Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church
“Link to YouTube Video – Happy Birthday to You, Pastor Will Shewey”
(Daily Example of What Happens at Shades of Grace)
By Pastor Will Shewey
February 18, 2019
Joe Rutherford and Kellen Shewey spent a few hours at Shades today and we enjoyed lunch together . Always good to see family, My sister from North Dakota called to wish me happy birthday. It was 6 above zero there today. We dealt with many challenging and life changing situations on this day, and made a difference in some lives. Although no mail for the holiday, a stranger walked in this afternoon and handed me $300.00. He told me he knows it will be used properly here. He is from Church Hill.
Tomorrow will be an emotional and busy day as I am scheduled to officiate 3 memorial services for friends associated with Shades of Grace. Overall, it’s been a good birthday. Thanks everyone for good wishes.
February 21, 2019
Things we deal with at Shades ! Pray to the Lord above that you never become homeless and are found sleeping in your car. A stage 4 bone C patient with pneumonia was arrested 2 days ago for not appearing at a recent court case concerning a car registration issue. Finally he is released tonight on his own recognizance and is currently at the ER very ill. He missed a chemo treatment 2 days ago and his pneumonia meds were locked in the car.
To add to the confusion, after he was arrested an unmarked tow truck came to tow his car away. Thankfully we intervened and had possession of keys and registrations. It’s a cruel world.
As a follower of Jesus I will always stand on the side of the last, least, lost and lonely. It makes no difference to me if one is male or female, black or white, straight or alternative life style, rich or poor, housed or homeless. When one of our sisters or brothers suffers , we all feel that pain. We are standing in the gap, between life and death every day. I am thankful for leadership in a congregation that feels the heart beat of Jesus. Lord, have mercy! Christ have mercy! Amen
One of our homeless friends in his late 40’s is terminally ill. He has already lived beyond his prognosis which was this past December. This morning he brought a necktie to me ( from our clothing closet at Shades 2.) and asked if I could tie it for him. I asked if he had an appointment ( court maybe? ). He said, “‘yes, I’m going to school today.” He proceeded across the street to participate in our continuing Ed program. Now that is optimism! Way to go Charles!!!
Today Shades of Grace purchased 16 photo IDs and 7 birth certificates for community friends. These were primarily for inmates serving out their sentences at halfway house. We can’t often visit those in prison, but can help equip them for new life on the outside. This will enable them to secure housing and employment soon. Thanks to Pastor Harrison Bell and Bernie from Wheeler UMC for providing transportation.
Thanks to Maryville First UMC pastors Catherine Nance and Sarah Slack for sponsoring a sock drive for Shades of Grace. Adam Love, pastor at Kingsley UMC delivered the boxes and snapped this pic. Blessed to be part of a connectional church.
February 22, 2019
One of the important Christian works of mercy involves ministry to the dead and dying. During the past year of 2018, our ministry paid $13,980.00 toward many cremations of those homeless or otherwise impoverished.
Immanuel Lutheran church provides space in their beautiful cemetery for inurnment of homeless/ unclaimed folk from our community. St Dominic Catholic Church donated several urns as well, which we have been able to pass along to those in need. Thanks to some area funeral homes who have partnered with Shades in offering reasonable rates.
In addition we donated 4 burial plots last year which had been entrusted to us. We seek to be good stewards of those resources placed in our care. Blessed in life and death. All belongs to Jesus!
Happening at Shades of Grace
Struggling with losses in life? Need some hope and comfort? Meet with Pastor Michele and friends who will help guide you on this Journey Thru Grief! Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Need to talk about it? Loss, death, divorce, friendship, job, income?
Meet with Pastor Michele Tuesday from 11-noon at Shades!
HISET, formerly GED, classes will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-noon. Phyllis and Bill are looking for you. Never a cost at Shades. Why not stop by and see how they may be of service to you? Need help with the ABC’s of everyday life? Help reading those applications or completing a job resume’? Meet at Shades of Grace Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am -noon. No cost!
Need Photo ID? Be at Shades of Grace Thursday by 9 a.m.
May our precious Lord Jesus keep his precious beautiful angels around all our precious love ones, friends, and everyone. Protect them all on this blessed day and always. In Jesus Precious Holy Name, Amen
Needing to Share and Provide a Multitude of Resources to the last, least, lost, lonely and the forgotten, there is a Donate Button at the Following Link to Shades of Grace United Methodist Church.
Click Here for Their Facebook Page and also the Donate Button for an Opportunity to Give.
