Vida Nueva Ministries is developing a plan of financial sustainability for the future supported by Metro Ministries, Inc., Central District UMC, Carmel United Methodist Church and Center for Congregations with the expertise of JD Levy and Associates.

Since 1981, Rev. David and Stacy Peñalva have been tirelessly leading the worshipping congregation and community ministry at Vida Nueva, and they just celebrated 10 years at the 2801 West Washington Street location last December.  Throughout the past 25 years of ministry, they have seen families come through their doors scared and confused, and leave the confidence and smiles on their faces.

The worshipping congregation averages more than 126 each Sunday. Stacy, Centro Familiar (family center) director, says, "Vida Nueva Ministries is a point of contact for immigrant families on the west side of Indy where they can find classes, services, aide and resources for the whole family in a Spanish speaking, culturally sensitive environment."

The families of Vida Nueva are active in ministry within the West Washingotn Community each evening. Rev. David tells the story: Thireen years ago, the Pantoja family started attending our church.  Pancho was 5, Tito was 2 and Brian was a baby. During our 10th Anniversary several weeks ago, it was poignant to see Pancho, now a student at Ivy Tech, smiling at the fron of the church, playing the drums as a part of our worship group. Years of banging on the drums, being raised by Christian parents and hearing the word of God at Vida Nueva have turned out a young man who has chosen to serve God through his talents."

During 2012 as we venture out in leadership, board development and focusing on vision and ministries at Vida Nueva, we ask you, our United Methodist Churches in Central Indiana to partner with us in two ways:

• Donate a gift of $100 per month from individuals, Sunday School Classes, mission budgets, or special offerings so that the 2012 Vida Nueva budget can be sustainable. With this support of our congregations, the Vida Nueva Ministries can focus on their mission and vision, creating a new leadership board and partner with you to continue the ministry beyond 2012.
• Join Vida Nueva's Prayer Team. Through a weekly email, Vida Nueva Ministries will share their ministry and prayer needs with you. Join us in praying for David and Stacy and their congregation and JD Levy and Associates' team members as they work hard in this crucial time in ministry together.Email today to join in prayer...listening to God to hear what he has in store for this vital ministry within Central Indiana.

Sincerely,

Lisa G. Morris

Metro Ministries Executive Director

The Brightwood Community Center's Annual Dinner was held Friday, October 7 with more than 60 volunteers and supporters of the center at Lawrence United Methodist Church.  Mr. Stanley Ferguson spoke on the theme, "Justice Shall You Pursue: Answering God's Call to Protect Children." Mr. Ferguson has served as the co-director of the Brightwood's Summer Program the past two summers.  Rev. Rose Harris provided music and Ms. Khala Granville spoke about "What Brightwood Community Center means to me...."

Special awards were presented to Mr. Rick Kissling as the  volunteering financial secretary. Susan Barrett accepted the award on behalf of Carmel United Methodist for supporting the food pantry and the recent donation of refrigerator and freezer.  Donnice Harris was recognized for her work with the Survival Skills for Women program and Linda Porter received a certificate as the first Survival Skills of Women graduate that became a staff member.

Holly Hardsaw, Brightwood Community Center Board President, closed with future goals of the Brightwood Center -- touching the lives of families within the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.