The vestry was privileged to endorse the Homeless Project as a new social outreach opportunity for our parish family. Candy Farley and Sharon Smith were the organizers. It was a great success thanks to the volunteers who made a difference by cooking, sharing meals, and donating items. We have been notified that all 3 families hosted at St. Benedict's will be in permanent housing as of Tuesday July 24th. Pat, the coordinator of 525 BEDS, informed us that they have never had 3 housing units come available in one week.  GOD IS GOOD.

The following article is reprinted from The Parish Gazette Volume 2004, Issue V

“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.”  Ephesians 2:10

As we sit here this Friday evening thinking about all that has happened this past week in the St. Benedict’s community we are amazed by the generosity, enthusiasm and love displayed by the countless number of volunteers who helped to make this project such a wonderful success. We are reminded of a chapter from The Purpose Driven Life called Accepting Your Assignment. In it we are told that we were put on earth to make a contribution; that God designed us to make a difference with our lives; to add to life on earth, not take from it. This is our ministry.

St. Benedict’s was privileged to host three single mother families this past week. We had the joy of entertaining and playing with two toddlers and a one month old baby girl. Many of us had some meaningful conversations with the mothers and learned first hand the difficulties and challenges they face. One mother told us that her family was concerned about her “sleeping in a church”. They asked her to call once she arrived. After the call was made, her grandmother commented that “I can hear in your voice that you are safe and at peace”.  Another mom told us that she knows now that everything will be ok and that one day she will have a home of her own. Pat Mantis, the director of Broward Coalition for the Homeless program commented on the glow she saw on this young mothers face after her first night with our St Benedict’s family. She commented that she thought our church had the largest turnout of volunteers she has ever seen. We all saw the hand of God at work in our church volunteers.

To all of you who helped to make this week such a spiritual and rewarding experience, we applaud you. To the cooks, the overnight angels,  the St. Benedict’s young people, those who shopped; those who brought their pets to play; those who donated money or toiletries and those who cleaned up we want to say Thank You for a job well done.

We would also like to acknowledge the GA and GA-Anon groups who made a generous financial contribution to our project.

Respectfully submitted:  Sharon Smith & Candy Farley, Chairpersons