Wishing You a Merry Christmas

Photo credit: Jeff Weese (Flickr)

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

~Luke 2:8-14

We have made it through the hustle, and here we sit, waiting to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Gathered together, recalling how He entered the world in the humblest of ways - no crib for a bed, no room at the inn. It is especially fitting as I sit here at Mary Mantle on this Christmas Eve, where we are waiting for the birth of a new baby as well. We, at Mary's Mantle, the inn for so many mothers with nowhere else to go. Our staff, and you, our devoted volunteers and donors, the keepers of this place that keeps hope alive for so many at a time when they are facing rejection and fear.

As we celebrate this Christmas, please know how much you are appreciated. It is not an exaggeration when I say that we truly could not function - this ministry that sometimes feels like a ragtag bunch of misfits brought together on a common mission of God's love - we could not function without you. We thank you, we pray for you, and we wish you the most joyous Christmas. May God pour out every good blessing upon you and your families.

Blessings in Christ,
Rakhi

Some Changes & An Introduction

Hello!

If you are stopping by here after some time away from Mary's Mantle, you will notice that there has been some restructuring of staff. Pat Parker, who was formerly the volunteer coordinator, has taken on some new and exciting tasks, and I have taken on the role of Volunteer Services (in addition to spiritual formation).

For those of you who do not know me, I offer a very brief introduction. I came to Mary's Mantle after leaving full-time work with the Archdiocese of Detroit in Campus & Young Adult Ministry. Prior to that, I was working in Student Affairs at Oakland University. I have two young children, ages 4 and 2, and a hard-working husband at home who works even harder since we made the decision for me to give up full-time work and be home with the children more often. I am blessed that Mary's Mantle has provided me an opportunity to serve part-time so I can do just that, while still sharing in a call to active ministry.

Prior to this position, I was the House Manager for Mary's Mantle. While I have enjoyed that role, I am excited to begin this new chapter with Mary's Mantle. I was recently re-watching some old West Wing episodes at home, and one line that struck me was the staff's response to the President: "I serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States." It struck me how deeply and profoundly a parallel could be drawn to the work of Mary's Mantle, especially as we look at how best to accomplish our mission.

"I serve at the pleasure of our Lord, Jesus Christ."

It is my joy to serve the women that the Lord sends into our care, and it is my joy to be working with you as we live out our call to that service. In the end, it is Jesus we serve in the ladies of the Mantle, in our staff, and in one another. Thank you for answering that call!

Wishing you and yours a blessed end of Advent and Merry Christmas!

Blessings in Christ,
Rakhi