For several years the house adjacent to St. Paul Community United Methodist Church was used to house families that came to this country as refugees but for the last several years, the house has been largely empty.  As part of the church’s strategic plan, a team has been working to revitalize this ministry to some of the most vulnerable people in the world. 

 

As part of the ministry rebirth, the building which was formerly called the fellowship house, will now be called The Inn at St. Paul.

 

“We wanted a name that would clearly communicate what this ministry is about,” said Amy Gath.  “An inn welcomes strangers in a loving way.  The name also brings to mind the experience of Mary and Joseph who were turned away when they were told the inn they were trying to stay in was full.  We want people to know that there is room in this inn.”

 

The church is working with Catholic Social Services to identify a refugee family to welcome.  Before that can happen the home needs some work.

 

“There are a lot of major projects that will be done by contractors.  We are putting on a new roof and replacing a number of the windows,” said Cathy Wells one of the Inn committee members.  “And there is a lot of work we can do ourselves – everything from ripping out the old carpet to painting.”

 

St. Paul Community United Methodist Church’s mission committee has committed more than $5000 to the project which will be matched three to one by a grant from the Ohio River Valley District Missions Fund.  Above this, church members have begun to fill a emergency expense and maintenance fund to maintain the property after renovations are complete.