It was Socrates who, compemplating the difficult approach to the Parthenon which sits at the top of the Acropolis in Athens, said:  "A place of worship needs to be difficult in ascent."  His point was that to worship rightly, and thus change your life, a temple should not be a casual place that you can just "drop in" but rather should be part of a life discipline that demands the devotion of the heart.  One cannot seek a change in one's life without deliberate and often difficult effort.  It is in this light that many churches even to this day are built to stand some distance above street level, requiring the worshipper to exert some personal effort to enter.

 

I think of Socrates' insightful observation every time I arrive at the Mission and climb the stairs to the front door.  Walking up to the Mission is not a casual thing for those who come seeking shelter and a change in their lives.  It is a deliberate and often difficult choice to decide that the time has come to make a dramatic move for a future that lies in a different direction.  For many of our guests, these last few steps mark the culmination of a journey filled with painful or disheartening events and failings.  I am often amazed at the strength of resolve and the power of their will to ascend to the entrance and then to continue to participate in the various classes, sessions, and interventions that we offer is self-help and Christian living.

 

We are exactly what Socrates described, a place that is difficult to access ... especially now with the closing of the Harris Overpass.  We exist as a place where those who are burdened and heavy laden with the problems of living in this world can find rest and renewal ... both to their souls and to their lives ... if they choose to expend the effort.  But it does take effort.

 

It takes courage to walk into the lobby of the Mission and to ask for help.  You just have to admire anyone who has the kind of courage and desires to change his or her life!  Their cry for help is like that of the burdened father in Mark's Gospel who cried out to Jesus, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!" ... which is often my prayer as well!

 

 

 

 

 

The Reed Chapel, that doubled as a cafeteria during construction, has a face lift!  Last week, new carpet was installed, the walls were painted, and ... some new seating was added.

 

We have the pink and grey booths from Jimmy Aces restaurant lining two walls!  Soon we hope to have a coffee machine in place so that our women can use this area during the day for informal meetings, classes, or just quiet relaxation! 

 

Stop by and see this updated area of the Mission!

 

We also hope to paint all the hallways of the Family Shelter this year.  And, if money permits, replace the tile floor in parts of the Family Shelter.  Our buildings get very, heavy use.  This means that we are constantly working to keep things looking nice.

 

If you would like to volunteer to help us, please call Nora Ragon at 475-1303.  As soon as the weather warms up, we will be staking out our garden and working on the grounds.  You can be part of our team!  Just call Nora. 

 

 

People's City Mission has been awarded the coveted Charity Navigator Four Star rating for the past three years.

 

We are a Nebraska not for profit corporation that qualifies for tax deductible donations under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

 

Only a small portion of our operating expenses is covered by grants.  A large number of individual donors, faithfully supporting our Mission, enable the work that we do.

 

People's City Mission offers emergency shelter for homeless men, women and families in our community.  We also have 60 units of supportive, transitional housing for men in our Curtis Center. Last year we housed 91% of the homeless in Lincoln.  We have beds for over 300 individuals at 110 Q Street.

 

Ten percent (or more) of Lincoln-area residents are eligible to receive free food, clothing, furniture and household items at our Distribution Center at 21st and N Streets.  If you know someone in need, please send them to us!

 

We welcome volunteers of all kinds.  If you are moved to share your valuable time with us, please call Nora Ragon at 475-1303.  Become part of our family!

 

People's City Mission provides transportation between Downtown and 110 Q Street (the Mission) between 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. in the evenings so that there is transportation available while the Harris Overpass is closed. 

 

Looking forward ... our next project will be to establish a free medical clinic to serve our guests and other Lincoln residents with no access to health insurance.  The clinic will be located on our 110 Q Street campus and will be staffed by volunteer health care professionals. 

 

Yes, our current Distribution Center is in the path of the Antelope Valley project!  We may need to relocate those services.  If you have an available location in mind, please contact Pastor Tom Barber at 475-1303.

 

If you have a question or a comment, please call me (Barbara McCall) at 475-1303.  I welcome your comments and questions.