January 2003 - Tower - Page 5
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Missions
June Lyon Loving
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With the help of approximately 70 different members, we completed our first in-house hosting of PORT as of January 8. Of the seven nights, we had 61-90 clients who were our guests overnight, that averaged to 76+.
It is very gratifying to have that many of our membership involved in this vital program. There were those with trucks to pick up the mattresses and supplies; those who made casseroles; those who prepared a meal in the kitchen; those who served a meal. Others checked in clients, some who bagged belongings for safe keeping, those who checked out clients as they left for the day, some who kept vigil all during the night, snack servers were very popular, someone to issue aspirin or other medication and keep a record of each, and some to answer questions and provide a smile and a welcoming manner. There are jobs for anyone who is willing to serve. There were also many who contributed books, cosmetics, soaps, lotions, razors, combs and many other items prized by our guests. We have a talented knitter who made caps, circles who provided gloves, scarves, and caps. The call came and First United Methodist Church answered!
Estimating from our sign-in sheets, etc. there were over 450 volunteer hours given by our 70 volunteers. There will be stars in a lot of crowns for this service. One of the LINK/PORT representatives was very complimentary of our first hosting.
During the week of February 26 - March 4, we will partner for one day with the First Baptist Church. We will be in charge of all the processes from check-in through dinner, overnight, breakfast, and check-out. The Baptist Church will provide someone to be with us during the entire time to help us function in their church, just as we did with our partner churches during our week as host. If you want to help, leave your name, phone number and a brief note in the "Missions" box in the church office or hand me a note when you see me at church. Once a date for our day is set, you will be called to see if you can help on that day and how you would like to serve. This will be our final PORT activity until next winter.
Did you remember the homeless in your prayers during the snow?
On Saturday, January 11, a group of us went in the van to Virginia Wesleyan College to a session initiated by Bishop Pennel. The theme was "Come to Table" and we ended our day with a communion service. Each of us participated in a different training session. Mine was "Outreach/Missions" with a morning and afternoon session -- and we could have used more time. The information learned will be helpful throughout the year. As a bonus, there was an opportunity to make contact with those in nearby districts and e-mail contact with the group leader, Rev. Denise Honeycutt. She was a dynamic person who looked as if she was in her early 20's. She had served as a missionary in Africa before taking on this stateside assignment.
On Saturday, January 18, our missionaries, the Godwins arrived from Ecuador to visit our church and several other churches who also sponsor them. After visiting with the Bithynia Class on Sunday, January 19, they participated in our church service and had a dialogue with Rev. LeGault on their activities and service in Ecuador. The LeGaults, some mission committee members and several others went with them to lunch at Herman's Harbor House to have more time to visit. Their family consists of Rev. Daniel, wife, Lisa and Chelsea and Aaron. The Godwins are the missionaries for Circle 5. Watch the Sunday bulletins for e-mail address and other information on their activities. Also check the next Tower for a summary of information.
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: January 31, 2003
