Cold Winter Nights

Max, Freddie, and I usually take an evening stroll after dinner.  Max and Freddie are our miniature schnauzers, two truly social gentlemen who believe that everyone and everything they encounter on these walks has come out just to see them.  They love to bark and whine when other walkers pass by, just in case they haven't been noticed.  Our steps are a bit livelier on these cold winter nights, no time for idle chatter or meandering.

 

I rarely take one of these chilly evening walks when I don't think about the cold.  Sounds like I'm just stating the obvious, doesn't it?  But my thoughts often go beyond the simple chill of a routine walk that is quickly overcome when I enter the warmth of my home.  My momentary discomfort is quickly remedied, but there are many in our region who find little relief from the cold on these winter nights. My brief discomfort is their nightly threat.

 

We have partnered with Facets, Fairfax County Government, and other churches in our area for the last several years in helping provide shelter for the homeless in our area.  Once again this year, we will open our doors at Westwood, February 9-16, to welcome these men and women and offer them hot meals, a warm place to sleep, and the compassion of Christ.  Some of you have already committed to cook, clean, greet, and provide security during this week.  Others will sign up over the next few Sundays in the Narthex.  This Sunday and next you will have an opportunity to provide certain items that will be needed by our guests that will be used by them not just during the week we host, but beyond.  Snowflake Cards will be available in the narthex, in similar fashion to the Giving Tree cards during Christmas, that will allow you to provide a specific item or items for our guests,  Please watch for these Snowflake Cards Sunday morning as we prepare to welcome these friends.

 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday for Sunday School and worship.  Bring a friend as we worship the living God.

 

Time to bring this to a close...Freddie and Max are ready to see the world...at least on Dunleigh Drive.

 

Jim Abernathy