One of the clauses for our covenant reads "We will speak out to others, especially against racism and prejudice and communicate regularly with our elected representatives on issues of moral concern." On National Homeless Person's Memorial Day, God gave me the opportunity to live this out.
December 21, 2007, was one of those special days where God feels powerfully present. There was a rally and march in Elkton, MD, focusing upon: (1) homelessness and (2) the Mary Randall Center, a day shelter that the communities of faith are trying to open. We were receiving stiff opposition from the local government.
The Mary Randall Center was purchased by Meeting Ground, a church-based non-profit. This happened by the grace of God. It is commercially zoned, centrally located, and was made possible by a large donation in memory of its namesake. The mission is to provide space during the day for people experiencing homelessness or on the brink of becoming homeless, offering Bible study, prayer, life-skills workshops, and many other resources. It would get people off of the streets during the day and open doors to greater wholeness.
About 100 people turned out. I was especially proud to be pastor of this church family, because at least 15 members were there. This included three children, two teenagers, and two people who dedicate their vocational life to this mission by working full time for Meeting Ground. People shared testimony. We walked through Elkton. We broke bread together at the Community Kitchen.
I don't know what this road ahead will look like, but I am confident of the outcome. God will not let this injustice stand.
As I looked around the circle of closing prayer today, I saw God's people, from all walks of life and of varying beliefs, gathered in sacred community. Praise God.
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Amy is pastor at the Chesapeake City UMC in Chesapeake City, MD. She is a clergy member of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference.
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