A Servant Ministry to Hartford's Homeless

Today at Trinity we expand the definition of our "radical hospitality" as Trinity hosts the third annual memorial service for those who have died homeless on the streets of Hartford during the past year. This years observance is unprecedented in scope, thanks in large part to the efforts of our own Fr. Ron Kolanowski and the magnificent coordinating team he has put together from representatives of more than 30 organizations throughout our community. The service takes place today by design: Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, and therefore the longest night. The snow on the ground and the near-freezing temperatures will be a fitting backdrop for the day's activities, which will include an interfaith memorial service and a meal provided by area agencies that have donated everything from food to tables and chairs to the nearly one hundred volunteers who are preparing the space, leading the worship, preparing and serving the food and, of course, clean-up from such a massive undertaking. Each person attending will also receive a bag containing hats, gloves, a scarf, warm socks and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Thanks again and kudos to Ron Kolanowski and his planning team, along with our prayers for those in our midst who, like the child whose birth we celebrate at the end of this week, live without permanent shelter and a reliable source of provisions. I hope you can join us for this event, which begins with worship at 10 a.m. and concludes with a luncheon immediately following in the Nave.

Have a blessed day! Your brother in Christ, Don+