Lafayette Christ UMC recently raised money and collected items for the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home in Lebanon, Indiana. A challenge was set to the congregation by lay members– to collect $500 and 300 items. They certainly rose to the occasion.
For the month of July, they pulled together 330 items and $4,271.65, which will go toward the Home’s food budget. While this alone is a wonderful feat, this good deed was done in honor of Rev. Herb Wingard, retired elder, who currently attends the church and—in addition to serving several churches over his career—served over 50 years on the Children’s Home board.
Over the course of his career, Rev. Wingard served Burlington UMC, Elwood Grace UMC, Elwood Trinity UMC, Avondale UMC, Brown Street UMC, and Heritage UMC.
Susan Bennett, current Director of Public Relations at the Children’s Home, shared that Rev. Wingard served on the Home’s Board of Trustees for five decades. She added, “While serving on our Board, he recruited other clergy to serve on the Home’s board. He was also very involved in youth ministry and encouraged youth groups to tour the campus. He was a great ambassador for the Home and encouraged churches and individuals to support the Home financially. Herb loved children and youth!”
A special reception was also held in honor of Rev. Wingard with many board members and former board members in attendance. At the reception, a check was presented to the Children’s Home, and those in attendance toured of the grounds.
The Children’s Home currently offers “counseling and psychiatric services, medical and dental treatment, an aftercare program, an independent living learning lab, spiritual development and a group home setting in a non-institutional environment.” (IUMCH).