Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry will host its eighth Annual Evening of Faith & Friendship on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the InterContinental Hotel and Conference Center. The event celebrates the faith-full action of staff, board members, volunteers, donors and partners who advocate and serve with those who are lost and forgotten in society. More “friend-raiser” than fund-raiser, it honors the building of right relationships in community.

The Annual Evening of Faith & Friendship was conceived in early 2001 by LMM’s founding executive director, Rev. Richard E. Sering, and the development staff. Sering wrote that it was “designed to share stories.” The first event took place on January 18, 2002. Each year, the event grows; in March of 2007, friends joined the celebration and more than $27,000 was raised to serve men who are homeless, youth at-risk, long term care consumers, people with disabilities and persons previously involved in the criminal justice system. Stories are shared by former program participants and others who have benefited from LMM services.

During the evening, LMM honors those that partner in our mission with three awards: The Faith & Friendship Award, the Peacemaker Award, and the Rev. Richard E. Sering Living Faith Award.

The Faith & Friendship Award was created for annual presentation to honor “friends of LMM.” The award is given to a company, agency, organization or individual who has, in a significant way, championed the cause or causes of LMM and its programs. Past recipients include: Mayor Jane Campbell, Commission on Catholic Community Action, Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, Susie Sering, Joe Karabinus, Janet Norten, Richard and Wanda Hansler and Bob Varley, Senator Sherrod Brown, David Abbott and Craig S. Miller/Ulmer & Berne LLP.

The Peacemaker Award is given to a person who exemplifies peace/shalom (health, safety, security, wholeness) for all the people of God’s creation, especially those who are left out or pushed out of society. It is to honor what ancient Scriptures refer to as “a righteous one;” one who works to ensure justice within the gates, and peace, health safety security and harmony for all. It has been presented to: Ray Miklethun, William Denihan, Bryan Gillooly and Lois McNabb.

The Rev. Richard E. Sering Living Faith Award was created by LMM staff members; named for and first presented to LMM’s founding executive director. It is the highest honor the LMM community bestows. This award is not intended to be presented annually. Official designation is “to honor individuals who make a difference through their work with LMM.” Criteria includes: lifelong commitment to peace and justice, relentlessly pursuing it, creative vision and advocacy, long standing work with LMM. Honored by this award are: Eleanor Warner, Rev. Richard E. Sering, Charles See, Rev. George Hrbek and Mary Weyburne.

2009 Sponsors: Fifth Third Bank - Investment Advisors; Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A;