It's a Mr. Rogers kind of day here and we hope it's a beautiful day in your neighborhood too. We've had another busy week here at Hope. Most importantly, we fixed the doorbell which means you won't have to call us from your cell phone just to get in the door. Hey! That means it will be easier on visitors and that reminds me that we haven't seen you in some time. So, if you have the time and you're close enough, stop by and see what we've been up to! While we're on the subject of getting in the door, our board has begun meeting regularly to brainstorm and and move us forward on a variety of fronts. Why not join the conversation either in person (We're meeting from 6:30 to 8 this Tuesday evening) or by dropping us a line with your questions, suggestions, and offers to help? Maybe you'd even like to join our board. We hope you'll take a few moments to cruise the rest of the Gram . . . reading about our friends from the UU and Steve's take on next Sunday's gospel before forwarding it to a friend. |
 Hospitality grows at Our House
 Visitors to Our House had a really big surprise Saturday evening when our friends from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern stopped by with a banner crafted by some of the congregation's children. The banner, unfurled to applause, is now one of the first things you'll see as you walk in the door. Speaking of walking in the door - if the banner wasn't enough, our friends also planted flowers on both sides of the front steps to Hope's main entrance making for another cheery welcome to visitors. |
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Spirit song
The "system" is terribly flawed, if not broken.
What am I talking about? Well, in this case, I'm talking about public and private institutions that serve the folks who come through our doors. You know, people like Anthony who you met here a couple of weeks ago, people who are denied services or poorly served. Sometimes, it's because the service provider is too busy to pay attention or is having a "bad day." And, sometimes, it's sim ply because the person asking for help lacks the knowledge and skills needed to fill out confusing paperwork.
One thing's for certain - many of the folks who grace our place need someone to advocate for them. They need someone to go with them when they apply for benefits, help them fill out paperwork and navigate the system.
That's some of what we do. If you need help with paperwork, we'll do it. If you need someone to go with you to Social Services or to the Housing Resource Center, we'll go with you. And, when someone tells you "no," we'll help you find someone who'll say "yes."
I'm telling you this because I was thinking of our roles as advocates and comforters when I read next Sunday's gospel lesson - John 14:15-21. Jesus told his disciples that he would be leaving but that he'd ask God to "give you another Advocate."
I really appreciate the way in which John reminds us that we have the Spirit of Truth to be with us as our Advocate and Comforter. I also appreciate that we're reminded to keep Jesus' commandments to love God with our whole selves and to love others fully. "Seeing" the Spirit is to see Jesus and seeing Jesus is to become the Comforter and Advocate for ourselves and for others.
Awesome!
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Thank you for all you do to make this world a better place.
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