This past Saturday night St. John hosted its first ever Emergency Cold Weather Shelter (ECWS). With the helping hands of 17 volunteers we were able to provided a warm and safe environment for two families and one vulnerable adult for a total of six people including an eight month old little boy. Filling their tummy’s full with a warm home-cooked meal followed by a much appreciated hot shower, our guests were thankful for our hospitality. Several of our guests were able to benefit from the tubs full of gently used clothing that was so graciously donated by our congregation, our neighbors, and our friends. Many hands went into making the evening a success including several of our youth who stepped up and lent a willing hand to help those in need. Prior to our guests departing for the day, they were given a warm breakfast before heading out into the cold. Though providing hot meals is not a requirement of this type of shelter, we simply can not just hand them a granola bar and send them on their way, we are Methodist right?
Volunteer opportunities are available for all during our evening spent helping our community. Anything from cooking a meal, making a bed, playing cards with a new friend or lending a listening ear to those that need someone to talk to.
If you are not able to donate your time to this ministry there are a number of other ways that you can help out such as:
• Everyone loves a home cooked meal! When we are feeling down and life gets rough comfort foods often helps pick us up. Please include an ingredient list so that our guests can be aware in case they have food allergies.
• We are in need of the following food donations: baby food for all ages, granola bars, oatmeal in to go cups, mac & cheese in to go cups, juice boxes, and cold cereal in to go cups.
• We are in need of the following non-food donations: diapers - all sizes including new born, baby wipes, travel size shampoo and soap, gas cards and new backpacks for adults and children.
If you are feeling a nudge from God to help in this rewarding ministry, please feel free to contact Tina Racy or Pastor Emily with any and all questions. You can sign up to volunteer for an upcoming shelter night here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054caaa922a46-stjohn5. We look forward to working side by side with you in helping those in our community who are in need of shelter.