Urgent Request & Immediate Response Needed!

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church has been asked to participate in the Winter Relief program once again this year. We are scheduled to host about 16 guests the week of November 22 – 29 (Thanksgiving Week). We have no overall coordinator and do not have an understanding of who might be available to volunteer for this year’s Winter Relief Program.

The Congregation Council has affirmed that this is a project worthy of our support and in keeping with our mission as disciples of Jesus. Their overarching question is whether we have enough people to support this ministry this year.

In order to determine whether or not we can provide this care to our homeless neighbors, we are asking you to consider committing to some of the responsibilities needed for that week. Because we want to give Arundel House of Hope a definitive answer as soon as possible whether we are able to do this or not, we need your commitment no later than 5 PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17.

We especially need some people to share responsibility for coordination of the congregation’s involvement.

To indicate your willingness to serve, please click here.

Please note that Arundel House of Hope has Covid mitigation protocols in place.
All volunteers on-site must wear masks.
All drivers must wear masks while in the vehicle.
All volunteers are encouraged to be vaccinated
All guests are to be fully vaccinated or they will be required to be tested prior to coming into the program, as well as being tested regularly in the program.
All guests are required to wear a mask at all times while in the facility, other than eating/drinking, sleeping, during personal hygiene, or outside the facility.
All guests must wear masks while in the vehicle.
All guests will have daily temperature checks.
There are new meal-time protocols to reduce the chance of infection.
A reduced number of beds will be at the site, allowing 6 foot distancing between beds.

If you are uncertain, please consider this from Chandra Knabel

A Sacred Opportunity

Whenever I see a person who appears to be homeless, I almost immediately begin thinking about their family and how sad they must be that they are in this situation. After all, they are a precious son or daughter, brother, or sister, and maybe a mom, dad or grandparent. They are also a precious child of God and deserving of his love. I want to help them but often I am unsure what the best thing is to do. Should I give them money, or would it be better to get them some food. What about clothing, socks, or maybe a coat and a scarf. What if they don’t want my help? What if they become angry with me if I don’t give them exactly what they want?

These are thoughts that I have had when seeing a homeless person and maybe you can relate. I really have a desire to help but often something holds me back. I’m not sure how best to help and it stops me from doing much of anything most of the time. Seeing them touches my heart because I see myself and my family members in them. Aren’t we all a just a few bad decisions or bad breaks away from being in their shoes?

Once a year we have a sacred opportunity to help the homeless in our own church. The week of November 22 – 29 we will have up to 16 guests staying with us. These people are going through a difficult period in their life and knowing what to do to help them is a blessing. There are so many ways you can help from cooking meals, driving, cleaning, and chaperoning to name a few. Don’t miss this opportunity to love these neighbors and to be God’s hands in this world.

Click here to sign up!

Deadline is 5 pm Sunday, October 17th