Beyond Our Walls with Family Promise

“After my time with Family Promise of Brevard at Ascension Catholic Church last Saturday, I get what “captivated by mission” means! I can’t wait to do it again.”  - Heather Barlow

“I was blessed last Saturday when I volunteered to help at Ascension with the set up for family promise. I left feeling so joyful, working with others to help less fortunate or ‘down on their luck’ families. I’m hoping we get more opportunities to participate in this wonderful and needed ministry.” - Sandy Foose

 Christ Church joyfully supports Family Promise Brevard and its vision to eradicate homelessness. Their innovative and creative models give all sorts of opportunities for both financial and hands on support. The group from CEC were able to see how a church prepares for and sets up for families to stay on site for a week. The morning began with an introduction and an opening prayer which has been used by Ascension as a blessing before hosting since 2017 (see below). Next the Ascension-CEC team members set up converted various church rooms into bedrooms, a shared living and dining rooms and set up the kitchen and bathroom to be able to serve the families staying there. In addition, they added directional signs identifying bathrooms and exits, and then added some warm touches including Fourth of July decorations.

A Prayer of Blessing for the Homeless

Hear our prayer today for all women and men, boys and girls who are homeless this day:

For those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways or bus stations.

For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.

For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.

Fr those who have no relatives of friends who can take them in.

For those who have no possession that remind them of who they are.

For those who are afraid and hopeless.

For those who have been betrayed by our social service safety net.

For these people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security, and hope.

We pray for those of us with warm houses and comfortable beds that we not be lulled into complacency and forgetfulness.

Jesus, help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet and through the political means we have, to bring justice and peace to those who are homeless. Amen.