I hope you had a chance to view the 2 minute video I had told you about in my last article, if not, check it out now at http://savespinwrite.blogspot.com. Or YouTube “Advent Conspiracy Promo Video”. For those of you who are not familiar with Advent Conspiracy, in a nutshell it’s about doing Christmas differently. And based on the nature of this column, you guessed right, it’s partly about spending less. But more importantly, it’s about acts that are much greater than that.
How about looking at our holiday season differently, whether you celebrate it modestly or elaborately, do you think you could make a few changes? I dare you, and guaranteed, you won’t regret one second of your time or one penny that you spend toward a greater cause.
What I really wish in writing this is that you not feel guilted or obliged into anything, I hope you find these ideas simply inspiring and thought provoking. Maybe suggest some of these things to your family and friends and see what you can do TOGETHER this season.
Something I’ve specifically felt prompted to write about is teaming up with other organizations and involve your whole family or group of friends and co-workers in collecting food, supplies, clothing or general personal items to donate to places in Saint John such as as Romero House www.romerohouse.ca, 506 642-7447.
Another community ministry in our city is OutFlow. If your not familiar with it, read on, I am always amazing at when you just ask, how you quickly become aware of the great need of other people. Every Sunday night Outflow has a large group dinner that meets at Grace Presbyterian Church. The meal served at 5:30…. And music is played during dinner as well. More than 150 people are served every Sunday. They serve the homeless, the working poor, prostitutes, drug addicts, alcoholics and many emotionally hurting people.
Outflow also occupies a storefront on the corner of Waterloo and Union by Topps restaurant. This is where a smaller (30-50 people), intimate setting is created. A place to sit, have a small meal and get to know one another. Outflow believes that the #1 thing missing in ministry to the homeless, the poor and oppressed is someone willing to build a relationship. This is where this ‘family connection’ is created! This Street level acts of kindness house is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 7-9pm. It will be open 7 nights a week in due time.
The need list will sound a little random… but it’s the reality of what they really need. Between the two places they regularly need disposable paper plates, bowls, cutlery, water bottles, juice boxes, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, creamers, Granola bars, mittens, winter coats, blankets, sleeping bags, any type of hygiene products, warm socks. Eventually they want to re-furnish the street level house on Waterloo with new couches, chairs, new fridges and stove, freezer. Beyond all the physical stuff, outflow needs people with passion to help the hurting! Even if people come to just sit and hang out with people during the meal our at the outflow house on Waterloo… its all of value! They have seen some incredible breakthroughs since they have started to walk slower and tried harder to be found in the moment.
The easiest way to go about contacting Outflow staff in order to give something or get more involved is to e-mail outflowministry@gmail.com From here someone will get back to whoever wants to help.
My hope is you find a way to use YOURSELF this season rather than your money.
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