This weekend, we observe the Sabbath to End Homelessness. If it feels a little early to you, it’s because we changed the date! We have joined the National Faith Coalition to End Homelessness. This is a group of congregations that have gathered around a set of core values. Some of them are:
We affirm the dignity and inherent value of all people, unhoused and housed, as created in the image of God and called beloved.- We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep, surrounded by supportive community and resources, and all the things that make us at home.
- We embrace data, research, and evidence-based practices as critical to understanding the causes and solutions to homelessness.
- We hold spirituality as a core aspect of humanity that is often neglected for those experiencing homelessness, but one that is not measured by religious adherence or performance.
- We trust that people who experience homelessness are the experts of that experience and are worthy of investment and partnership when it comes to their needs and the services intended to meet them.
- We know that homelessness is solvable, and that the Church has a critical role to play in bringing everyone home.
See more about the Coalition and the entire list of values on the National Faith Coalition to End Homelessness’ website. We believe in doing this good work together, so this weekend we will pray and chat together as a community, getting to know better what our neighbors experience when they are without a home. And I thank all of you at Central for your deep care and love of one another to be sure that all people are fed and clothed and housed.
Shalom,
Pastor Melissa