Jennifer Allen is coordinating the development of Bethany House and Garden, a diocese of Kansas project of creation care and racial reconciliation. Treasure in the Field, her EES grant, is an effort to give the homeless a voice in community decision-making. She has held numerous meetings with community members from a variety of contexts, and generated interest in supporting the ministry across the diocese. She used grant funding for the supplies for Grace Bags, which were distributed during the coldest winter months and provided a way to connect with those whose voices she most needed to hear. She also created a Prayer Request card, and teams of college volunteers distributed them throughout the neighborhood. A Prayer Request Card collection box has been installed.
The Rev. Allen held a Night of Remembrance just before Christmas ’21. It included a candle-lighting liturgy, with prayers to remember those who have been lost. A community meal followed, with guided conversation around future plans for the property. Allen is thankful for the connections that have been made with historically oppressed neighbors, and looks forward to continuing to deepen those relationships while welcoming new voices.
