Dear friends,
Earlier this year St. Dunstan’s received a substantial gift from someone concerned about people being evicted from their homes because of losing their jobs during the pandemic. After doing some checking around with different agencies I suggested that this money go to Emmaus House, an Episcopal ministry that serves the residents of Peoplestown, near the old Turner Field. This is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city.
This week I received a note from Emmaus House director Greg Cole telling how that money was used:
“We provided direct eviction support to 54 households, representing 65 individuals. Twenty-eight were seniors. This support allowed people to remain current on their rent or mortgage payments to reduce the chances of them being evicted once the moratorium was lifted.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Emmaus House has provided close to $500,000 in rent/mortgage/utility assistance. We are so grateful for your support and that of your parish.”
As I’ve said many times, the generosity of this parish, and the good work that is accomplished because of it, continues to amaze me. You are making real differences in people’s lives. That is gospel work.
Now time for a mom brag. Joseph Henry is in a male a capella group at Georgia Tech called Sympathetic Vibrations. Some of you have heard their music online and asked me to let you know when they will start singing in person again. Their first concerts in two years are next Friday (the 12th) and Sunday (the 14th). The information is on the flyer below. And here is a link to one of the videos they produced during the pandemic (like them on Facebook to hear more): https://www.facebook.com/SympVibes/videos/732802494317084
Finally, some reminders for this Sunday. First, it is All Saints’ Sunday. If you have the name of someone you would like remembered at the altar during the service please send it to me (we already have the names of all parishioners who died in the last year, and all interred in the Memorial Garden.
Second, the time change is this Sunday. Remember to set your clocks (and your cats) back an hour before you go to bed.
See you Sunday.
