Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church
Isaiah 56:5
January 23, 2020
“The Face of Homelessness”
What if your adult loved one/family member is an addict and living in the streets?
What if your loved one is suffering from mental and emotional challenges and is unable to function in a “real” environment?
What if you/your loved ones receive an eviction notice and will face homelessness?
What if you/your loved one’s name appears on a registry as sex offender?
What if you/loved ones are living in a house with electric services terminated? Water turned off? Refrigerator empty?
What if you/loved ones are victim(s) of physical/psychological abuse?
What if you/loved one faces discrimination and ridicule because they are transgender and misunderstood?
What if you/loved one is pregnant and alone with no one to talk to?
What if you/loved one is being bullied because they are coming out as a member of the lgbt community?
What if there was not a place for this loved one/ friend to feel safe?
I have just introduced some of our congregation at Shades of Grace. This United Methodist congregation is a safe place for your loved one/friend.
(We Shall Overcome Some Day).
Addressing These . . .
“I have a dream” of a storefront mission church (Shades of Grace, United Methodist) that is being fulfilled before my very eyes. We’re in our 6th year as a church for all people. The Lord has opened doors that no one can close. He’s sent blessings upon us in nothing short of a miraculous outpouring of grace. This United Methodist presence is making a difference every day. Discrimination and prejudice have no place in the kingdom of God. Labels are unwelcome in the house of worship. We simply say “ All means all.”
Tonight we celebrate that at least 2 more homeless men are off the street. One has been in no man’s land for a long time as a registered offender. Thankfully, we’ve crossed every hurdle and he’s in the best place in years.
The second man is now safely under roof in a place to call home. We’re plowing rough ground, and planting seeds. And the master gardener is making them grow. There are always more homeless folk coming every day, and Gods resources are changing lives. A lot to be grateful for, in the midst of a whole lot of heartache and darkness. It’s all good!
