Vestry to Teri’s Place & Mission Center
Last Saturday, July 11th, our Vestry visited Teri’s Place and the Mission Center in Highland, NY. We were expertly lead by Mary Ellison, Mission Center Superintendent, through the sites.
She showed us how the Mission Center operates with efficiency and great care. From following state regulations down to the table mapping of available foods. They have worked hard to maximize and utilize as much of the space in order to maintain a clean and well supplied food panty.
Then we visited Teri’s Place. They have artfully arranged the choir alter pews and congregation pews as natural space segmentation. There is a safe corner for clients to wait for orders, and a spot for volunteers to hold trainings. The kneeling pews were also saved to use as natural dividers between these seated areas and the Clothes Closet. There are additional pews up by the altar to serve as a quiet place for clients to have confidential conversations.
It is amazing how new, yet familiar these buildings feel. While to some this is a radical change from Holy Trinity, the Mission Center and Teri’s Place keep and respect the Heart of our vision: Family - both blood and found - is at the core of our sustaining love.
Certainly, there is plenty of more work to be done. As needs increase, Teri’s Place still needs volunteers to manage inventory and stock donations, and the Mission Center asks for donations and more hands.
But with determination of Spirit and inspiration of Christ, we will find a way to rise to the occasion. We’ve already found our Home, and we’ll continue to take care of it.
