WELCOME FROM HAYWOOD STREET:

UPDATES:

The Welcome Table is making some changes. You’ll soon see more light at the Welcome Table as we change the glass block windows to clear glass windows that can be open allowing fresh air to be enjoyed.

We are also working on building a new patio for those friends more comfortable eating outside. Click here to learn more and donate to this project.

– Haywood Street Church will be closed on Monday, May 9th for a staff retreat. The doors to the Church will open on Tuesday at 8am to welcome our friends to rest, charge devices, and gather in conversation.

– A reminder to Friends and donors: While our clothing closet is closed and we are no longer accepting clothing donations, you can find a list of organizations that provide and welcome gently used clothes.

COMPANION CORNER:

  • UPCOMING: Mark your calendars for a Companion Fellowship Event Tuesday on June 21 in the dining room 5:00pm-7:00pm. Dinner will be provided! More information to come.

  • NEW MINISTRY UPDATES – Starting the week of May 1

    • Sunday Bible Study – 11:00am in the sanctuary

    • Tuesday Prayer Group – 12:00 in the sanctuary – Gather for a time of communal prayer

    • Thursday Card Making Group – 10:00am in Room 1 (off the main lobby) – Gather together to make cards for our community and friends in prison or in the hospital.

  • Next Companion Orientation this Monday June 6 at 5:00pm in the sanctuary – invite your friends to become companions at Haywood Street! Register here: https://fb.me/e/1B5vIrdlG

A Reflection from Terry B:

WELCOME   ~   REST   ~   COMMUNITY

The Haywood Street Respite

To find what our bodies, our souls and our spirits need in this journey we call life is not always easy. It feels increasingly difficult to me, as a matter of fact. It is just plain hard. Harder for some of us who must carry our ‘baggage’ (fear, anger, hurt, hunger, hopelessness, loneliness and so much more) with us night and day not knowing where we will find a safe place to lay our heads as darkness falls.

We all have ‘baggage’ that we carry of course.  But, I know where I will lay my head tonight. I know I have a family to love me, to help me carry my hidden burdens. What if I didn’t?  What if illness came to me and I had no help. No place to sleep. No food to nourish me.  No family to circle me with hope, help and love? I cannot imagine!  Can you?

The Haywood Street Respite is a home-like setting where up to eight people at a time, who find themselves in just such a situation, are welcomed with open arms to come and find rest in a community of love. Being discharged from the hospital, perhaps after surgery, or in need of continuing treatment during a health crisis or experiencing other medical issues call for a place to heal. No one should have to recuperate alone on the street, or in a tent in the woods or on friends’ sofa.

God’s children are called to care for God’s children.

As one of Haywood Streets CareMinisters, I am privileged to spend time with our Friends in Respite, mostly on Saturdays.  I am often in awe of the people I meet there.
I listen to stories of various types of hardships and yet I hear gratitude, glimpses of hope and faith that somehow things will work out.  I meet brothers and sisters who encourage one another, share what they have and support each other.  People letting their guards down and allowing each other to be themselves. I watch relationships forming and growing, with one another, with staff and with those of us who visit and offer a listening ear, Bible studies, prayer and companionship.  I see life become just a bit easier for our Friends, who we come to know and love. What I see is a chosen Family emerging.

I see God’s children caring for God’s children!

Thanks be to God!

WELCOME  ~  REST  ~  COMMUNITY