Unfortunately, due to financial realities, United Methodist Ministries is no longer able to maintain the Blue Flamingo storefront location. While we mourn the loss of the storefront ministry, this decision closes a chapter in the Blue Flamingo's history and offers a new opportunity to provide Fair Trade products to a wide audience throughout the Omaha area and beyond.

Nathan Morgan, Executive Director of United Methodist Ministries, says, "The Blue Flamingo has been in creative ministry with those in need in the Omaha community for nearly a decade. The decision to close the storefront location was very difficult. We are thankful to all the shoppers, neighbors, and supporters of the Blue Flamingo throughout its history."

During its tenure, the Blue Flamingo ministered to countless members of our local community in unexpected and immeasurable ways. One example came just last week when a young refugee from Kenya came into the shop and was thrilled and dumbfounded to see a Fair Trade craft item just like he used to make in Kenya. The exchange and appreciation that he and the store manager, Deb Keeney, shared was very powerful.

The Blue Flamingo will continue its Fair Trade ministry through off-site sales and presentations. This will allow us to be in ministry with farmers and artisans in developing countries while educating people in our area about issues of economic justice and global poverty. The Blue Flamingo's current manager, Deb Keeney, will continue her work at United Methodist Ministries, coordinating Fair Trade off-site sales at churches, community events, and craft markets.

The Blue Flamingo will continue to offer Fair Trade merchandise in its storefront location through the holiday season, and will have a presence at the Aksarben Holiday Market in Omaha as it has in previous years. We are looking for additional holiday events, craft fairs, and markets where we might bring Fair Trade to a wider audience.

If you are interested in booking the Blue Flamingo for your holiday event or hosting an open house at the Blue Flamingo, please call Deb Keeney at 402.964.2740.

If you have questions or comments about the closure of the storefront location, please contact Nathan Morgan, Executive Director at 402.898.9862 or nmorgan@bigmuddyumc.org For more information about United Methodist Ministries and its programs visit bigmuddyumc.org.

United Methodist Ministries is funded in part by Mission Share Dollars from the Nebraska United Methodist Conference of the United Methodist Church.