A large breakfast this morning, taking up both picnic tables. The day promises to be the first really hot one of the summer, with 95 degree temperature predicted. I could feel that insufferable heat beginning to build on my back as I walked over to Whole Foods after MP to get some cereal and juice.
G, who used to stay on the Hill, but who has found steady job at Arby’s and a decent room to stay in across town, came by early on his way to work for a bite to eat. (“The Hill” is what everybody calls the back parking lot at the church where everybody hangs out or sleeps. I guess specifically it refers to the sloped bank of the property that runs down west to the shops below, but I think any part of the grounds can be so called.) G was in particularly good spirits. He loves Sammie and talked to her as he helped us carry the breakfast supplies out into the courtyard. As we settled in we shook hands with a young newcomer who had stopped in recently. “Welcome to the Hill”, G said.
In no time there were 6 or 8 of us sitting around the table. Of course we went through the OJ immediately and had to switch to water. I told one guy that I had finally gotten my hands upon the clothing and boots that I “owed” him (he had stored some things in the church and someone else had taken them). I told them this time I’d keep them locked up tight in the Vicar’s office until he wanted to use them. Without places to shower or wash clothes, new, or at least clean used clothes from the Salvation Army or wherever, are one way to keep up some semblance of hygiene.
Everybody wondered where C was, and most of them know that he stays with me and so they asked me if I had any idea. I had to suppose he was still sleeping in his room and I hadn’t noticed. Yesterday I was tiptoeing around the house all afternoon thinking that he was taking an extended nap, only to find him sitting up on the Hill when I came to EP. “I thought you were in that room,” I said. He just laughed. I smiled joyfully.
Most of us finishing up our cereal and cheese grits that we get donated from a couple ladies at Blacknall Presbyterian, I started clearing things off and back into the Parish Hall. Most people helped, rinsing off dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Afterward JR stood outside with one of the regulars talking about life. He’ll confide things to JR I don’t think anyone else knows, and JR will gently nudge him towards the path of wisdom. T, our Parish hall live-in sexton, always does an amazing job of keeping things in there spic and span, and humbly does any dishes that are left. These are the small works of mercy that constitute sanctity.
--Colin
Showing posts with label fellowship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fellowship. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
From our senior warden
Before arriving to live in beautiful North Carolina, I am ashamed to say I gave those begging on the streets of my former home countries little or even no thought. It was not so prevalent in Norfolk, England (nearly ten years ago anyway), but was very noticeable in the so-called affluent Costa del Sol, Spain.
On walking through those red doors at St. Joseph’s, I can honestly say my life changed. Although at once feeling at home with God, I was nervous of, although by now acknowledging the plight of the “street people” who slept on St. Joe’s doorstep. As I got to know and admire the work of dear Matt Pridgen, Colin and JR, and of course our Vicar, I became more and more in tune in what God sees as the mission of St. Joe’s. It didn’t happen overnight, believe me.
I think it was Lisa, Colin’s wife, Senior Warden at the time, who spoke of her experience, of feeling uncomfortable at first. That’s how I felt, but over a period of time, stopping to chat to the guys, making them a sandwich, making them a bowl of soup, my confidence has grown. It still can produce uncomfortable moments, especially when a newcomer is asking for help (is he after money?, what’s his plan?, etc.).
I still have a long way to go to even come close to matching the devotion of the likes of Colin, Lisa, JR and Adam, who without fail, serve breakfast and just as importantly, spend time with our homeless and needy friends. Notice my change of title, because that’s how I feel about them now.
An exchange of words, lending a friendly ear to their problems, heating a bowl of soup, getting them a clean pair of socks, etc. maybe small things to us, taking little time, but I am aware of how much it mean to those who have very little or in a lot of cases, nothing and are often looked on as outcasts. What would Jesus do? Committed Christian know the answer to that.
If only we could all do just a little bit, we can make life a lot easier for those who have to, or for reasons unknown to us, choose to sleep in the shelter of St. Joseph’s, under God’s umbrella, where they feel relatively safe. One thing I can say is that, yes, it’s great writing a check to a charity (and we should still do that if we can), but God gives us greater rewards by tackling the problem on our doorstep head-on.
Mick Capon
On walking through those red doors at St. Joseph’s, I can honestly say my life changed. Although at once feeling at home with God, I was nervous of, although by now acknowledging the plight of the “street people” who slept on St. Joe’s doorstep. As I got to know and admire the work of dear Matt Pridgen, Colin and JR, and of course our Vicar, I became more and more in tune in what God sees as the mission of St. Joe’s. It didn’t happen overnight, believe me.
I think it was Lisa, Colin’s wife, Senior Warden at the time, who spoke of her experience, of feeling uncomfortable at first. That’s how I felt, but over a period of time, stopping to chat to the guys, making them a sandwich, making them a bowl of soup, my confidence has grown. It still can produce uncomfortable moments, especially when a newcomer is asking for help (is he after money?, what’s his plan?, etc.).
I still have a long way to go to even come close to matching the devotion of the likes of Colin, Lisa, JR and Adam, who without fail, serve breakfast and just as importantly, spend time with our homeless and needy friends. Notice my change of title, because that’s how I feel about them now.
An exchange of words, lending a friendly ear to their problems, heating a bowl of soup, getting them a clean pair of socks, etc. maybe small things to us, taking little time, but I am aware of how much it mean to those who have very little or in a lot of cases, nothing and are often looked on as outcasts. What would Jesus do? Committed Christian know the answer to that.
If only we could all do just a little bit, we can make life a lot easier for those who have to, or for reasons unknown to us, choose to sleep in the shelter of St. Joseph’s, under God’s umbrella, where they feel relatively safe. One thing I can say is that, yes, it’s great writing a check to a charity (and we should still do that if we can), but God gives us greater rewards by tackling the problem on our doorstep head-on.
Mick Capon
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