Blankets, clothing and other items left out in the open by homeless people who sleep outside at Grace Community Church are stacked beside the dumpster a few days before it’s scheduled to be emptied, giving them a chance to retrieve their things. My church, Grace Community on West Lee Street, … > read more
From Mike Aiken, executive director, Greensboro Urban Ministry: The Greensboro Urban Ministry Board of Directors approved the start-up of a new program, Beyond Pathways, and the establishment of a new fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, thanks to the receipt of a nearly $1 million bequest from the … > read more
The cold weather shelter programs at both homeless shelters ended yesterday, and Greensboro Urban Ministry Executive Director Mike Aiken and Salvation Army Major Paul Egan say they won’t reopen before next winter unless the weather becomes life-threatening. Salvation Army was providing emergency shelter for about 40-50 people, and Greensboro Urban … > read more
I’m trying to better understand addiction and how to be a friend to my friends in recovery — how to help without hurting or enabling. This morning before church, I had breakfast with a friend who’s battling addiction, primarily to crack cocaine. I asked questions and wrote notes while we … > read more
Liz told me about a grassroots, self-governed homeless center in Milwaukee, called Repairers of the Breach, which aims “to bring forth homeless people to act collectively to change the present conditions under which they live, through advocacy/education and direct action.” I really like their mission and vision. So the other … > read more
I received a request to pray specifically for missionaries in another country who are baptizing new believers today. Believers in that country are persecuted (beaten, sometimes killed) for their faith and the missionaries requested that followers of Christ pray for them today. I think of Jesus’ prayer in John 17: … > read more
From Zack Exley at “Revolution in Jesusland,” re: “progressive evangelicals” v. “liberal Christians:” “As I thought about it, I realized that every sermon I’ve ever heard at one of these Bible-based churches were about a sacrifice that you have to make for God. They’re about sacrificing for your kids, your … > read more
A Catholic church in Green Bay, Wisconsin will defy their local City Council and continue to operate the only winter shelter in the area that offers a bed each night to homeless people who are mentally ill or have been drinking. Despite attempts at a compromise, church and City officials … > read more
After I dropped my son off for Sunday School at Grace this morning, I walked across the lawn and sat down on the concrete front steps that lead to Lee Street. The steps are rarely used by our church members, because the parking lots are on the side and back … > read more
12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous & Biblical References 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry … > read more