When I was growing up we had a radio in the kitchen and it was on all day long. We were apprised of local farm reports, weather forecasts, Mississippi River water levels, barge traffic, grain prices, and even school lunch menus. It was pretty mundane news for a youngster, but one segment stood out. A popular DJ had a spot called “Beefs and Bouquets.” The DJ regaled us with stories of his complaints and praises about situations or people who really got under his skin or who deserved a hearty public thanks. I loved that he could rant and rave about a beef, but always delivered a verbal bouquet to those doing outstanding work for others.
At the end of January, Lord of Life hosted Family Promise for our first time in 2020. In reviewing our volunteer sign-up sheet, we have a lot of folks who deserve a hearty “bouquet” for showering our guests with love and compassion:
Christopher, Lisa, and Rebecca Bacu, Amanda Bailey, Brady, Danielle, and Zach Beneteau, Dean, Cindy, and Rylie Campbell, Susan Clem, Susan and Joe Cramer, Leah Devin, Jeanne Doan, Paula and Martin Drake, Debbie and Scott Dubov, Bill and Helen Funk, Eric Gebert, Doug and Kathryn Gruver, Jeff and Lois Hills, Denise Krallman, Barb and Jeff Link, Delaney and Janette Metzger, Eden, Naaman, Tera, and Lowell Michelson, Ann and Scott Popoff, Lori Reimer, Sue Rutherford, Andy Shollenbarger, Corey, Maddie, Max Megan, and Mollie Wagonfield, David and Chrystopher Weisbrod, David, Dulce, and Jennifer Withrow, Neal Wood, and Susan Zwarg. This list was taken from the volunteer sign-up sheets. We apologize if we missed you.
Some outstanding things happened that week which deserve special recognition:
- On set-up Sunday we lost two volunteers due to last-minute commitments. We appealed to the Senior High Sunday School class meeting that morning to consider helping us out with set up. Some stayed making a huge impact! A bit later that morning, we were surprised by a large contingent of junior high kids returning from their weekend retreat. We put some of them to work and they eagerly helped.
- One weekday meal host recognized that a family was freezing in their room and moved them, bed frames, mattresses, and all to a warmer room. Her daughter also ran to the store to buy throat lozenges for our very sick moms.
- A member generously gave medical advice via a phone call helping us calm down a sick mom.
- One member installed Roku in the Senior High room giving our guest families access to a variety of movies and entertainment.
- Volunteers from Christ the King and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both in West Chester filled some volunteer slots.
- One member’s mom helped us with the laundry.
- Quite a few volunteers signed up for multiple volunteer slots.
These stories make my heart sing. Lord of Life may not have the swankiest of accommodations. Some churches have gymnasiums with basketball hoops, showers, a converted parsonage with “real” bedrooms and full bathrooms, and even play Bingo with the guests and offer prizes! But I can tell you that when the families leave us each morning and return to the Day Center, they report stories of our passionate and caring ways. This happens every week we host. Thank you. You are all amazing!
Lauri Vesper
Lauri Vesper and Chrystal Green are our Family Promise Coordinators.
Family Promise’s mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
About four times a year – for a week at a time – host congregations provide overnight lodging, meals (supper, breakfast, and bag lunch) and hospitality. Hosting rotates among congregations, which provide lodging for three to five families (up to 14 individuals) from 6 pm to 7 am the next morning. Read more here: www.familypromisebutlercounty.com
Mark your calendars to help during our upcoming 2020 host weeks: May 3-10, July 26-August 2, October 25-November 1, December 6-13.