Focus On:
Ministry Spotlight: Divine Intervention
What began as a winter service to individuals living without a warm home, has become a year round ministry. Leading the effort is Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church located at 125 W. Saveland, in the Bay View neighborhood. We know that Wisconsin nights can be deathly bitter at their worst and terribly uncomfortable even at their best. Divine Intervention doors are open nightly December 1 – March 31 and the program is considered an “Overnight Prayer Vigil/Warming Room”. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the ministry is the growth of an on-going meal program called S.O.S. Meals (Sharing Our Suppers), which are Friday nights at 6pm April 1 – November 31 and are hosted at various Bay View Churches. WE ARE ONE OF THOSE CHURCHES! This is a chance for building community and bridges of understanding. I had the opportunity to serve as a host for a Friday night potluck this Fall and it was a excellent experience to humbly host and share a meal. The program focus is dignity so diners can serve themselves rather than holding out their plate for a “handout”. There are 39 intra-faith communities that work together and attempt to provide these basic needs of food, warmth and companionship.
How can YOU HELP? Well, in the Winter months monetary and in-kind donations are extremely appreciated. You can also volunteer as a Nightly Host after attending an annual training session.
WISH LIST ITEMS INCLUDE:
– Bus tickets (for health, dental appointments, interviews, support during inclement weather)
– Environmentally friendly rock salt for winter sidewalks
– Decaf and Regular Fair-trade Coffee, Creamer and Sugar
– Toilet Paper & Paper Towels & Kleenex and cough drops
– New/Gently used socks, new underwear, male and female long johns, bras, warm gloves
– The ONLY CLOTHES needed are: Sweat pants and shirts for medium sized for men and medium/large sized for women.
– Shavers
– Hand warmers
– Individual portioned laundry soap (pods work great) and drier sheets.
– McDonalds Gift Cards and Target Gift Cards
Campers that do not participate in the Divine Intervention Warming Room are also served by a program called “Larry Under the Bridge”, which provides bagged dinners and basic supplies 52 Sundays per year!
When Spring comes around again, won’t you join us in the Gathering Space and volunteer as hosts for Sharing Our Supper?
Katy Meyer