Testimonials
Kevin Olson, SEC at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, January 2010
The warm and welcoming smiles from beneath the umbrellas outweighed the steady rain that was coming down on that rainy Sunday afternoon in January. The promise of food, friendship, and fellowship was awaiting all who arrived at Holy Sprit Lutheran Church that day.
It was the first time for HSLC to host a Bridge Ministries “Sunday Evening Celebration”. A monthly event which includes dinner, music, and a much needed and appreciated social gathering for members of the disabled community, their friends, family, and caregivers.
In typical HSLC church style… the event was a huge success thanks to efforts of many of our caring and talented members coming together to make all feel welcomed and loved.
From the moment most guests were greeted at their Access Van, caring and inclusion were at the heart of all that was said and done.
Nametags in the Narthex were a must, so all involved would be on a first name basis as they would “Meet and Greet“ their way through the evening. The smell of roasted pork, and potatoes prepared by Bob Spencer and his capable kitchen crew were as welcoming and inviting as any home cooked meal on a rainy Sunday evening.
Tables along the wall were packed with people focused intently on creating personalized works of art to remember the day. Bright colored markers are applied to new pillow cases… each one a new masterpiece to the artist. But, equally as important and special... the conversations, laughter, joy, and new found friendships that were formed across the tables.
After a welcome and blessing of the food by Pastor Mike, the much anticipated dinner is served. Church members and the Girl Scout volunteers make quick work of the serving as they wind their way through the tables to deliver a delicious meal to all. For the first time that day, a brief silence falls across the packed room as food is savored and enjoyed.
Dessert and fantastic music provided by our guests made the experience complete and brought the evening’s events to a close.
This was without a doubt the first of many Bridge Dinners to be hosted at HSLC. It was a terrific evening in which the universal needs and wishes for: food, friends, fellowship, music and prayer brought together a unique and varied group of people. A very special time when we were able to look past the physical differences, which all too often can serve to separate and intimidate… instead we were able to focus together on common needs for people of all ages and abilities… inclusion and caring!
Tronda, Circle of Friends Facilitator
At some point in our lives, most of us experience what it's like to feel alone. So many people with disabilities feel tremendous isolation and loneliness everyday with little or no hope of that changing. We have an incredible opportunity with Circles of Friends to bring that needed connection with others into their lives and to reap the reward of genuine friendship in the process.
Janis, SEC at Mercer Island Presbyterian
For two years I volunteered as a table hostess for the dinner. My first year as a volunteer, I felt some anxiety about being a hostess not knowing what to expect from the guests. Would I be able to see beyond their disabilities and simply see them as a fellow human beings? Yes, it was possible. In fact I saw more than I expected. It was a kind of joy on the part of the guests that went far beyond any expectations of mine.
Volunteers arrive an hour before the event begins. We are gathered together in a private room by one of the leaders of Bridge Ministries. She gave us much information about how we could be good hosts to our guests. Much of it I have forgotten, but the main topic was simply to enjoy the evening with our guests.
The second year was a real eye opener because I wasn’t concerned about myself, but looking forward to being a part of a “A JOYFUL CELEBRATION”. It certainly was one. Many Access Vans and cars were arriving. Some of them arrived as much as an hour before the time of the dinner. The laughter of those arriving could not be stilled. Their joy was infectious. Many of the guests only see one another at the dinners; so there were happy reunions. The wheel chairs with their occupants were rolling from the vans into the church. Others were literally dancing into it. Hugs were exchanged. Conversation was at full blast.
There had been much preparation for the whole event. A lovely dinner was served to our guests. Before dinner a large tree with bare branches had been drawn on paper. Each guest and host placed their handprint on the branches like leaves with their name on the print. There was music for singing. Anyone who chose to could sing the song at the microphone. Lots of hands went up to be the next one to entertain the audience. Each person was fantastic; a joy to see and to hear.