Step Out and Serve (S.O.S.)
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I was talking with Kim and Doug Sparks about our grandchildren recently. Sharing some of the stories about the cute things they do and say. I won't go to deep in to that, but ask any one of us (or any grandparent) and you will get an earful of endearing stories. One of the stories that comes to mind is how my granddaughter, Ava, imagines that she is a puppy, or a penguin, or a horse. Many, if not all children engage in this imaginary role playing. Many grandparents engage in the role playing to be the horse that is ridden.
Most of the time this is very healthy and a lot of fun for all involved. Sometimes children (and adults) will engage in this imaginary world to avoid or escape the harsh realities that they are experiencing or have experienced in the past. I would ask you to read some of these stories below and think about how you might be able to show love to someone in need.
Imagine that you are a young woman with an unplanned pregnancy. You need care and guidance. Ostracized and isolated, you have no idea where to turn. The Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center is there to help. The center provides individual mentoring and education with trained volunteers, including parenting classes.
Imagine that you are a new immigrant to Lincoln. Imagine you are a parent that needs to decide between paying the electric bill or buying groceries. The Good Neighbor Community Center is there to help by providing food, clothing, diapers, and personal care items.
Imagine being a woman who is homeless and in need of a place to get back on your feet. The Fresh Start Home is there to help by providing transitional housing, basic needs, case management, and encouragement.
Imagine being a teen mom. Imagine not having many options because you are not an adult. Young Lives is there to provide mentors that invest in you and your baby. You find encouragement, fun activities at club meetings and at camp. All of this wrapped in the promise of Jesus' love.
Imagination time is over. The reality:
There are hundreds of people in the situations described above living in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
The agencies mentioned above can not begin to address all of the needs.
You and I are in a position to take some of the pressure off of all the people involved.
In the month of May, you will NOT imagine the opportunity to shine a little love on Lincoln. The opportunity will be very real. We will come alongside the Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center, the Good Neighbor Community Center, the Fresh Start Home, and Young Lives through Gifts With a Mission in MAY! The store will be open in the Gathering Space. Purchase a few supplies as you pass through and make our home a little bit better place to live. Not one of us is asked to do it all, we all have a part to play. Many, many additional opportunities are available. Talk to one of the SOS team members if you have any other questions or comments.
SOS Update: The Charlie M. Wilson Replacement Care Home
In April 2007, New Cov attenders generously helped purchase a flat screen TV for The Wilson Home on S. 56th Street in Lincoln. This family-like home is now 80% complete! Charlie, who attends New Cov, and two other disabled young men will be moving into the house in June.In order to further benefit The Wilson Home, our SOS Team is encouraging dogowners to participate in the Third Annual "Paws Walk" on June 7, 2008 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It costs $20.00 to walk your dog around Holmes Lake and take advantage of booths offering dog (and owner) appropriate giveaways and information. You can get more information and register for the walk at the Information Desk in the Gathering Space on Sunday throughout the entire month of May. If you pre-register, a T-Shirt will be provided. Proceeds will benefit The Wilson House.