From left are Cyndy Wright, IPM board president; Erick Harback, IPM past board president; Barb Dardy, Circle of Hope Volunteer Award Recipient; John Tiffany, IPM board member.
Inter Parish Ministry is reaching a major milestone as the nonprofit, ecumenical organization that seeks to share the love of Jesus Christ by serving others, kicks off its yearlong Jubilee celebration of uplifting hearts and giving hope for 50 years.

Inter Parish Ministry began in 1964, when four churches, Armstrong United Methodist, Indian Hill Episcopal/Presbyterian, St. Thomas Episcopal and St. Timothy’s Episcopal, set out to reach out and help people through times of economic crisis primarily by providing food, clothing and other communal support to those in need and empowering clients with information, support and services to improve their lives.

IPM’s network of churches has grown over these 50 years to number 35 today. Pooling their Christian commitment to their less fortunate neighbors, this ecumenical array of people are laying down theological differences and rolling up their sleeves to help others. Through IPM, these congregations not only help low income people meet their daily needs, but they also help them begin to break the chains and the cycle of poverty. The programs and services of IPM are geared to the ever-changing needs of the working poor and other low-income families. The agency is striving to respond to the needs and issues that are part of the daily life of families in need and in crisis.

In addition to utilizing the resources of this network of churches, IPM also engages business and community partners such as C Bank, Newtown Business Association, Clayton L. Scroggins Associates, CJK Printing, Gardner Publications, Hydro Systems, Main St. Cafe’, Newtown Village Pizza, Meridian Bio Science and Wells Fargo Insurance to fulfill its critical mission.

At first, services were carried out by all volunteers, but over the years, as programs and services grew, professional staff was hired. Today the agency employs specialized staff, is governed by a Board of Directors and works with 200 volunteers to serve 4,500 families annually.

“Inter Parish Ministry has had a great run for the last fifty years serving many of our neighbors in need in Clermont County and Eastern Hamilton County,” said IPM board member and former chairman, Erick Harback. “Through these years so many families and individuals have been helped financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  It is the selfless giving of time, talent, and treasure that has made this possible for our clients and volunteers alike.  In so doing, we are acting upon the call to action that God has set forth for us – to love our neighbor. Our organization was created to provide a conduit to allow this to occur; and our staff, volunteers, and Board look forward to continuing this service to others for many years to come.   “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” – James 2:26. 

To commemorate this 50 year hallmark of life changing ministry, a grand evening is begin planned as IPM presents Jubilee Celebration 2014, a community celebration, on Sunday, April 6 at Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. If you have passion for fighting against hunger in our community, you should plan to attend. The evening will feature a keynote address by former IPM Executive Director, David Meredith, presently presiding pastor of Clifton United Methodist Church; Live Auction by Clermont County auctioneer extraordinaire, George Brown, Silent Auction of 50 fabulous gift baskets, electronic bidding, amazing Soups and Appetizers provided by some of our area’s best restaurants, beer and wine open bar, and recognition of Circle of Hope honorees/volunteers Andy Light,  Linda Light and Kathy Zwayer; all residents of Clermont County.

Live Auction Items include Disney Hopper Passes for 4, Lobsta Bakes Party for 8, Private Party by The Dan Varner Band, P & P Woodfired Pizza Truck Party and more!

“For 50 years, Inter Parish Ministry has reached out with arms of compassion and kindness to lift up our neighbors going through tough times,” IPM Executive Director Lindsey Ein said. “Our world has changed dramatically these past 50 years, but basic human needs remain the same. At IPM, we do our best to provide food, clothing and support services to not only meet those needs, but also to give hope. We believe it is our duty, our privilege to help people change their lives for the better whenever possible. For 50 years, churches of many denominations, businesses, community groups and individuals have partnered with IPM to uplift hearts and give hope. This is indeed something to celebrate!”

Jubilee Celebration 2014 Sponsors

Platinum:  Dawn Management and Park National Bank; Gold:  Wells Fargo Insurance Services, The Dan Varner Band, Jeff Wyler Family Foundation and Thor Investment Management, Inc.; Silver: Edward Jones – Chuck Hertel, Savor Seasonings, Lykins Energy Solutions, Beacon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Graystone Consulting, PNC Bank, Kamphaus, Henning and Hood CPAs, The Motz Group, The Kroger Company and Gardner Business Media.

This special anniversary event is a Feinstein Challenge Event. Alan Shawn Feinstein, a multimillionaire from Cranston, R.I., has a goal of ending hunger in the United States, and for more than a decade has donated $1,000,000 annually to organizations across the country that provide food to people in need. These funds are used as a match for monies raised by the food programs between March 1 and April 30. He calls this philanthropic undertaking the Feinstein Challenge.

Inter Parish Ministry is taking that challenge. All donations received during March and April, and all proceeds of Jubilee Celebration 2014 will be eligible for a small portion of Feinstein’s million.

There is still time to donate auction items, provide food items, sign on as a sponsor, reserve your table for 10 or individual seat. Individual reservations may be made for $50 and reserved tables of 10 are available for $475. Call IPM at (513) 561-3932 or visit www.interparish.org for more information or to register to attend. Board Member, Erick Harback invites you to “join us in God’s great calling for many years to come.”