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The Presbytery of Shenandoah
Virginia, West Virginia
Three guests at the shelter claim cots for a night’s rest, away from the cold.
Teachers Larry and Donna decided to become part of a new ministry to the homeless. When they arrived at the moveable shelter, they recognized a former student. William told them how he had fallen on hard times. Even though he worked as a welder, he lost his apartment. As they talked, William said he missed being at church. That evening after a warm meal, William shared his story with the other residents as they gathered for Bible study and prayer. Jacob, like William, had a job but could not make enough money to get an apartment. His stay at the shelter allowed him to save toward becoming self-sufficient. Only weeks after Jacob arrived at the shelter, he was able to move into an apartment.
William, Jacob, and up to twenty others considered the working poor were guests at the Harrisonburg and Rockingham Thermal Shelter (HARTS) in Virginia. It is supported by a partnership between the religious community, the city, and social agencies to assist the city’s chronically homeless. Every evening during the winter, those needing shelter gather in churches, mosques, or synagogues offered by the ecumenical community for a warm meal, a clean bed, and a good night’s rest.
This interfaith association’s history of working together on other projects has built the trust needed to take on HARTS. The relationships between the religious groups and the community seem to reflect the command of Micah 6:8 to “do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.”
The Presbytery of Shenandoah has 110 churches, 12 chapels, and 17,641 members and is home to Mary Baldwin College and Massanetta Springs Conference Center.
Presbytery Staff
Dr. Thomas D. Hay, general presbyter
Rev. Jan Owen, stated clerk
Elder Lisa Hedrick, resource coordinator
Elder Doug Sensabaugh, communications coordinator, hunger action enabler
Cheri Bowman, office coordinator
Kim Stroupe, assistant for the constitution
Elder Lucille Gohdes, treasurer
Heather Carter, bookkeeper
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Sandy Lucas, PPC
Angela Lucear, OGA
Dear God of all people, your love brings us together to share from our abundance. You call us to love kindness and to walk humbly with you, not to cross to the other side to avoid helping your children in need. Father, direct us to be your hands and feet as we seek to serve all people and to show your justice in everything we do in your name. Amen.
Ps. 104, 149 Ps. 138, 98
1 Sam. 22:1–23
Acts 13:26–43; Mark 3:19b–35
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