In my new role as Assistant to the Rector for GO/Outreach I will be pursing various means to accomplish one of the charges every Deacon receives from the Bishop as part of their ordination: "You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world." This blog is one means of fulfilling that charge.
In addition, you may be aware that we've begun a Sunday morning education series that covers a variety of social concerns, the most recent being an overview of homelessness in Houston. The social issues that profoundly affect our society, neighborhoods, families and individuals are complex and challenging. Hence the need for information, including data, pertaining to specific issue relevant to our local area. Subsequently we'll cover such topics as: After Prison - Challenges to Re-Entry, Early Childhood Development & At-Risk Youth, Human Trafficking and Immigration to name a few upcoming topics (See blog titled, Why a Building Bridges Blog, for a schedule of up coming presentations). I welcome your feedback on the series as it unfolds this year.
As with any new role there is a much to learn and process. I continue to be amazed at how many of you are quietly going about your ministry outside the church. In working on the homeless series, I came to learn more about what Brett and Anne Hamilton have been doing with SEARCH and the various ways that organization serves the homeless in Houston. Brett shared a few comments with me about his experience: "... I began volunteering at SEARCH Homeless Services, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping people who are homeless move from the streets into jobs and safe, stable housing and break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. I [now] represent St. John the Divine on SEARCH's Council of Churches, a multi-faith group of congregations that provide spiritual support and volunteer and financial resources to SEARCH and the individuals that SEARCH serves. ... I have met young adults the age of my children who, for whatever reason, have ended up homeless ... people who lost their jobs or suffered a setback that put into motion events that eventually left them homeless. These experiences remind me how vulnerable we all are, and how blessed I am to have a family and friends to support me. Working with people who are homeless or have recently been able to move into housing has made me more aware and conscious of people's difficulties who in a real sense my neighbor."
Brett and Anne, as well as several other parishioners, consistently support the SEARCH Coming Home Program through their volunteer efforts. (See Houston Chronicle article: SEARCH - Coming Home The Coming Home program is part of a comprehensive strategy for supporting and changing the lives of those who've been homeless, but it is clear that it is also a blessing to the volunteers who engage weekly with the participants. If you have the opportunity ask Brett or Anne, Sally and Stephen Loftin, Marty Clement and others who've participated as volunteers. I am sure they would be happy to share their experience with you.
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