Meals Under the Sky

One of the challenges of not having our own building to provide worship and meals is that sometimes a Monday evening is already reserved for another organization to use. Instead of cancelling or looking at this situation with hopelessness we have taken the meals outside. The Knights of Columbus graciously let us use their parking lot to serve meals.


The first time we were outside it was an extremely cold evening, but we were still surprised at how many folks came to receive a meal and share in fellowship with one another. Hot chocolate, donated by Hub City Vineyard, kept us all warm. The spirit of that evening was precious and encouraging.







Our second evening under the sky was so gorgeous that we brought out tables so folks could relax and fellowship together. We were blessed with the incredible donation of homemade soup, brownies, and sandwiches from our amazing volunteers! We were also so grateful for the chips donated from Harvest Community Church, apples from Orrs Farm Market, and water from Pastor Lloyd!



Our third evening under the sky there were threats of horrible weather in the late afternoon and we were concerned our planned B-B-Q and free clinic night would be overcome by harsh rain and wind. The weather stayed calm as burgers were being flipped and folks fellowshipped under the beautiful sky. It wasn't till after everyone left and we had dismantled the clinic team's tents that the rain fell upon us. God is good, always!







We are constantly amazed at how these unexpected challenges turn out to be beautiful works of God...shaping community...and shaping us. The joy and love from the volunteers, the generous donation of food from individuals, businesses, and churches, the incredible flexibility of the clinic team to work under unusual conditions, and the gathering of a faithful community humbles my heart. In a way, we look forward now to these evenings under the sky...surrending it all to God...and marveling in His grace.

Blessings and peace,
Mary

Christmas Giving at Eastern Regional Jail

It was December 22nd, 2010...12 amazing volunteers gathered at Eastern Regional Jail to put together Christmas gift bags for the men and women who reside at the jail. Over 400 hundred bags and 2 liter bottles of soda were prepared and given out that day!

We were amazed at the incredible donation of candies, chips, crackers, small cakes, playing cards, sodas, socks, and decorated paper bags. Everyone joyously took a task in the distribution line...whether it was filling the bags with notebooks or counting the candy to make sure everyone got an even amount.

When the bags were ready, five of us went back to the inmates' quarters (Pods as they call them) with the ERJ counselors and guards and were able to give the gifts to each of the inmates. It was a joy to wish each of the men and women a Merry Christmas!

We were also able to give gift bags to the guards and office staff of Eastern Regional Jail.

We have been so blessed to be a part of the journey of each of the men and women at ERJ. We are so grateful for your donations and prayers towards the Jail Ministry. Please continue to lift up the men and women there as they strive to reclaim their life.

Sharing the Vision moved to next Thursday!

Due to weather concern, we are postponing the January 20th Sharing the Vision. We will hold it next Thursday details below...


When: Thursday, January 27th
7:00pm - 8:30pm

Where: St. John's Lutheran Church
101 West Martin Street
Martinsburg, WV

Immanuel’s House is an ecumenical church community in action. We strive to bring justice and peace on earth, responding to God’s call to love our neighbor and care for Creation. We seek to live and learn by justice and peace, acting with kindness and mercy, and walking humbly with our Lord.

Join us January 20th as we continue to share the vision of Immanuel's House!

Hear what we have been doing at Eastern Regional Jail, on the streets of Martinsburg and how we hope to expand our ministry. We look forward to seeing how you can join with us in serving as we strive for the kingdom of God.


Sincerely from the Team,

Carmen Winiarski
Milly Rivera
Karen Erskine Valentine
and Mary Gunderson King

From the Office of Immanuel's House

As I write this blog update, I do so from my new little desk at the office of Immanuel's House. It is great to be working alongside Carmen again in an office setting, we're a crazy and energetic pair when we get together. I'll be assisting Carmen in helping folks gather the appropriate documents for a WV ID. We have continually been surprised on how many people don't have WV IDs...it is truly a need in this area.

We've been so grateful to Men of Valor and Vision for letting us have an office space in their facility as we raise funds to purchase another building. At this time we are located at 206 East King St., Martinsburg, WV.

Two Mondays ago we also started Immanuel's Table, which is an ecumenical worship service and community meal that we host every Monday night. The Knights of Columbus have so graciously given us their hall to use at 108 West Stephens St., Martinsburg. God is so cool! Our Immanuel's Table team also rocks...they didn't miss a beat when we moved into this new space. They had a new kitchen that they had to learn to manuever in...and set the tables and put them back each Monday. Mark, our techie, also had to figure out his new little spot to manage the sound system and powerpoint. But the whole team did it with such joy and love, I was so moved to tears.

Out team is excited about this new year and all that God has called us to! I thank you for your prayers and involvement in this ministry. May we continue to journey together and see God with and working through us.

Blessings and joy,
Mary Gunderson King