This is my last View From The Porch post, my last week at St. Agnes’ House. So much is going on in working to ensure the next Director has everything they need to start off well, that I don’t think I’ll actually FEEL the absence of this place in my life until I’m gone.
When I came, I was asked to evaluate the viability of this ministry. Was it needed any longer? Was it sustainable by the Diocese? I’m not sure I can answer every question; however, I do know this ministry is needed.
Just this morning I was compiling some data for the first five months of the year. With your support, St. Agnes’ Has provided 789 Room nights of lodging. You’ve served people in 31 of the 51 counties in Appalachian Kentucky. People from those counties could only pay $1,948 of the expected $8,190 minimal contribution for their lodging.
You’ve served people in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. If every guest could afford the $10 per person per night, we would have received $10, 640; however, we actually received $3,128, just over 29%. The lodging costs about $19 per person per night, or a total of $20,216, requiring funds of $17,088 to support our guests so far this year.
Numbers, numbers, numbers! Yet, each number represents many lives. Just last week, a guest arrived to have surgery, accompanied by family members and a friend. They were all able to stay at St. Agnes’ House, so the guest could receive the lifesaving surgery, as well as the benefit of healing that occurs when you are surrounded by love.
Thank you for your love and care to this ministry, especially during my time here. Reynold and Mary are still here, running the day-to-day operations. Bishop Hahn is working with the Board to determine next steps for the ministry.
This ministry began with deep and fervent prayer and continues with the deep and fervent prayers of all of you! May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you in your life and in your work with this ministry.
Enjoy my View From The Porch!
Love, Rebecca+
What’s Happening Here?
Back Door Repair and Replacement This spring, I went out the back door of the house with my hands full and did not properly shut the screen door. Of course it was a windy day. The wind caught the door and pulled it out of the frame. I felt horrible.
A great friend of the house said they’d replace the storm door, but when the installer arrived, it was discovered there was rotted wood, requiring the frame to be replaced. That led to a few months working on where the water was coming from that was causing the door frame damage.
We fixed two spots on the roof, but it seems that the lack of caulking around the upstairs and downstairs back doors allowed water to seep in over the years and damage the frame, even into the insulation and dry wall!
Repairs began this week by Gulley Remodeling and Home Improvement. The new storm door should be installed soon.
Guess the Holy Spirit was the wind that pulled the storm door out!
Chapel Chairs being re-covered Our chapel looks a little seatless at the moment. Friends from Trinity Episcopal Church, Covington, have taken the chairs to refurbish them. The chairs will be covered in a blue cloth.
Over $3,000 has been contributed so far during the Spring campaign! Thanks to everyone for your generous donations to the House. You can donate any time by sending a check or money order made out to St. Agnes’ House, Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, PO Box 610, Lexington, KY 40588-0610 or go online at http://diolex.org/donate/
Youth from The Church of the Resurrection Vacation Bible School visit once again!
Each year, youth attending Vacation Bible School at The Church of the Resurrection, Nicholasville, visit St. Agnes’ House. They choose and buy lovely flowers to plant around the House. They also have a tour and learn about this ministry of the Diocese.
They came yesterday and enjoyed seeing the rooms and kitchens! And look at the lovely flowers they planted!
The View from the Porch:
St. Agnes House 