Party on the Plaza!    The first party on the plaza was a huge success. Although the threat of rain moved the party indoors, over 200 people showed up to enjoy the first Party on the Plaza this summer which took place on June 29.    Volunteers and church members of the United Methodist Church for All People brought side dishes and the church provided hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans. Many people helped with set up, cooking, serving, and cleanup.    The All People Band performed with guest artists Cherie and Milo Mannino. Milo's performances on trumpet added great fun to the festivites, while Cherie brought down the house with her rendition of "Respect". Sparkle Rumph, an Open Mic and voice lesson participant shocked the crowd with " Shackles", "Video" and If I Can't Have You". Miss Mary Hamilton, our resident gospel artist, led a session of rollicking gospel tunes,and Lamar Wooden performed his rap song, "Welcome to the Circle", inspired by his experiences at the Church and Community Development for All People.  The fun is not over yet, the next Party on the Plaza is scheduled for August 24th at 6pm. All are welcomed!  For more information please contact the Church at 614-445-7342.

“Rising To The Top”             2008 Tea & Style Show Fund-Raiser for the 2nd Phase Renovation Campaign Free-will offerings and generous donations accepted at Refreshment Stations United Methodist Church for All People 946 Parsons Avenue Columbus, OH 43206 John Edgar, Pastor Featuring clothing from the Free Store and others   Mistress of Ceremonies: Evangelist Phyllis Archer Live Entertainment by Ron (Ice Man) & Carrie Harrington Saturday, September 13, 2008 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.   Join us! For More Information Contact Mary Hamilton, Coordinator at (614)338-1272

Great New Partnerships in Affordable Housing Community Development for All People is excited about two programs that will begin on the Southside this summer. They are the World Changers mission project which will be taking place in June, and our new AmeriCorp* Vista Project which will begin in July. World Changers is a faith-based mission project of the Southern Baptists which sends thousands of youth across the country to different cities to do home repair. They will be sending more than 217 youth to Columbus the week of June 16-20 to work on 22 homes on the Southside. These happy homeowners will receive new roofs, siding, paint jobs or other needed repairs on their homes. The repair costs will be funded by the City of Columbus. Additional Sponsors are Apex Builders, Community Development for All People, Home Depot and Rebuilding Together Central Ohio.

We are pleased that we have received an AmeriCorp* Vista Grant for our "Healthy Homes" project. Beginning in July, we will have a Vista Worker who will be implementing this program.  Healthy Homes will work to improve the houses and properties in the 20 to 25 square blocks that are located immediately to the south and east of Livingston Ave. Read more about the exciting affordable housing initiatives here!

Band to Perform at Six Neighborhood Pride Concerts   The All People Band has recieved funding from the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts Program of the Greater Columbus Arts Council to Partner with Major Coleman's Neighborhood Pride Program. The band will perform at six events over the summer and through December of 2007, including two events on the Southside. Click here for more information.

New Body-Spirit Program Martial Arts teacher Ernest Starr is now offering Jufu (Gentle Wind), a low impact martial art similar to Tai Chi, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:00 p.m. and now on Saturdays at noon.   It is performed with slow smooth, gentle, flowing movements and deliberate motions with an emphasis on concentration, relaxation and breathing. The slow, deliberate motions aid in the cultivation of a serene mental state, promotes self-confidence, and facilitates relaxation.   Sometimes quicker motions are used to reenergize the body and refocus the attention, emphasizing breath control and concentration. It is a wonderful way to start your day an excellent precursor to meditation practice that is also a part of this relaxing self-actualizing, and instructional course.  No special skills are necessary -- just show up and participate! Prayer and Praise Service Here's another opportunity for fellowship, praise and worship.  The last Sunday of each month, Kenny Pugh and Donita Harris lead a special worship service with an emphasis on music and prayer.  This is a great uplifting way to spend a Sunday night.  Service starts at 6:30 p.m.  Click here for the calendar of events.