EASTER BLESSINGS

There have been no significant happenings this month but it has been business as usual.  We have begun programs.  ‘Twelve step study’ was the first to begin, followed by ‘personal development’ which will both be weekly meetings.   Budgeting started the first Thursday and Parenting the second Thursday.  Employment and job training was to be on the third Thursday which we cancelled because of Holy Thursday services.  Since we could not find another suitable time for all, we decided to cancel this until next month.  Residents are also required to attend other 12 step meetings as part of the program and these are equally if not more, important.   On the fourth Thursday, we have scheduled a resident meeting, a time to do some planning for social events or other supports needed.  We hope that issues are addressed as they arise, but if not, they will be attended to these meetings.  Next week will complete the first month of programs.  We are so grateful for all that has been and grateful that Christine is doing a children’s program while parents attend programs.

A happy upcoming event is in June when we will have our new kitchen cabinets installed by the Ohio FBAMC.  This will be another dream come true for Point of Hope.  These new cabinets will better facilitate our events and programs since most activities include or revolve around meals and or meetings with refreshments.  Food always brings people together and so this will help us bring people together.

This Holy Week, some of us here at Point of Hope attended a noon day service each day sponsored by a different church with a different pastor preaching.  It has been a unifying experience for me with the people of Louisa as we came together for worship.  Miranda from Stain Glass and I started the week in Fort Gay United Methodist Church and next day to Louisa downtown United Methodist Church.  On Wednesday I invited one of the residents to join me and we all gathered at St Jude Church followed by the Baptist Church on Thursday.  Today we ended the week’s services up the hill at another united Methodist Church. This is the church that Father Beiting has a high esteem for.  He never fails to tell us that this is the church that welcomed us Roman Catholics, to use their facilities for Eucharist celebrations when our community had no church yet.  Knowing this gives me a sense of kindred spirit with them.  This was truly a holy week.

I will end with, one sad note for Point of Hope. The Stain Glass operation is moving to the Mission headquarters which means we will lose Miranda and her faithful ever ready help and support here.  Miranda has been working here at Point of Hope for four years. Her presence, friendship and laughter will be sorely missed when she moves to the Warehouse Mission Office.  I have grown to appreciate Miranda for who she is since I have been here.  She has an inner strength that is rooted in God and a sense of fidelity to those she loves and those she considers her friends. She hides a very soft heart.  Few people see the real Miranda and I consider myself one of the fortunate few having only worked together with her for a short time. 
Since this is the season of sacrifice and sufferings, we can only offer up our losses with Jesus, who gave the ultimate sacrifice.   This Easter, may you all experience the joy that only comes from God when we offer up our losses with Jesus.   Blessings and prayers be with you from all of us at Point of Hope.