So, its -4 in Victoria tonight. And I checked and the normals for the weather are around 2 – 7 degrees, not minus 4. Oh, and it snowed and lots of stuff shut down. Fun city. I went to work, and decided, with the input of the wardens that people were probably not going to make it out anyway, and we should cancel services. And we did, so I went to St. John’s to join Su. After the service there was lunch which was nice. And in case you are saying c’mon get to the freakin point, well here it is.
A “homeless” guy who has been going to St. John’s for a while was concerned about some women he met last night (Saturday night) who were sleeping outside, so he brought them to church with him so they could warm up and get a meal at the lunch.
After the lunch, it turned out that Our Place (drop in centre) was not open today, but the shelter would be open tonight. None of the other drop in places were open either, so it was decided that St. John’s would open up the crypt (where they do the night shelter) as a drop in centre. I was asked if I would stay and help for a few hours, so I did. From about 1 – 4:30.
So a bunch of people came in over the course of the afternoon.
I realize that I haven’t done that kind of volunteer work in a while. And I also realize that I miss it and would like to do it again, and do more of it. It is important to stay connected to street level. I think I’ve been fooling myself that I have, and need to reconnect. Its a pretty important part of ministry.