Monday's Dream
Today I'm dreaming about shelter for all who need it. We have learned so much lately about homeless students, families, single women & men....I'm so grateful for what I have!
My dream is for people who are in need of help getting it. I hope that they are safe and have full bellies and can wear clean clothes and sleep where it's dry and clean.
I help with the GIFTS shelter when it travels to my congregation. It is always difficult to find men who can do the over-night shifts. If you find yourself in a position to spend an overnight, and you can sleep, please let the shelter coordinators know. 608-751-7848.
What are some needs in our community that you may be dreaming about?
Becky Weber-Johnson lives in Janesville with her husband, Tim, and without their children who are away at college. She is an account executive at WCLO/WJVL and is the Saturday morning host on WCLO. She volunteers at her church, with the Optimist club and SpotLight On Kids. Becky is a community blogger and her opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Oct 13, 2011 at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
"admit this is coerced religion in exchange for services".
Am I to understand you think that the main purpose of this shelter is to get you (a volunteer) or the men who use the facility to pray or become religious? I think, at the minimum, a moment of bowing your head in silence (you don't have to actually speak to a higher power-who's gonna know?!) out of respect for those who DO wish to thank God for the help He has given them is very little to ask.
After all, the shelter was started, and is generally manned, by people who are there through their church. If you are a guest in someone's home and they have a custom (like ladies first or maybe even having a before dinner prayer), do you usually-and think you should-ignore their customs and charge full speed ahead to the goodies?
They don't check rosaries or church membership cards at the door; they say a prayer which takes about .1 percent of the time the guests spend in the shelter. This would really prevent you from feeling comfortable there? Or you think that those who wished to pray should not, because of those who would might oppose it?
Because these shelters do take place in churches, I think I would suggest to you that you volunteer at the area secular shelters. Apparently your goal is inward rather than outward.
Oct 13, 2011 at 10:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
GIFTS shelter rules indicate: "We will begin the evening meal with a short prayer and all, whether eating or not, are asked to participate." Is there a new definition to "all" or could we just be honest and admit this is coerced religion in exchange for services.
Oct 10, 2011 at 5:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
The founders of GIFTS believe that the shelter was prayed into being, and after hearing how quickly it came together, I agree.
I've never found any "forcing" of religion on anyone there, although there is a prayer before meals. I hope it doesn't keep you from helping! Let me know what you are doing the week of November 6th!!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.