Barnstable Association UCC Outdoor Ministry
From Rev. Pamela Wannie, Coordinator of Spiritual Care and Wellbeing, Pastor for Homeless Ministries Cape Cod Council of Churches:
I am reaching out to you to let you know that our outdoor ministry has grown. We have seen an increase in the number of folks who are experiencing homelessness in our community, and we have seen a reduction in housing and in services for those who are already underserved. Having just celebrated our 6-year anniversary, we have also grown because we have demonstrated that we show up, that we care deeply about the people in our community, and that we are a place where folks can truly come just as they are and receive unconditional welcome and blessings.
Our outdoor ministry provides a safe and compassionate place for those who are unhoused or marginally sheltered to hear a word of hope, to share their prayers, to reflect on our readings, to sing, and to come together as a community and receive the bread of life and the cup of blessing. We also offer a fellowship lunch and chance to shop from our donation tables to gather some essentials.
However, growing is a double-edged blessing. For the past 6 years I have coordinated the services, the donations, the food with the ongoing partnership with our musicians, Pastor Tina from First Church, the First Baptist Church and the Council of Churches.
At this time, I am hoping to add some structure to our process and am reaching out to you, as you too have been important ministry partners, providing this much needed opportunity to come together to hear that God’s love and mercy is never ending and nothing can separate anyone from God’s Love.
I am hoping to secure folks for our next several services. We are seeking:
- Worship participants; greeters, readers, celebrants, musicians
- Donations: please see this wish list for suggested donations https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/37KKUCHM0YSOG?ref_=wl_share
- Luncheon: Food for about 40 people. Can include soft fruits, snack bars, bottled water, bags of chips, sandwiches or a hot meal. Please include necessary paper and utensils.
- Set up and clean up helpers, a great opportunity for folks who need community service hours for school or youth groups looking for mission work.
Upcoming services to be held at 2:00 outdoors at the First Baptist Church of Hyannis on these dates:
May 18, June 22, August 24, September 28, November 23.
I look forward to increasing our welcome and spreading God’s Love as partners in ministry.