Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 8, Issue 4, April 2004

Copyright 2004 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article below in your research. Be sure to cite the Seattle Sun as your source.

SOUL FOOD:

Churches answer call of needy

By TERRY VOGEL

Spring is a time when Christian churches celebrate the resurrection story of Jesus. For many, it's a happy time that conjures up images of daffodils, bunnies and Easter eggs. It's also a time that churches embrace as a spiritual renewal retelling a great story that inspires and rejuvenates the faithful.

Most corporate or secular organizations would snicker or dismiss the notions of prayer, hope and faith in a higher power in their everyday decision-making process. Decisions based on including and directly supporting those less fortunate would not fit the bottom line mentality that we see so prevalent in these economically hard times.

In North Seattle, there are churches that do more than cut a check to benevolence and then close their doors until the next Sunday service.

To be sure there are varying degrees of support in the faith-based community that do great things. However, taking risks in opening doors to the homeless or using church physical resources directly to give a fellow human being dry, comfortable and safe place to sleep is a step that truly helps make a BIG difference in our community and also fits the calling that Christians feel when they make this controversial decision.

The Tent City/ SHARE/WHEEL organization relies on six different North End churches for direct support in the ongoing travels of the shelter group.

They are presently camped out at Haller Lake United Methodist Church, and will next travel to Lake City Christian Church open space for six weeks.

There are also four churches in the North End that open up their facilities at night, year round.

Tent City and Church Shelters are a self-governing group that look mostly to churches for physical support and helps "bring a human face to homelessness," says Pastor Judy Schultz of Haller Lake United Methodist. She also notes their "cheerful and confident nature."

Pastor Dalene Vasbinder of Lake City Christian speaks to the "energizing effect" on their collective church ministry. The perceived risks and fears by community and churches just aren't realized as some who are not directly involved might think. Indeed, the long-term success of the Tent City/Church Shelters confirms the mutually beneficial relationship. Some of the church shelter operations have been ongoing for more than 10 years.

As churches look anxiously to the Easter season may they look at all the possibilities in bringing dignity to those who need a place to sleep; being uncomfortable with the issue of homelessness is just as difficult as the other challenging issues that face the faith-based community.

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For more information on how your church can help the SHARE/WHEEL organization, call Scott Morrow at 517-9011.