Since 2016, United Methodists in Wilmington, NC, have been hosting emergency, overnight “pop-up” warming shelters for persons living in poverty on the coldest nights. In 2022, the temporary shelter was open for a total of fifteen nights, welcoming those experiencing various states of homelessness to rest in the fellowship hall of a downtown UM church where they encountered “radical hospitality.” The warming shelter effort is staffed by an ecumenical effort of volunteers who provide meals, blankets, and personal items, along with compassion, friendship, and support to anyone in need.
Because of the pandemic, the number of individuals living in poverty in Wilmington has grown. Local governments have reacted to the growing number of unsheltered persons by creating laws that criminalize sleeping outdoors, which has created a crisis for the unhoused. A few UM pastors in Wilmington have come together to work in collaboration, pray and lament – dedicated to loving and helping our neighbors living in poverty.
We believe that the church is for all people and have focused our mission to bring the light of Christ into the hard places in our city. We find ourselves in spaces where fast and easy solutions elude us, emotions are extreme, and the tension between what is popular and right is deeply uncomfortable. We thank God for the words of Isaiah proclaimed by Jesus in Luke 4 that informs our work, encourages all of us to hold our ground, and sustains our collective hope.
Spirit of God, be with us as your anointed messengers of grace, hope, and love as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with anyone who finds themselves marginalized – remembering we are all children of God the Father. May our words and actions, our intentions and prayers work to heal, comfort and advocate for the freedom of anyone and everyone who finds themselves longing to have a tangible encounter with God. Sustain us O God to be a people who continue to courageously invite all to Christ’s table of Grace – even those who feel like the “enemy.” Amen
Rev. Meg McBride serves as the pastor of Hope Recovery Church in Wilmington, NC.
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.