Welcome to Side-By-Side’s first official newsletter.  We wanted to get something in your hands quickly, and will work on improving our publication in future issues.  It still needs a catchy name, so e-mail ideas to me at revlinda@sbcglobal.net.  I welcome your comments as well.  We look forward to serving you better with tips, ideas, thoughts and stories about homeless ministry and mission.

Side-By-Side Steering Committee is very excited about our new mission statement.  Here it is:  Connecting the Hearts of the Homeless and the Heart of the Church.  With this statement we launch into a new phase of ministry at Side-By-Side.  After seven years working with the poor and homeless who come to Loaves and Fishes for assistance, we are taking a step out to better facilitate the entire ministry and spiritual needs of our homeless guests.  I am assuming more of an executive director role to increase recruitment, training and support of qualified volunteer spiritual companions, give extra attention to detail in administration and fundraising, and additional outreach programs and resources for churches.  Our new mission statement summarizes what we are about, serving both the homeless community and the faith community for mutual transformation.

The story about the UCD chaplains is one way Side-By-Side opens and connects hearts.  The chaplains-in-training not only meet homeless patients in the hospital, but soon will pastor local churches.  The experience with Side-By-Side helps shape their ministry in service with the poor.  It is always inspiring to see God’s refreshing spirit move through those who spend time with Side-By-Side and engage our homeless guests one-on-one.  Those who live on the margins truly are our teachers and spiritual mentors.

I want to thank all of you for your on-going gifts that make this ministry possible.  Our next newsletter will include a list of donors and partners in our mission.  I look forward to new possibilities in our work:  connecting hearts and transforming lives.

With a listening heart,
Linda Kelly, Director