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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
Homepage - St. Augustine by the Sea Episcopal Church, Santa Monica, California
 
The Importance of the Homeless Christmas Luncheon

by Sebastian Boberg

The homeless are just as human as you or I. They deserve the same food, clothes, shelter, showers, and medical treatments as the rest of us. Nobody wants to live on the street, and many did not do anything to deserve it. Accidents, debt, and other unfortunate, uncontrollable circumstances have left many without a dollar to their name. Even those with serious abuse problems should not have to suffer such a fate. Even the worst addiction can be cured with the proper treatment.

While many of the homeless are forced to the streets by problems like substance abuse, gambling, or alcoholism, often they had no part in their change of lifestyle. Some people had medical costs that they couldn't afford. Others lose their homes in earthquakes or fires. We've all heard of veterans returning from traumatizing overseas conflicts, only to find nothing of their belongings. The Point is, they deserve more.

The homeless dinners at Saint Augustine's give us a great opportunity to help those who need it most. Food, clothes, and hygiene packs are were distributed so they can walk away fed and warm. But perhaps our greatest gift to offer was our friendship and hospitality. Anyone attending the luncheon, guest or host, gained from it, be it physical, spiritual, or just the experience of making another person's life better. In the end, we're all in this together.

Copyright © 2007 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
 

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