October 2008
Newletter “From the Pastor”
Homeless Shelter Ministry
During the summer I had an opportunity to help out at two ministries in which our church is involved: the overflow shelter for the homeless and a work day for Habitat for Humanity. In this column I will focus on the Overflow Shelter, and will turn to the work day for Habitat in an upcoming newsletter.
Although the homeless center, operated by the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless, is in Hackensack, the "overflow" shelter at which I served was at St. Albans Church in Oakland. Members of our mission committee take turns serving at this shelter, including preparing food and acting as evening and overnight "hosts." The clients of the homeless shelter spend the day at the center in Hackensack, where they receive assistance from the staff there. In the evening they come as guests to the "overflow" shelter where they receive an evening meal, overnight accommodations and a breakfast, before returning to the center. I arrived at 8 pm. Geoff Bolton, Jean Hildebrandt, Cassita Massiah and Quatell Massiah were cleaning up the evening meal they had helped prepare and serve. (I did get an opportunity to share some dessert, however!)
My job was to be a host for the evening shift with Paul Weilhouwer, who arrived just about the same time I did. Our shift would end at midnight, when two more members of our church--Leigh Bolton and Terry Gilly--would arrive for the overnight shift. (At least two people are to serve as hosts at all times.) I spent much of the time sitting at a table in the church fellowship hall in conversation with the guests. There were six--three men and three women--all of them single (although several had been married at one point or another) and ranging in age from early twenties to early sixties. The gentleman with whom I talked the most told me he had worked at various moving companies over the years--and had even owned his own company at one time. Unfortunately, he had had trouble with alcohol in his past, trouble that proved the undoing of his business and his marriage. He was now "between jobs" as he was waiting for approval to get back to work with a moving company once again.
Our conversation made the time pass quickly, and soon it was "lights out" time for the guests, who slept in cots in the fellowship hall, while I and the other host stayed in the church kitchen until Terry and Leigh arrived. Terry and Leigh would also prepare the breakfast in the morning and help the guests put together lunch and snacks for their use back at the walk-in shelter. (I would also note that much of the food was donated or paid for by church members here at Grace UMC.)
At first glance, a ministry in which homeless stay overnight on cots in church fellowship halls may seem strange, but the heart of this homeless ministry is the human contact the guests receive in the church settings. Each one of these persons could have been placed in a motel room, I suppose, but they would have been very isolated and on their own for food and human contact. In this ministry, I believe, their human dignity is respected as they receive support from church members who provide food and contact and can give them encouragement and support. I have been a part of such ministries in other settings and can attest that the "networking" which occurs can also lead to job interviews and opportunities for permanent housing. Of course, we don't always see the results of seeds that are planted in the lives we touch. But whether we see results or not is not the bottom line. Rather, Jesus tells this "offering a cup" to those in need is what we are called to do! (If you are interested in getting involved in this or another ministry of our church, speak to me or any member of our Mission Committee.)
"Revolutionary Discipleship: Turning the World Upside Down."
In the fall of each year I conduct a spiritual emphasis which centers on discipleship. I am calling this year's emphasis "Revolutionary Discipleship: Turning the World Upside Down." I have drawn this theme from the book of Acts, in which Paul and the early Christians are called "those who would turn the world upside down." Using the vows of membership as a guide, I am focusing on a different aspect of discipleship and a different spiritual discipline each week in my sermons, including the disciplines of prayer, presence, giving, service, and (for the first time this year) witness. "Witness" is new to the membership vows, having been added by the General Conference this spring.
I began this series with an introductory sermon on the first Sunday of autumn, followed by a sermon on "Revolutionary Prayer" the next week. Rev. Suh will preach the message on "Revolutionary Presence" on Communion Sunday in October (those who heard her first sermon with us in August report that she is a great preacher!). And at the request of the new Stewardship Committee and as a part of the fall Stewardship Campaign the third message on "Revolutionary Giving" will be delivered by a guest preacher, the Rev. James Davis of the former Southern New Jersey Conference on the second Sunday of October.
I usually send a different letter each week highlighting each of the spiritual disciplines, and a token signifying each one, but this year I have sent but one letter and one token--a magnet in the shape of an upside down globe with the names of the spiritual disciplines on it. I pray that as you practice these spiritual disciplines that you will be encouraged in your ministry of being "revolutionaries" in Christ's name!
Names of Those Who Have Died in Past Year to be collected on October 26
The First Sunday in November is designated All Saints' Sunday on our church calendar. Traditionally observed on November 1, All Saints' Day is the day that those who have died in the Lord are remembered and memorialized. Those who are in worship on the last Sunday of October (the Sunday before All Saints' Sunday) will have the opportunity to write on an insert in the bulletin the names of friends and loved ones who have died during the past twelve months. The following week, during the communion service on All Saints' Sunday, these names will be read as a part of the communion prayer, as we affirm our communion with "all the saints who from their labors rest." Plan to be present at this meaningful service (if you cannot be present on the last Sunday of October and have names you want included in the prayers, call the church office or send the names on a card to reach the church before November 2).
Yours in Christ,
David E. Wiley III
