Scott's Weekly Greeting ...

Author: Rev. Scott Cousineau
November 13, 2019
I am so sorry that this is a day late. I truly hope that it is not a dollar short.

Those of us who live in the great State of Maine (and several other states) awoke to frigid temperatures this morning. When I left for the office, it was fifteen degrees with a windchill in the single digits. To be honest ... I do not mind the cold, in fact, I prefer it. However, I do not appreciate when it arrives so swiftly. I only got to wear my new fall season jacket for one week!!

However, I have spent the better part of today thinking about our homeless neighbors. In the last few weeks, we have had a few people come into the church looking for housing assistance. Some of them had been couch-surfing at friends' homes and were trying to get themselves settled into something more permanent, but a few of them were sleeping on the streets. Just last week we offered assistance to a couple that were sleeping in their car. I thought of them a lot today. A car does not offer much protection when the temperatures dip below freezing. I pray that they were able to find someplace warm to sleep last night.

As we offer assistance to our neighbors (utility bills, gift cards for groceries, rental assistance, etc.), I often find myself saying, "I wish that there was more that we could do." I wish, I hope, I pray.

Cities across the country are pledging to end homelessness for veterans. That is a WONDERFUL thing!! My wish and my prayer is that we could end homelessness for all people. There is not a lack of compassion or kindness in our country. We have seen out-pourings of generosity on a regular basis. We have the capacity to do it, we just need the will to do it.

That is the work to which we are called. Our call is to love and serve our neighbors. Love does not allow people to freeze on the streets. Love does not allow children to go hungry. Love says, "We can do more."
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