More than a social service program
Through sharing the Eucharist in a public park, homeless people and those with houses become one body.
On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I visited the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. My interest in Epiphany’s work was piqued by several of their programs. On Sunday mornings they have something called The Welcome Table. Oriented toward members of the homeless community, it begins with optional Bible Study or 12-step programs at 7 a.m. A worship service in which members of the community take active roles follows at 8 a.m. and breakfast is served at 9.
On Tuesdays Epiphany, with volunteers from neighboring congregations, organizes Street Church at nearby Franklin Park. I took part in that and talked with Catriona Laing, interim associate rector.
When I arrived at Epiphany, I was greeted on the street by a man who talked with me about the Street Sense newspaper, produced by members of the homeless community. It operates at Epiphany as well. He proudly pointed out the articles in the current edition that he had written and directed me to a woman nearby who was selling them. Street Sense operates on the same model Street Pulse in Madison, where I live, but the presence of its offices at Epiphany means that there is a constant stream of traffic, vendors, volunteers, and staff.
