On behalf of this year's Winter Relief guests, I want to thank all who volunteered. Many of the guests shared their delight about all the great meals they had been served. (The varieties of themes were a big hit!) They were very grateful for a warm and safe place each night. Every day there was a table full of snacks and drinks and each morning they were sent out with a bag lunch made by our SMC families and sandwiches made daily by volunteers. Many guests were even able to take two sandwiches to sustain them during their daytime on the street. 

Spending the week with these folks has reminded me of how little our brothers and sisters have and how much a few hours of volunteering can make an impact on not only the guest but also the volunteer's life. Visiting, playing bingo, listening, sharing a laugh, that's what makes me come back year after year to organize this important mission. 

I am saddened that there weren't as many volunteers as there have been in the past who were physically on campus to receive the grace and gift you experience when making a difference. As we assess how the effort went and plan for next year, we have to consider whether we are a congregation that can dedicate both the gifts and manpower it takes to care for our brothers and sisters in need. If you have thoughts about this issue, please let myself, Harry Caldwell, or the Rev. Peter know.-----Judy Hall