Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
Pastor Will Shewey – This Week’s Visit to Shades of Grace UMCwith a Link on This Page to Facebook’s Live Streaming of Sunday Services
Friday, March 22, 2019
An older homeless man has been stranded at Shades for several days. Said he had just been hospitalized and needed help in getting home to Beckley, W Va. Claimed he is a member of a certain church in another state. We call that church, and they don’t know him. Turns out it was a tv evangelist, and the office there said, “ and were not sending you any money.” That’s cool, cause we had not asked for money. Then he claims he was an Air Force veteran, and out veterans affairs reps were unable to readily confirm it. We realized he couldn’t read or write. At this point, we bit the bullet and bought a one way ticket to Beckley from our own money, which wasn’t that much. Steve drove him to the bus station and told him goodbye. A strange way to end a very different kind of week. Glad the full moon is waning. Better days ahead!!! And that’s the way it is, on this Friday night at Shades.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
I believe Shades purchased 18 photo IDs and 8 birth certificates today. Many of those served are residents of Hay House Residence, operated by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Thanks to Colonial Heights and Wheeler UM churches for sharing their pastors to drive to DMV. In this way, we fulfill Jesus’ command to visit the prisoners. We also clothe each inmate as they enter this facility.
I want to thank a dear couple from our city who stopped by today with a $1,000 check. We are blessed and favored in so many ways. Several folks were assisted today with opportunities for housing and other essential needs.
An older lady was brought to Shades early his morning following discharge from a local hospital. She spent most of the day emotionally distraught and tearful, but a family member finally came and picked her up. She was in a much better mood when leaving. And it is true, in case you missed it.. a full moon… and we can always see it.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
State Line Baptist church is served Wednesday’s community breakfast at God’s Living Room. So many area churches partner with this storefront ministry. Pastor Michael and Heather delivered socks to day from Telford UMC. We are blessed to be a blessing. The Pucketts delivered beautiful hand made quilts and necessities today. Cassandra delivered breads from Jersey Mike’s on East Stone Drive today. Thankful for our partners.
Lettering is complete on one van, and ready for ID purchases tomorrow. Our other van will be lettered next week. We are blessed.
Shades of Grace Van
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Immanuel Lutheran Church is serving our community breakfast today. One of my favorite congregations. The oldest Lutheran church In Tennessee is vital and making a difference in our world.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Keeping Shades of Grace ministry financials transparent. During the first 4 years of existence, we have given $49,002.99 in assistance toward utilities and rent for Kingsport residents ( facing eviction- indigence ) in order to prevent homelessness.
Reflections.. During our first 4 years of ministry, the storefront church called Shades of Grace gave $24,503.86 toward cremations of homeless and otherwise indigent citizens of our community. Several funeral homes offer a reduced price. In addition, Immanuel Lutheran church provides burial spaces which saves thousands of dollars. St Dominic church has provided several urns as well. It is a privilege to minister to God’s children through good times and sad, and help provide a final resting place for each one. Our faithful partners in stewardship help make this possible.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
LifeBridge Christian Church provided and served the community meal. Our crowd for lunch was down and approximately 80 guests were served last time I asked. Our KPD officer recognized a wanted person in our building and he was arrested without incident. These things happen from time to time, and safety first is of utmost concern. There is always a fine line to walk between law and grace. We are a safe sanctuary congregation and pay the officers each week to do whatever is necessary to keep it that way.
Pastor Kevin Richardson and Samantha delivered hygiene items in pocketbooks and cases of bottled water. Thanks to Central UMC In Bland County for these gifts.
Oscar Harris sang with autoharp accompaniment and Dr Smiddy played trumpet and sang ‘ Just a Closer Walk with Thee.’ My Lenten sermon was from Luke and titled ‘When Two Worlds Collide’. There were a couple first time guests and several returned for second or third times.
Our newly acquired efficiency apartment will be painted and decorated this week. Thanks to Lisa Clarke for adopting this project. I think we’re going to call it ‘ Elijah’s Room ‘ , or the prophet’s chamber. It will serve emergency purposes within our ministry and is only 25 steps from our front door. Another announcement is also forthcoming on a great ministry outreach being embarked upon by Shades. Wonderful things are taking place and many needs are daily met through the generosity of faithful partners. We are blessed to be a blessing. Has been a good Sunday.
Transportation to Shades of Grace UMC
We All Have the Same Father – We are All Brothers and Sisters in Christ – His Children
Pastor Will Shewey
Shades of Grace congregation currently is ministering to at least five members who are dealing with terminal illnesses. Some are homeless and find relief by sleeping during the days in our building. Just a cold drink of insure or a pack of crackers… and these folk are so grateful.
Our faith community consists of homeless folk, convicted felons, various offenders, single parents, a few professionals, a good crowd of blue collar and regular working folk. There are biracial couples and friends of alternative lifestyles. There are ex-cons and several pastors who are faithful servants for the kingdom. And the rest are just plain ol’ regular folk trying to share Jesus’ message of radical hospitality with a world that so often feels out of place.
God’s Living Room is a place they can all be ‘family’ and discover hope. (read the parable of the fishing net that is cast and draws in every manner of creation.) This is church! Join me at 4 p.m. Sunday for worship, and every M-F for miracles that only can be done by the Divine!
Donations are welcome at Shades of Grace. Many homeless walk miles and walk all night because they are afraid of being robbed or attacked. Some are learning to restructure their lives, back to work . . . so they need new shoes, clothes, educational programs, an ID card, some type of residence and other resources for a foundation to re-join society. Shades of Grace does what Jesus would do, Gives the lost, least, last and lonely that hope and faith, showing them that someone cares. Shades of Grace depends on donations and volunteers.
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 9:00 a.m.
Pastor Will Shewey Prays for Us
As your head rests upon a pillow tonight,
breathe a prayer of intercession and thanksgiving.
Many things about tomorrow we will not understand.
Events of this day can’t be understood.
Rest in knowledge that He who keeps His people
neither slumbers or sleeps,
and secret things belong to Him.
If it be God’s will, we will awaken
to mercies new for the morning.
Though we walk through the waters,
they shall not overflow us.
Lord, forgive those who have fallen so far
from the place of peace and comfort.
Give courage to those making
difficult lifesaving choices.
Be near those dying and with those
preparing to go forth in a new reality.
And bless your holy church,
people called by your name,
that it may always be a light in darkness,
and stand on the side of unconditional love. 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.
