With the arrival of our guests on December 28, PB UMC will once again participate in the Interfaith Shelter Network. Before participating in the Interfaith Shelter Network program, all guests were screened and all are receiving support in their endeavor to get their lives on more solid footing. The guests will be at the church from 5 pm in the evening to 7 am the next morning during their two-week stay. They will sleep at the church, shower at the church, and eat their breakfasts and dinners at the church. During the day they will be working, job hunting, or going to school. We will send them out each day with a sack lunch.
This is the 29th season of the shelter program where more than 200 homeless men, woman and children receive shelter and other services through the Interfaith Shelter Network. Since the 1980’s homelessness has been recognized as a social problem in the United States, and for over 25 years the PB UMC ministries, in collaboration with the Interfaith Shelter Network and other organizations, have helped provide some immediate survival demands for adequate food and health service needs. The continuance of this service tradition at PB UMC is achieved with the contributions of its members and friends who generously donate their talents, gifts and services. As we move into the 29th season the volunteer recruitment will start early November. Sign-up sheets will be located in the church lobby after each worship service. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities, but the most critical needs are overnight supervisors, dinner hosts, lunch hosts, set-up on December 28th (including luggage and cots pick-up) and clean-up January 10th (shelter break-down, washing bed linens).
During the month of December donation boxes will be available in the narthex and in the church office to collect personal care items for our guest, such as deodorant, hand and body lotion (travel size), gloves, socks, soap, toothpaste and brushes, feminine hygiene items, razors, shampoo and conditioners. Full size sheets and bed linens are helpful; however, blankets, bath towels, socks and gloves are of greater need. Ken, Betty, and Steve, coordinators of this year’s hosting, thank in ad- vance those who volunteer. Together everyone can look forward to hosting and displaying genuine PB UMC hospitality in welcoming these guests and showing them the love and devotion of the members and friends of PB UMC. For questions and inquiries please contact Ken .
