SHALOM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

A community of Shalom is a faith-based organization which works to bring about economic and spiritual revival within the Shalom Zone. This includes development of housing, work force, health care and encouragement to youth and elderly. The resources exist to accomplish these things; they simply need to be accessed and implemented. Government cannot do this.

Pulaski Heights UMC and Duncan UMC have joined with others in the community to build a Shalom Resource Center on Rock St. in Little Rock. The first phase began in 2000 with construction of a community center across the street from the Duncan United Methodist Church.

SEE HOW FAR WE HAVE COME!

SHALOM CELEBRATION 2003

With the Resource Center nearly complete, the Shalom House Celebration on May 17 was a blessing from God! The community of Christ doesn’t manifest itself any better than that. The gospel singing of the St. John Baptist Men’s Chorus was glorious, Bishop Hicks was at his evangelic and reconciling best, the rain held to only a Methodist sprinkling, the BBQ and other food was delicious, the interdenominational and interracial fellowship of the community was from the heart, and as Rev. Nixon put it, “we truly experienced the kingdom of God.”

Thanks to Jennifer and Lane Kidd and their ChristCare group, Boy Scout Troop #12, and all the many people who worked hard and contributed to make the event such a visible expression of God’s love. The real blessing is the partnership in faith that has been formed among PHUMC, Duncan UMC, the coalition of Shalom Zone churches and institutions. We have demonstrated that Shalom is alive and real.

PAINT-A-VISION 2005

More than 60 volunteers from Duncan UMC and Pulaski Heights UMC and Boy Scout Troop #12 worked more than a combined 275 hours on Saturday, April 23, 2005 to repair and completely repaint Duncan UMC. the volunteers also worked on landscaping at the church and the Shalom Resource Center. Workers enjoyed a catfish lunch from Lassis Inn, two blocks from the church.

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

The completed work and celebrations have been a witness to the work of God through us at PHUMC. Now, the Shalom Zone faith-based building of individual affordable homes begins and Shalom needs you to help bring about God’s promise through the communities of Shalom. There is a distinct role you can play in demonstrating faith in God’s plan.

Shalom! ...working toward peace

Since the year 2000, PHUMC and other churches have been working with Duncan UMC on the Shalom Zone Resource Center, which opened last year to serve the community in the Rock St. area. In May 2005, more than 60 volunteers repaired and painted the church building on Paint-A-Vision Saturday.

Opportunities are now available for individuals, classes or groups to take small groups of young men or women to Travelers ballgames, Riverfest, the Clinton Library, the air show at LR Airforce Base or Heifer Ranch. Also, a few hours of volunteer time would be appreciated any Saturday for spray treatment of an outdoor deck, painting a back door or touch-up painting. Contact Jack Fryer at jtfryer@sbcglobal.net or 960-7795.

Also in May 2005, construction of affordable housing on Rock St. started with "green technology" efforts showcased on KATV Channel 7. Prefabricated walls were erected to conserve energy and to provide high efficiency heating/cooling. The Shalom Zone faith-based organization will sell the home to a qualified low-income buyer. Financing will be provided by Regions Bank.

Today throughout the nation, more than 300 Shalom ministries work to transform negative forces within their communities, focusing on spiritual renewal, economic development, health, healing and race relations. The Communities of Shalom initiative was organized in the early 1990s through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The concept would have impressed Methodism’s 18th-century founder, according to church leaders.

"I think John Wesley would have liked Shalom," said John Culp when the National Shalom Committee reviewed the ministry in Philadelphia in March, 2005

GOOD IMPRESSIONS, POSITIVE IMAGES

In July, 2005, young ladies will be graduating. Opportunities are available for participating in this event in rewarding ways. Contact Jack Fryer at (501)960-7795 or jtfryer@sbcglobal.net

 WE NEED

There will always be chores at the Shalom House on Saturday mornings, even if you can come for an hour or the whole morning.
 

Current chores:
1. Mowing - bring or donate a mower
2. Yard work - landscaping- leveling and filling holes
3. Touch up painting  - base boards, interior door trim, nicks and dings
4. Carpenters to build storage shed
5. Measure for and donate window treatments - great group project
6. Measure for and donate closet and storage systems - another great group project
6. Install vent-a hood over stove
7. Lots of other small chores

Items needed
1. Closet and storage systems - urgently needed
2. Lawn mower
3. Gas weedeater
Please email or call with questions or to volunteer.

Shalom!
Jack 224-4435
JeJo 666-9638 or jemob@sbcglobal.net.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" - Isaiah 6:8