches where homeless people are housed in Valparaiso. 7 churches take a night a week for men and 7 other churches provide housing for women. Many other churches provide meals and volunteers for this ministry.
Mike Sutton then discussed the purpose and mission of the ministerial association as the following: Purpose of the Group: To create a group for the pastors and ministry leaders to get to know, support, encourage each other and to coordinate services and service to the City of La Porte, Indiana. To create a group that represents the churches of the La Porte area to the city and other community groups.Mission of the Group: To help the Church of La Porte help people find their way back to God.
Our meetings: Rotate the meeting location in our churches, A speaker who is relevant to helping us serve the city together, Good takeaway value which is worthy of our time. Meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 1:30-2:30pm from September through June.
A Prayer group of pastors from various churches has been meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month between 11:30 and 12:30 at Bethel Chapel.
Several Standing Committees reported their progress:
Church Women United is hosting a World Community Day on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 at the First Christian Church at 9:30am. Jean Bauer reports that there is a gathering for fellowship at 9 and the program at 9:30. La Porte Mayor Blair Milo, La Porte County Councilman Earl Cunningham, and ministerial assocation president Mike Sutton are the scheduled speakers.
Salvation Army of LaPorte: Captain Greg Irwin reported that building renovations are coming along. They hope to have them complete by first of the year. They are looking for Bell Ringers for the upcoming holiday season, which begins on NOVEMBER 9th.Anyone interested in even a two-hour time slot is encouraged to call 326-5342 and ask for Jari Torth. Door Village UMC Pastor Billy Nickrand hopes to break a world record of 60 hours straight of bell ringing.
First Step of LaPorte is a combined benevolence ministry of seventeen churches in the LaPorte area that assists individuals in need who need help with rent, NIPSCO, or other areas. Jeff Kling reported that the program began in March of 2012 and has already assisted 100 individuals.
State Street Ministry Community Church pastor Nate Loucks reported on this Food Pantry and Monday Lunch that is offered to the community.
Other Announcements
Rev. Jim Rosselli reported on a Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally
The FLOOD event is scheduled Monday-Wednesday Oct 22-24 at the Civic Auditorium. This youth oriented event includes concerts, and speakers. Each evening begins at 5:30. There will also be assemblies at La Porte High School.
Oct 22-26 is Pastoral Care week at IU Health La Porte Hospital.
The Clint Black concert scheduled for the Civic on December 1 is helping to raise funds for at-risk kids.
The River is hosting a “Bundle Up” on Nov. 17. Jack Balon reports that they are collecting coats, scarves, hats, and gloves for those in need.
Vice President Dennis Meyer closed in prayer.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday Nov. 15th. We will meet immediately after the Kiwanis Pastor Appreciation Luncheon at the Best Western Hotel in LaPorte. Our speakers will be from the Salt and Light group. We will meet from 1:15-2:30pm. Please join us.
For more information about the Greater LaPorte Ministerial Association contact Pastor Mike Sutton at 219-510-3193