This Sunday, March 26th we will be exploring the parable of the rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus.  (This is not the story of Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, who was raised from the dead. It is the Lazarus who was forced to beg for his food.) So, who are those who beg today?   Certainly those who use McHenry County PADS probably understand the parable better than some of us who have heated homes, filled refrigerators and frequent visits to restaurants.  Are we able to understand the rich man who was in torment in Hades?  Are we able to understand God’s response to the rich man: “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.”

Join us first at worship and experience a joyful celebration of God’s love, a sermon based on this parable, and a meaningful fellowship.  Worship begins at 10:00am.    Then, extend that experience by joining us for a light supper which begins at 5:00pm.   We will have a “make your own sandwich” meal with a variety of sandwich “fix ins” and appropriate side dishes.   About 5:45 we will have a presentation by a person from the McHenry County PADS.

Our congregation has been involved with PADS for several years.   The youth help set-up and serve a meal each year.   The youth “sleep-out” to raise funds for the McHenry County PADS program.  In October of last year our congregation raised $1798.75 during the CROP Walk, and a portion of this was given to PADS (the rest to food pantries and to Church World Service’s food relief programs).  Then between October and December our church family donated $290 in cash and clothing, hand and foot warmers and hygiene products valued at $239.   We also contribute small hygiene items in other months.

Our local PADS began in 1987 when various faith communities in McHenry County saw the needs of the homeless and began a program to provide sleeping places during the winter months.  Now the program has expanded and the PADS program has merged with the Pioneer Center for Human Services.   PADS now offers emergency shelter in churches, transitional housing in a permanent building, and support services which assist the homeless find employment, vocational programs and life skills training.   PADS now is trying to address the roots of homelessness, not just the symptoms.

By attending this presentation Sunday evening (about 5:45) you will be acquainted with the success stories of PADS, the problems it faces, ways individuals may volunteer, and what current needs are.   You will be able to ask questions and meet one of the people who work with PADS on a daily basis.   By listening to PADS’ story, we hope you will find what God wants you to do about the problems of the poor and the homeless.   We don’t know what God wants you to specifically do, but we are pretty sure he doesn’t need you to be another rich man like Luke 16 mentions.   God often teaches compassion by having us listen to the conditions of the less fortunate.

This is the fourth in our series.   We would like you to attend all five, but these presentations are “stand-alone” presentations.   If this is the only one you can attend, don’t worry.   You don’t need to have attended the earlier talks to understand this presentation.

Christ United Methodist Church Mission Team