From remembrance to responsibility
A reflection written by Lydia Davison
Last night (December 18, 2025), our community gathered for the 16th annual Homeless Persons’ Interfaith Memorial Service, and seeing the church filled with nearly 100 people was deeply moving. It’s hard to put into words how encouraging that presence is — not only for those of us who serve, but for guests currently experiencing homelessness. It is a powerful reminder that the community cares, they show up, and they believe every life holds dignity and worth.
We are profoundly grateful to St. John the Evangelist Parish for the countless ways they continue to walk alongside St. John’s Ministries and our homeless neighbors. We are thankful for Mayor Eric Genrich, Cantor Kate Judd, The Open Heart Mindfulness Community, and the many faith leaders, volunteers, and partners who helped create a service rooted in unity and compassion.
In his closing remarks, our Executive Director Jesse Brunette reminded us that each person we honored was once a newborn baby, a toddler learning to walk, a child filled with wonder. None of us grow up dreaming of homelessness, or of having to endure a bone-deep cold just to survive. Every person deserves dignity, care, and hope.
May last night be both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. Homelessness is solvable, and together, we can create change.
