Meet our Minister for Homeless Ministries – by Tom Egnew

And the crowds asked Jesus, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11

In keeping with this directive from Jesus, St. Andrew’s supports a variety of ministries serving the poor and underserved in our community. Most of us are aware that we tithe 10% of our budget to various community agencies offering resources for our vulnerable brothers and sisters. And most know we team with Temple Beth El  to support a popular food bank. But fewer of us are aware that in our midst is a Missioner for Homeless Ministries.

Jeffrey Boyce has worked tirelessly to alleviate homelessness and chairs the Bishop’s HomelessTaskforce to coordinate the efforts of parishes and missions throughout the diocese to assist the homeless. Locally, he supports initiatives to end street homelessness and personally visits home- less camps on a regular basis to assess needs, offer assistance, and provide fellowship to a group of souls who are often alienated from mainstream society. Being called to a ministry serving the homeless, Jeffrey is a Candidate for Ordination to the Vocational Diaconate.

If you haven’t had a chance, I encourage you to talk with Jeffrey about our local homelessnessproblem. He is a wealth of information that might change your perceptions of who the homeless areand what they want to offset the deprecating “shiftless/lazy/dangerous” narratives promoted in some media. And you can help Jeffrey’s ministry, too! With Fall, the weather cools, turns wet, andlife for the homeless grows drearier. As you survey your household, do you note any blankets, coats, hats, shoes, and socks that you’re no longer using—maybe wear once a year or haven’t put on for a couple of years—that are just taking closet or dresser space? Consider donating them to a homeless person who can use them and isn’t concerned that the color is no longer in style. Dona- tions should be in good repair and clean.

Contact Jeffrey to arrange for delivery, and he can distrib- ute them during his visitations. Do it because Jesus said to!