Grace in Action Offering the Shelter of God's Hope and Love
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Dear Friends of Grace in Action Article
It's Simple

It's been some time since you heard from me. The good news is, we are busy at Grace House...the bad news is, that allows for less time to write my "Dear Friends" articles.

However, I am writing this morning to thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement for our homeless guests and the ministry of Grace in Action in general...and to offer an invitation.

 As individuals, and as ministry, we continually move with the Spirit of God. As you well know, moving with God always involves change or transformation. Well, in our case...the transformation of reclaiming the focus God had for this ministry when it began in 2000. :-)

 There is a wooden sign on our wall in the office...nothing fancy...doesn't need to be. A sign holding one  word...

 Simplicity
Lately, I've noticed some people pushing for more for Grace in Action. Some people say, "Grace in Action should offer this program, or that program...or Grace in Action should join this group, or get involved in that activity." To which I find myself responding with a long, deep sigh. 

The truth is, to all of these more suggestions...there is a still small voice that whispers God's reminder, "I did not call you to be frenetic."

 The bottom line is...that our God OFTEN calls us back to the "simple things." In response, we have fine-tuned our mission statement to help us do what God wants us to do, and that is to love, listen to...and be fully present to our homeless guests. Our mission statement says:

 Grace in Action is a faith-based community ministry

serving homeless individuals by providing:  
compassionate care
spiritual companionship
daytime rest and respite and
referrals to local agencies

 Fortunately, there are other agencies available to help with employment, over night housing, mental health and long-term shelter. So WHY is Grace in Action here? What is our value and special niche in caring for our homeless guests? It's simple...to point the way.

 We are not a social service agency...we are a ministry.  

 We are here to lovingly get to know who our guests as individuals, to offer the shelter of God's hope and love so when they are ready to take that next step, they are not alone. 

 Our guests take that next step forward knowing they are held in prayer, hope, encouragement and support. They take whatever next step they need to (shelter, drug rehabilitation, job search, faith community connection, surgery or physical restoration, family reunification and healing etc.)...and they do so, with love and support from our Ministers of Hospitality at Grace House.

 With God's Love, we offer food for the body and food for the soul.

 God's amazing grace has carried us for more than seven years. Your prayers and support have sustained us and continue to do so. Yet, the truth and reality of being a non profit, comes with the business required to keep God's ministry running smoothly. It's time for me to reclaim the focus God intended for me, and that is spiritual companionship and personal care for our homeless guests. That becomes more challenging when I am to oversee the daily workings, the business transactions, public relations, communications and general function of this ministry as well.

 We need YOUR help in maintaining the quality, integrity and simplicity of God's mission through Grace in Action. If you have ever considered getting involved in the ministry of Grace in Action...please do more than "consider." Join us!

 Here is how you can.

 * View our website at www.Grace-in-Action.com for updated needs and events, including our fundraising Grace Notes Concert on February 9th. 7:00 p.m. Davis H.S. Instructional Arts Theater.

 * Assist with baking cookies or providing finger sandwiches for an upcoming memorial service reception to be held on Wednesday morning January 30th. If you are available to assist, please contact our volunteer administrative assistant Jane McLaughlin at janemclau@sbcglobal.net

 * Let us know if you are interested in serving on our Board of Directors by contacting Office@Grace-in-Action.org

 * Serve as our treasurer (approx 10-15 hours per month). We are looking for someone who has accounting skills and experience with QuickBooks. Again, let us know of your interest by contacting us at Office@Grace-in-Action.org

 * Provide Direct Service support (just a couple of hours a week) on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Contact Lisa, our Volunteer Coordinator at HospitalityMinister@Grace-in-Action.org

 * Serve as part-time Executive Director. Ideally, this volunteer candidate would have administrative experience, a deep understanding of the spiritual nature of our work and be familiar with the inner workings of Grace House and our service there. (Current volunteers or Board members are strongly encouraged to consider this position.) This would allow me to focus on Program and Direct Support functions of our ministry. Contact Office@Grace-in-Action.org for more details.

 * Website maintenance. This volunteer position requires someone who has experience with FTP and website updating skills. Contact zorafowler@sbcglobal.net

 It's not always easy keeping it simple. It's not easy holding the plumbline of God's purpose and mission. It can be tempting to want more ...to become frenetic...to lose sight of what God has called this ministry to be.

 With your help, our focus on compassionate care, spiritual companionship, rest for the weary and referrals for help in ending homelessness for our guests...CAN make a difference!

 If you have longed for an opportunity to be filled with joy, to put your faith into action, to experience God's grace in ways that leave you in awe and wonder and receive SO much more than you give...then pray...ask God where your call is...then contact us.

 It's really...that simple. ;-)

Peace,
Cindy

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