Interfaith Hospitality Network – IHN

Interfaith Hospitality Network Update -

In September, BJUMC will once again be hosting IHN guests.  We are expecting to have a full house in the Dutcher Center – 4 families comprised of 5 parents and 5 children. There are an additional 6 families in the transitional programs. Transitional programs aid families who started in emergency housing (like BJUMC) but have moved on.  They are counseled and supported for about 18 months after they have moved into their own apartments. Our help in providing extra food and family supplies has a far-reaching impact.

The next time BJUMC is scheduled to host IHN is September 12 – 19, 2010.  We will need volunteers to cook and serve meals, provide activities and support for the children and adults, sleep overnight and setup and cleanup the Sunday school rooms as bedrooms.  Sign-up sheets will be available in the Welcome Center after August 22, 2010.

Items needed for the clients in all phases of IHN are as follows:

Health & Personal products:  

- Shampoo & conditioner, razors,
- Shaving cream, deodorant, combs, brushes, baby body wash
- Baby wipes & diapers sizes 3 and 5, pull-ups size 2/3T
- Gift Cards (Stop & Shop, Wal-Mart & Target)
- Home Product – Sponges/scrub brushes, hand sanitizers
- Pillows/Towels
- Window Air-conditioners/Vacuum Cleaners

If you have items to donate, please leave in church kitchen labeled IHN (Dottie Benjamin) or take them to the Flynn Center at 98 West End Avenue Somerville (Route 28 just off the Somerville Circle). Phone number 908-704-1920.

Looking ahead, we have already scheduled hosting dates for 2011.

- January 9 – 15, 2011
- March 20 – 26, 2011
- June 5 – 11, 2011
- September 11 – 17, 2011

Please call Lois Dutcher or e-mail Dottie Benjamin djbenjamin@msn.com with questions.  Thank you.

Flynn Center (IHN) –Interfaith Hospitality Network – an interfaith ministry that provides shelter at member congregations, meals and assistance to homeless families.  The Somerset County Interfaith Hospitality Network provides temporary housing, food and support to homeless families in Somerset County, New Jersey. Bishop Janes UMC members and friends are invited and encouraged to become involved in this “hands on” ministry. During the year, many guests and many hosts have come together in a ministry fulfilling to all.Donations of household items and health items not supported by the Food Stamp program are needed to help support families at the Flynn Center and families in transition. Please review the WISH LIST page on the IHN website http://www.ihnsomconj.org for details which change frequently.  Bishop Janes UMC commits to host the guests of the Interfaith Hospitality Network four weeks per year. Our wonderful Dutcher Center provides comfortable living quarters for our guest families. When extra needs have arisen, the people of Bishop Janes have met the challenge. BJUMC partners with the other congregations in the Interfaith Hospitality Network to provide food, companionship and a safe place to sleep.  Our church welcomes the participation of youth groups in this hands-on ministry. We have Moms and Tots from our sister church St. James RC, the Girl Scouts, Bishop Janes UMC youth groups. The guests’ children and our youth have been able to connect in wonderful ways.IHN commitment at BJUMC involves about 50 people each week the guests are with us. This currently happens about fiive weeks per year or about every two and one half months. Family and youth involvement is encouraged. We can find a place in this mission for you.