February, 2007 Calendar In This Issue: Our 2006 Advent Dinners at St. Augustine's Healing − A Lenten Dialogue A Christmas Sermon: Midnight, December 24, 2006 The Annual Parish Meeting Mimi Adams 22nd Annual Luncheon A Huge Success Welcome to St. Augustine's Church! The Importance of the Homeless Christmas Luncheon

by The Rev. Pat Hendrickson

"If there is among you anyone in need ... do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be." -- Deuteronomy 15:7-8

On Saturday, December 23rd a diverse community of volunteers came together to lend a hand and meet a need. Over 350 homeless people were fed a delicious meal and provided with warm clothing, clean socks, and blankets or a sleeping bag.

What was reaffirmed for those of us who prepared and served at the event is the fact that these are people without homes, not "the homeless." Those coming to eat were as diverse as those who served. Everyone who came through our doors was an individual, each with her own full life story, each with his own dreams and disappointments.

As the afternoon progressed we grew into one community of ordinary people sharing a traditional holiday meal. Hands were opened and needs were filled, on both sides.

Many Thanks To:

Ken Adams and his family for the many hours they contributed to seeing that Mimi's dream is carried on.

Rafe Esquith and the 5th grade class from the Hobart School who set up tables, served meals and provided musical entertainment.

Barbara Esquith who tirelessly kept the clothing room running smoothly.

Leanna and Ron Watts along with Tim Whalen − the kitchen crew who miraculously kept the food flowing.

Mona, Lavine, Peter Haight and the service volunteers who handed out tickets and flyers.

Ethel Gullette of Windward School who collected toys given out after the meal.

All those members of St. Augustine's who contributed to the collection of toiletries; organized the clothing room and stuffed toiletry bags; helped serve the meal and cleaned up the parish hall afterwards.

Copyright © 2007 St. Augustine by-the-Sea