IHN News

IHN  Communication     1/12/10

Happy New Year,

 

Although we are in the grips of winter, we as part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) have many reasons to be excited.  First, we celebrate the completion of a very successful hosting the week of November 15^th; we hosted 4 families with

up to 15 people per night depending on guest schedules.  It was a friendly, cooperative, loving group of families who worked together and shared their

joy among themselves and with us.  The children played well together, as the adults enjoyed the delicious meals prepared by our generous volunteers and the lively conversations around the tables.   There was an element of sadness on Saturday evening as our guests prepared to move on to the next hosting Church.  A number of our guests were able to participate in our Coffee House program on Saturday evening and several also joined us for Sunday morning worship service.

 

Our second reason for excitement was the “graduation” of Steve and Mary’s family

from the IHN program as they moved into a home in Milford .  Although they were

grateful for the support of IHN and all of the volunteers, it was a great relief for them to be “home” for Christmas.  I would like to share their letter:

 

“Dear  Federated Church Of Ashland :

       “Thank you so much for everything you have done for my family and me.  I had so much fun getting to know all of you!   Everything was so well put together!  All the volunteers made us feel so welcome and I felt like we were part of the Church family!  All of the meals were absolutely amazing!  I really appreciated how you have made my family’s hearts warm and put together once again!  We do sincerely thank you for opening your arms and taking us as part of your family and friends!  Nothing could have made this experience go any better (than) the way it did and we (would like to) show our gratitude and gratefulness for that.

       “Happy Holidays and God Bless you all like you all have blessed us.

       Sincerely,   Sarah, John, Mark, Lisa, Mary and Steve B”  

 

A “Farewell and God Speed” gathering was held for this family during December where they received numerous gifts for their new home including, thanks to your

generosity,  $130. in gift cards from the Federated Church of Ashland.  Rev. Jason and several volunteers attended this gathering which ended with many hugs and some tears…

 

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