Pip's Perspective

When I began this internship in the fall of '21, I was open about not self-identifying as Christian. However, I did express a willingness to talk and preach about Jesus, as I did feel he was divine and a great teacher, healer and on the side of the oppressed. In my first (school year), my theological development was centered around deepening my comfort and knowledge around talking about Jesus. Over the Summer break, due to personal situations, I came to a deeper appreciation around the gifts of forgiveness and grace that Jesus offers. I also came to a theological way to integrate my existing spiritual beliefs with the belief in the grace offered by Jesus. 

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! I hope to see you at the candlelight Christmas Eve service tomorrow at 4:30pm. This is a special time that I look forward to every year and I believe that this will be a beautiful moment to share together in the miracle of the holiday. We’ve been working hard to prepare for this time together, and I hope to see you there! 

Being without adequate housing is an incredibly difficult challenge to live with. Some of the difficulties are easy to imagine - such as being cold in Winter weather, wet in the rain, too hot in the Summer. Other facets of the homeless experience may not be as obvious until you think them through. Toilet use. Hygiene. Cooking. Care for clothing and other belongings. Transportation.

As the weather gets colder, and the nights get longer, my heart is holding the many people here in Chicago without homes. 

It is almost Thanksgiving! So many people will be getting together with families, enjoying tasty food and reflecting on thankfulness. I will be traveling as well, visiting my in-laws in Aurora. Because I will be traveling, you will not be hearing from me next Friday in Pip's Perspective, or seeing me in worship on Sunday the 27th. I will still be holding a movie night on the 27th (more about that below).