Beyond the Walls
An Invitation
It's been said that a church that keeps within its four walls isn't a church at all. So in late September of this year, Grace and Glory Lutheran Church, Palmyra, held a Beyond the Walls Sunday. Six community organizations had set up tables around the perimeter of the worship space, 'manned' by a volunteer of that organization; many were also members of Grace and Glory.
During the service and afterward, all were invited, even the littlest among us, to stroll the tables, talk with the representatives to learn about their organization, and receive an invitation to join as a volunteer. Among the organizations represented were Fluvanna Habitat for Humanity, Fluvanna Meals on Wheels, Women's Prison Ministry, MACAA, Hospice of the Piedmont, and Pride, Inc. Also represented were the congregation's own Prayer Shawl Ministry, Annual Mission Trip to Hurley, and even a table for new initiatives was established. Pastor Ken Albright said some people that Sunday were moved to accept one or another of the 'invitations' extended.
One table was different from the others. Kayla Ferguson represented her own outreach program for the homeless and disadvantaged in the Charlottesville area, essentially a small one person operation. This young woman is a native of Fluvanna County, has attended Piedmont Community College and is a full time employee at UVA.
In her strolls around the Charlottesville downtown pedestrian mall this summer, she noticed the same homeless people there every day. She had recently attended a multi-church meeting on homelessness; in addition, several of her friends had been homeless at one time or another. She was motivated to do something, so she approached a couple one day, whom she'd seen often, and asked them what they needed. There were food banks and soup-kitchen outreaches available, she knew. When they replied, "money", she said, "No, what do you need." She learned that personal hygiene items such as soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, were needed though not usually donated. Kayla has since been compiling "care packages" and distributing these, supplied out of her own pocket, supplemented recently by family, friends and fellow church members who learned of her calling. Now that the winter weather is gearing up, coats and blankets also are welcome, and underwear as well.
There are agencies and shelters in Charlottesville that work with the homeless, the under-employed, and women and children escaping from abusive homes. These agencies do their jobs with small staffs and small budgets, aided by volunteers. Kayla said she would like to get more involved with the shelter for women and children. In the meantime, she continues to do what she can.
There are 844,929 homeless people in the United States, according to the latest internet tally. I asked Kayla what were some factors that made people homeless. She cited chronic, debilitating and expensive illnesses; mental illness preventing the individual from functioning; and job loss, which can also mean health care insurance loss, and ultimately loss of home.
Kayla is excited about her plans to "adopt" a little boy and girl for Christmas, children from families struggling to just barely get by. When asked by her own family members what she would like for Christmas, she answered, "I have everything I really need. What makes me happy is picturing the smiles on the faces of these children, who have really nothing, as they open their gifts".
Those wishing to aid Kayla in her "avocation" can contact her through email: kaylaferguson37@yahoo.com (she is willing to pick up from the donor); items, in plastic bags or baggies, can be brought to the Grace and Glory church office, 96 Garden Lane off Route 53 in Palmyra (down the road from Ground Effects/Mulch Monkeys). The secretary is usually there Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m., or items can be left at the front door. The church office phone number is (434) 589-2217.