Winter Relief

Winter Relief is an emergency shelter for unhoused neighbors during the winter months. The program provides so much more than shelter.  Through this ministry relationships are formed, barriers are broken down and folks from very different walks of life learn and grow together. SPUMC joins with about 45 local congregations each winter to ensure that our unhoused neighbors have a safe, warm place to live. Our congregation hosts about 40 men and women at the church for two weeks each year. The overall ministry is organized by The Arundel House of Hope.

A Big Winter Relief Thank You!

The Winter Relief mission in our church just ended and we would like to thank the 300 plus volunteers that participated and put in over 1,000 hours to make the Winter Relief week a success.  We not only provided our 26 guests a place to sleep, three meals a day, snacks, laundry services, transportation to jobs, and fellowship, but were able to give each guest a goody bag with gift cards.  We also provided dental services by Dr. Dave Deitrick, manicures by Pastor Narae, and barber services by a local barber.  Our guests played bingo, were entertained by our very own Josh Bennett and our MYF group, went to a bonfire with s’mores at Debbie Harden’s home, and played corn hole.

But Winter Relief goes way beyond this.  I think it was summed up perfectly by Reverend Ron as a week of outrageous love and loud joy that was shown to our guests and also experienced by all of our volunteers as they enjoyed fellowship, laughed and shared stories together.

Our volunteers and leadership team served them with their hands, feet, hearts, and time, but most importantly they loved them as Jesus would have loved them.  This is truly what Winter Relief is all about.  Not only were the guests blessed in many ways, but our entire church was blessed.  If you did not get a chance to participate in the Winter Relief Mission this November, please consider getting involved in our Winter Relief mission the next time we have it.  We would ask you to keep all of the unhoused population in your prayers.

Thank you,

Carolyn Heim

Pam Sherman