Urban Ministries Initiative

was established in 2009 as a subcommittee of the ANE District Witness Commission as the Urban Initiatives Task Team (UITT). This team initially consisted of pastors and leaders of the four ANE District “Mission” churches (Alpha & Omega, Brooklyn First, Germantown, Harrisburg First). The originating purpose of the committee was to gather around the same table to share the joys, challenges and opportunities of ministering in urban settings. The hope was that through these connections, the work of the four mission churches would be strengthened and could also include others who are “seeking the welfare of the city”. The name was changed to Urban Ministries Initiative in 2017.

On Saturday September 21, 2019, around 100 persons were able to spend that day in worship, learning, and fellowship with Brethren from a number of our ANE District’s urban and not so urban congregations.

Paul Mundey

Paul Mundey, the 2020 Annual Conference moderator highlighted the day’s focus by sharing a message asking those present if the Future has a church. He challenged the group to look for ways to invite those outside the church into the church.   The participants had the opportunity to share their comments about this challenging topic in small group breakout sessions in both English and Spanish.

 

 

 

The day also included many opportunities for praise and worship.  Worship teams from Brooklyn First, Germantown, Un Nuevo Renacer and Indian Creek all shared their unique spirit filled worship styles as they led the group in praise filled singing.  Soloist Natasha McKinney from the Mt Wilson also added her unique singing voice to the day.

Natasha McKinney

 

 

Indian Creek Praise Band

Un Nuevo Renacer

 

 

 

 

 

Please contact Mary Etta Reinhart, Director of Witness and Outreach for more information about the Urban Ministries Initiative.

the ANE Director of Witness and Outreach