Introducing the Family Promise Ministry

"Live a Radically Hospitable Life"

Jesus invites us to live radically hospitable lives.  As the author of Hebrews instructs we must not “neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb 13:22)

an excerpt from the Rev. Canon John Newton, IV article  It can be found in the December 2011 issue of the Dialog or online at www.epicenter.org.

St Christopher has been uniquely gifted with an opportunity to help families in crisis in our immediate area. By choosing to take part in the Family Promise ministry we enter into a network of other area churches helping these families.  We hope that the entire congregation can find ways to take part in this important ministry.

Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about family promise and the requirements of the congregation.

The goal of the program is to help transition guests away from homelessness to permanent housing by:

-Providing a safe environment that includes shelter, meals, and hospitality to homeless families

-Offering supportive services to aid in the search for employment and housing

-Organizing congregations to reach out with compassion to our families in need

What is St. Christopher's responsibility as a host congregation?

3-4 times a year we will host families (up to 14 individuals) for 1 week at a time.  From Sunday afternoon to the following Sunday morning we will provide families with hospitality, overnight lodging, and meals; a hot meal at dinner, and sack breakfast and lunches to go in the mornings.  Volunteers are the backbone of this ministry.  There will be many opportunities for volunteers to prepare meals, set up rooms, serve as an over night host etc. 

Where do the families go during the day?

Transportation is provided for the guests to and from a day center located at Clear Lake United Methodist Church where the families store their belongings.  They shower at the day center and have laundry facilities available as well as access to social service agencies that help families find employment, permanent housing, and counseling . Many quests are employed during the day and go to work.  During the school year, children go to school.  The day center provides guests with a mailing address and a home base from which to conduct their personal affairs.  The Network Director’s office is located at the day center.  

How are guest families identified?

Local social service agencies and officials from school districts refer families to the Network based on demographic information that is gathered during entrance interviews.  The families are screened for substance abuse, domestic violence and or psychiatric problems to ensure the safety of all guests and volunteers involved. On average, a guest family will stay in the program for about 80 days.  Once a family leaves the program they cannot enter again. 

What does a typical host week look like?

Sunday: 3 pm the Network van arrives with inflatable mattresses and family belongings, rooms are set up.  Guest families arrive at 6 pm, receive an orientation and settle into their rooms.  7 pm dinner is served family style, guests and volunteers share the meal together.  Families are responsible for their children and help with clean up.  After dinner, guests relax, children do their homework, parents prepare lunch and breakfast sacks for the next morning, and the families retire for the evening.  6 am the following morning, the Network van arrives to transport the guest families to the day center.  The cycle repeats until the families arrive at a new host congregation the following Sunday evening. 

Look for volunteer sign up sheets and a supply wish list soon.  Our first host week is April 15^th and there is much to do to prepare for our guests!  Feel free to contact Ally Hardick (lmc@stchrischurch.org) with any questions or concerns.

For more information regarding family promise you can watch the video below or visit their website.