The Messenger
October 15, 2012 Volume XXII, No. 10 Nationalchurch.org
The Continuing Challenge of Homelessness On November 18, the Metropolitan Church community will observe Homeless Awareness Sunday and celebrate the ways we are in ministry with our unhoused neighbors. The good news is that over the past twenty years our work with the homeless has expanded and become more effective. The bad news is that the challenge of homelessness persists. Consider these facts. There are 3.5 million homeless in our nation while there are 18.5 million vacant homes. Twentyeight percent of Americans have no emergency savings and nearly half do not have enough to cover three months' expenses putting them on the edge of homelessness should they become unemployed. With the weather turning colder, consider what you can do to help the homeless. Volunteer overnight at Metropolitan House or Donate a Meal for Metropolitan House or St. Luke’s. Metropolitan House opens for the season on October 15. You can sign up to help at nationalchurch.org/servenow. You can also sign up to bring dinner to our St. Luke’s Shelter where meals are needed throughout the year. Coordinate Bus Passes for Shelter Residents. If you are computer savvy and interested in helping our homeless ministry on your own time, the Metropolitan House Board is looking for a volunteer to coordinate the purchase of Smart Passes for our Shelter Residents and be responsible for adding fare when necessary. You would not be expected to pay for the passes, only handle the purchases on a regular basis. For information contact Ann Michel, amichel@wesleyseminary.edu.
Take Part in the Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk on Sunday November 18. This annual fund-raiser is the principal source of funding for Metropolitan House. Just as importantly, the walk is a time for each and every one of us – young and old alike – to demonstrate our ongoing support for our ministry with the homeless. There will be two start times at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., so you can walk after either church service. The registration fee is $15 for young people (25 and under) and $25 for adults. Support the 2nd Annual Winter Warmth Event, Saturday December 1. Last year, our St. Luke’s Mission Center opened its doors for a one-day giveaway of winter clothing to the homeless that also featured a cafe with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, soups, breads, and cookies. Later in November, we will be putting out the call for donations of winter clothing, particularly outerwear and boots. Volunteers are needed to sort donations, transport them to St. Luke’s, and set things up early the morning of the 1st as well as assist shoppers and staff the Café. Contact Leigh Rollins, Leighs_beads@me.com, for information or to help.
2012 Tyler Rusch Homeless Walk Sunday November 18
This annual fund-raiser is the principal source of funding for Metropolitan House. Just as importantly, the walk is a time for each and every one of us – young and old alike -- to demonstrate our ongoing support for our ministry with the homeless. There will be two start times: 10:00 am and 12:30 p.m. So you can walk after either church service. The registration fee is $15 for young people (25 and under) and $25 for adults.