A few years ago, I had a painful, end-of-the-spiritual-rope, disappointed, disillusioned, despairing, ministry-burnout experience. It was lonely and painful. And in the midst of it, I cried out to God and begged, “I just want to serve people. That’s all I want. I just want to go scrub toilets. I … > read more
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of … > read more
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 my church’s director of outreach: “How do you make the best decision when the way seems unclear? For example, there has been a group of homeless people sleeping on our church grounds for months and months, and the decision of what to do about this situation has been confusing. … > read more
Jordan Green writes about yesterday’s homeless day center meeting, led by City Council member Dianne Bellamy-Small, with homeless service providers, pastors, advocates and others. Here’s a quote from Bellamy-Small City Council member Goldie Wells: “To say that we have no place that people can go to, and be safe, is … > 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
My friend Liz lives in a collective house, which I find quite intriguing. I’m also drawn to the idea of Catholic Worker Hospitality Houses for the homeless. I’ve thought a lot about how to integrate serving the poor and homeless with collective living, intentional community and communal farming — from … > read more
On Monday evening, Moses Cone Executive Vice President Tim Clontz joined in a discussion with homeless Greensboro residents at the Winter Series at the downtown public library, along with Guilford County Commissioner Paul Gibson and directors and staff from various County departments. One man asked Clontz why HealthServe (a clinic … > read more
Lent is the 40-day period of reflection, prayer and fasting as the global Church prepares to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. The 40 days represent the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, following His baptism, being tempted by Satan. Jesus overcame temptation and then began His … > read more