Room in the InnA Ministry of Hospitality and Shelter
Matthew 25:35 - For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in....
During the cold of winter, Centenary opens its doors and hearts of hospitality to our homeless friends in the Lexington area.
Centenary is one of many congregations of all faiths who provide housing throughout the week by welcoming registered homeless men to our facilities. During the cold of the winter, we provide shelter for a maximum of 15 guests on Thursday nights. In addition to a safe, warm place for the guests to sleep, Centenary members prepare a hot evening meal, breakfast the next morning, and a sack lunch for the day. Transportation to and from the church is also provided. Centenary is a founding church for this city-wide program.
The purpose of RITI is to treat homeless men with respect and dignity so they can realize their worth. Several of the men who have been part of this ministry have gone on to acquire jobs and move into their own residences. Others have entered into treatment programs, and others have reunited with family members.
This winter RITI will run from November 5, 2009 through March 25, 2010.
RITI doesn't aspire to any particular formula or goal for participants, other than giving them the hope of Jesus through unconditional love so they can make better life choices for themselves.
Pat Ryan and Julie Broderson are the Centenary RITI coordinators. Servants are needed to set up, cook, greet, drive the bus, and clean laundry. Also, we need volunteers for Friday breakfast preparation and clean-up. We are looking for groups (small groups and Sunday School classes) to sign-up to host a Thursday evening and Friday morning session as a whole, although individuals are welcome to sign-up as well.
If you would be willing to help in any of these areas, contact Pat by Email (click icon below) to find out when you are needed.
Current RITI needs:
- Gently used, current popular magazines like Reader's Digest, Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, etc.
- Gently used devotional guides
- Fast food gift cards in $5 increments
- Walmart Gift Cards in $25 increments (holidays)
- Phone cards in $10 increments
- Donations for the purchase of new beds ($100 each) -- Checks should be made payable to Centenary and marked RITI in the memo line of the check.
Contributions or donated items should go in Julie Broderson's mailbox in the staff workroom, clearly marked RITI, or may be left at the front desk in the Administration Area during business hours for placement in Julie's office.
For more information on RITI in Lexington, please download our Lexington Area brochure (Adobe Acrobat format ... pdf file)
[download].
The Lexington RITI website is where people can see previous and future meals and get more information about our city-wide program. Centenary's Sam Conder did an amazing job developing website: www.roomintheinn.net.
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