St. John’s parishioners’ “can and will do spirit” was on full display during our December Night’s Welcome week. Our last minute challenges were greeted with positive responses and actions. Instead of the 35 men we were expecting, we had 10-12 women and a child each night. One night a family of six arrived. St. John’s unexpected family crises brought, “I’ll help” from those not scheduled to help. Many did double shifts.
Several parishioners and their children brought in clothes, coloring books, and games for the child/children. One of our young people created gift cards for each of our guests.
At 2011’s Night’s Welcome week, many guests asked if we could have a Bible Study. This year Terry Edwards set aside time each night for a quiet Bible Study.
Many thanks and appreciation to the co-chairs, the breakfast and dinner teams, those who spent the night, and all others for going the extra mile and making our week extra special for our guests. Thanks to Calvin for coming in every morning to make sure our Parish Hall was sparkling when our guests returned in the evening.
We were able not only to feed and give our guests shelter, but we gave them comfort and celebrated their time with us.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, February 2013.