Breakfast Ministry and then some...
Hitting a high of 72 degrees this Friday and then dropping to a low of 26 degrees on Sunday morning, our winter weather continues to be unpredictable! But thanks to your commitment, the Jubilee ministry is reliably open and serving breakfast through the snow, sleet and wind (as well as the sunshine). The men and women who rely on our ministry through these winter months know they can count on us!
Coordinating Committee Impact
The emergency plan that our Coordinating Committee put toget
her was effectively utilized
twice last month. We at Zion's not only opened on a snow day but also on Presidents' day when St. Paul's Lutheran Church was closed, and twice we provided daytime shelter during days with snow and harsh wind.
The Coordinating Committee continues to meet at Zion's church and work cooperatively to support one another in better serving those who are homeless. At our next meeting, for example, Allentown Health Bureau Director Vicki Kistler will join us to discuss health concerns in this community, as well as how to respect confidentiality (HIPAA) while working collaboratively with our clients and one another.
Death of a Steam Table: Providential?
Zion's church leaders decided to purchase a new steam table, trusting that we will receive a grant to pay for the new equipment. (The extended timeline for grant applications made this necessary.) However, removal of the old (original) steam table, installation of a used, donated table that malfunctioned, removal of that used table and installation of the brand new one tallied more than $3,000 in unanticipated electrical and plumbing expenses!
The purchase of a new table was a good decision considering there now is a group working to start a Saturday night soup kitchen at Zion's. More on that later when details are finalized. In the meantime, your financial support, in addition to your volunteer support, makes this ministry possible. I know many of you are supporting your home church or other charitable causes, and
if you also are able to contribute to Jubilee, your gift is very much appreciated!
Pastor Bob Stevens, Sr. Pastor
Pastor Virginia Schlegel,
Jubilee Ministry Coordinator
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