December 2024

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“I hope we’re here to respond to the challenge

to be good neighbors and to ask ourselves what that means.”

Thoughts offered by a Book Discussion Participant

Twenty-five people joined in November’s Conversation and Book Discussion, based on Kevin Nye’s, Grace Can Lead Us Home, A Christian Call to End Homelessness. The theme of how we are called to respond was the throughline of the conversation. We were joined and led by Pastor Chris, Covenant Partner Randy VanDeventer, and FCC Friend and Choir Member, Pat Long. Each of the leaders shared many thoughts and concerns.  A few highlights are included here…

• Pastor Chris shared his personal practice of walking in our neighborhood and interacting with the unhoused. He emphasized, “I hope we can be part of the solution. I feel like the biggest way we can help in this struggle is to humanize them.”

• Pat Long shared his years-long efforts on behalf of the homeless and talked about one of his hopes - that a public restroom will come to fruition in Manchester. He shared ongoing political and societal challenges to find resources, adequate housing, mental health support, and the need to act in ways that help this population feel heard and seen. He challenged us to avoid using derogatory terms, such as “vagrants,” but instead, remember how many of the homeless have been evicted due to rising rents. Among his many points, he reminded us to engage with our homeless brothers and sisters with kindness and respect.

• Randy challenged us to confront the fears, hatred, and discomfort that we carry, and consider our society’s failure to provide affordable housing and good-paying jobs.

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He said, “We know how to solve the problem. We don’t quite have a handle on how to   prevent homelessness, but we do know how to respond to make it go to virtually zero. And that is low or no-barrier housing. Obviously, details are more difficult, but we know that it works.”

Overall, participants seemed ready to build on current FCC efforts for those in need. Many in the group showed definite interest in learning effective ways to engage with the unhoused. Pat talked about the Engagement Center on 39 Beech Street. Randy suggested, “The next time we pass someone on the sidewalk. say hello and good morning. Learn their names.”  Pat and Chris shared important news of a Faith-Based Coalition of clergy that Pastor Chris and FCC have been hosting for several months. The clergy are working on ways to coordinate and collaborate. They announced a training for Homeless Support that was held on November 16 at the United Methodist Church on Valley Street. As of the Window publication date, we know that several FCC folks planned to attend.

Participants agreed to continue to work together in our faith community and seek ways to collaborate with other churches to support and make a difference. Toward the end of the discussion, Liz Verity pointed out that “We don’t often hear the success stories.” Noel Villiard shared the good news of a young man he’s known for years that now has an apartment. Two of our FCC members shared their personal, courageous struggles with homelessness, how hard it was, and talked about their journeys to the security of having safe homes. 

Author Kevin Nye wrote that Jesus “went around to people suffering from scarcity – of health, of acceptance, of power, of understanding – and replaced it with a gift of abundance,” p. 161.

Members of the Open and Affirming Committee humbly ask, “How can we do the same?”

Blessings for Advent and Merry Christmas!