We said goodbye this morning to the three families that made their home at Peace Lutheran Church for the last few weeks. The parents shared their gratitude and one child cried that he did not want to leave this “sleeping church.” The children shared hugs with the volunteers as they trailed off to the van.

So many hands came together to make light work of the hosting these past few weeks. Many of our volunteers included children. The Hebrew school from Congregation Or Atid created activity booklets for the guest children, which were enjoyed up until they boarded the van this morning. Children from Peace Lutheran Church crafted beautiful welcome signs to place in each bedroom. The Youth Group from Temble Beth Elohim in Wellesley cooked and served two meals. Youth from the Islamic Center of Boston participated in both set up and breakdown, and youth from Peace Lutheran Church collected coins and washed the laundry after breakdown this morning.

Congregations of all faiths came together to shop for items needed, cook and serve meals, and stay overnight. We want to thank St John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Memorial Congregational Church, Presbyterian Church of Sudbury, First Parish of Wayland, Congregation Beth El in Sudbury, Temple Shir Tikva of Wayland, and the Islamic Center of Boston. Family Promise is drawing more community volunteers to help host congregations and at the Day Center. Allen Simon, Peace’s intern from Harvard Divinity School, served as an overnight host, and is volunteering at the day center in Natick.

Thank you for all your donations, time, support and prayers.

Kim Ho