Mission Statement:   
Jesus Christ calls us to “Feed [his] sheep.” John 21:17 
“Living out this commandment as disciples of Christ, in faithful hope of
mutual ministry and empowerment, the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario
Synod will provide for the spiritual and human needs of inner city residents
of Winnipeg and volunteers through the Lutheran Urban Ministry.”

Ministry:
Lutheran Urban Ministry (LUM) is a ministry of presence that expresses God’s grace to inner city residents in Winnipeg, in the area approximately bounded by the streets of Arlington, Isabel, Notre Dame and Portage. Programs being run include Worship, Bible Study, Children’s time, Drop-in/fellowship times, food bank, thrift store and special dinners. Individuals have access to spiritual care and support through staff person Sandy Belisle and through volunteers.  

History:
Urban ministry programs in this area were started by First English Lutheran Church. While the congregation aged, declined and eventually closed, the MNO Synod recognized the value of this ministry. Over the last decade, the Synod’s responsibility for leadership and financial support has grown. In April, 2006, the MNO Synod in convention affirmed Lutheran Urban Ministry as a priority ministry for the Synod. A new board of directors has been appointed to continue, energize and renew this ministry. 

About Us
The Urban has been operating out of 743 Ellice Ave (at the corner of Beverly and Ellice – second floor) and we’ve settled in very well - we’ve welcomed the community and the community has welcomed us. We offer a variety of programs including worship opportunities, community meals, kid’s club, and new in Nov. 2008, a kid’s camera club as well as plenty of opportunities for people in the community to just drop by for a cup of coffee and a friendly chat. 

Sandy Belisle, our Ministry Leader and Manager, joined us in Mar. 2008 and has embraced the both the people and the ministry. She can be reached Monday to Thursday 12:30 – 9:00, Sundays 10:00 – 4:00 at the Urban, 774-3143 or theurban@elcic.ca. Call ahead before making a delivery to ensure she is on site. 

Programs are operated by volunteers and there is always a volunteer opportunity available. To check out the volunteer opportunities, click the volunteer tab on the sidebar or contact Tannys -  t.strand@hotmail.com. The volunteer Gifts/Skills/Interest inventory has been revised so check it out.

We are currently serving over 100 meals a week. (One Sunday there were 77 meals served). If you enjoy making soup, consider making a big batch and freezing it in ice cream pails for the Urban. A couple of congregations have had soup, stew or chilli making bees providing both variety and nutrition to the families that come to us for a hot meal.  

The West Central Women's Resource Centre, located at 583 Ellice is accepting our donations of clothing. They are within a couple of blocks of the Urban, within walking distance for people with a need for clothing who show up at our doors. Your used clothing will be put to good use.

There are a few emergency food supply items that we seem to run out of regularly. Next time you're out grocery shopping pick an item for the Urban: tea, peanut butter, healthy breakfast cereal, canned meat or tuna (no salmon please), margarine, canned soup, granola bars or cookies.  Also watch for bulletin inserts and the biweekly CrossWord e-newsletter for specific and seasonal items that we require from time to time.  If you would like to subscribe to the CrossWord, contact Rick Scherger – rscherger@elcic.ca.