Dear City Ministries Family,
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” This famous opening line from A Tale of Two Cities reflects my thoughts regarding three months of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order, the restriction of our economy, and the racial unrest in our state and nation over the last week.
Our Board and organization remain committed to justice and improving the condition of those who are marginalized, oppressed, overlooked, and treated unjustly and inhumanly. Compassion never goes out of style, nor does empathy, concern, and love for our fellow humankind. The City Ministries team is amazing in their love, care, and concern for each other, our families, and all those we encounter and serve and with whom we work. During times of unrest, it is important to realize that there is always something to learn and understand so that we can all do better and be better.
At this time last year, we completed our First Annual Celebration and Fundraiser. During that event, our Board President rehearsed with us how City Ministries was started, who was involved, our mission and vision, and all the hard work, time, money, and prayers that had been invested to bring us to that point. We recognized key couples who sacrificed to build the Rose Hill Cottages and one couple who faithfully gave monthly for over 20 years. We took the time to remember the past so that we could move forward on sure footing, knowing where we came from and the hard work, mistakes, sacrifices, and effort it took to build the organization and ministry we see today.
We must remember and learn from the past so that we do not continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. It is my hope and prayer that this time our state and nation will eliminate once and for all the systemic root of racism and division between people groups – in particular Black and White people – by digging this crippling weed out by its roots and destroying it so that we can heal together. Last night on the news, I heard the interview of a young black boy. He made this statement: “My grandparents fought to be equal, my parents fought to be equal, now I’m out here marching to be equal. Tell me what is wrong with us being equal?” The answer is, “Absolutely nothing at all.”
Recently, I shared with my teenage and adult grandsons that there are many good people who have the answers to what is going on and that we must pray for them to have the courage to make it happen. There is hope. Always. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” City Ministries is here serving our community, and we will be a part of the solution.
We are moving toward reopening and loosening the restrictions imposed by the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order, and I believe that is a good thing. As we do, we are consulting with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, our local school board, and the City of Kirkland to ensure we are in alignment with guidelines around social distancing, cleaning standards, masks, etc. City Ministries will proceed with an abundance of caution and wisdom to ensure that our students, foster parents, foster children, tenants, and staff can be as safe as possible. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have questions.
Stay Safe and Healthy,
Cheryl Haskins, MBA
Executive Director | City Ministries
