Independence ministerial Alliance

Letter from the President

Dear Clergy, Church Staff and Leaders of the Faith-based organizations of Independence,

As I write this, the weather has changed (again!) and the high temperature today is in the mid-70’s, a welcome respite from the 100-degree temperatures we have seen all Summer.  Autumn is here.  I hope you are eagerly planning for your Fall and Winter ministry in your setting.

As the incoming President of the Independence Ministerial Alliance (IMA), I want to introduce myself and share a bit about my passions.  I am in my second year at Northern Boulevard UMC, and have lived in Independence for nearly fifteen years, joining my extended family in living in the old part of the city near Harry Truman’s home.  I am married with two children who attend Bingham Middle School and Chrisman High School.  They are quite active in the community, as are my husband and I.  I have been a pastor for nearly ten years, and graduated from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City.

As a resident as well as a pastor in this historic town, I am very aware of the challenges faced by the churches and faith groups here, as well as by families.  Our community continues to try to weather the tough economic times, and our churches are extremely important as beacons of light to the people of this area.  It is my desire, as I’m sure it is yours, to be able to not only minister to those who are hungry, hurting and lost in our city, but to see the area thrive.  I believe that together as a united faith community we can work toward strengthening the heart and faith of Independence, to make it that great place families and individuals want to live. 

My goals for the coming year are to:

·         Increase membership in the IMA

·         Increase attendance at monthly meetings

·         Increase the awareness of IMA in Independence

·         Increase our focus on ministry to those who are on the margins of society, and address the issues facing our families: poverty, hunger, and transportation

I hope you will join me in the coming year.  You will find our rates for membership are affordable and our meetings mentally enriching.  As we plan out our next year and embrace this one, we look forward to fellowship with you.  I look forward to meeting you soon.

Please don’t hesitate to call should you have any questions, at (816) 252-7977.

Serving God together as One Body,

Sarah Wimberley, Incoming IMA President
September 2011

OUR MISSION: The mission of the Independence Ministerial Alliance is to be an interfaith and ecumenical organization which provides religious leaders and community service leaders with an opportunity to join together in worship, educational activities and in support of the community of Independence, Missouri.