Homeless Spiritual Support Group

Founded in March of 2009, this ministry began with 4 persons and has grown rapidly in the year it has existed. The average attendance at a Tuesday gathering now exceeds 40 plus. Pastor Laura Sutherland started this ministry, and while it has not been funded by Bethel's operating budget, it now is. Until 2011, the homeless ministry program has been funded strictly by generous donors and Bethel's endowment foundation. When the group started, they met in the Good Shepherd Chapel, but the size of the group has expanded and a larger meeting space was required. Every Tuesday from 10:30 am to noon homeless men and women meet in the Pentecost room. Lunch is provided by Bethel volunteers.

Members share with the group what their previous week has been like or whatever they wish to share. Stories of both joy and sorrow abound and from this sharing, a comraderie, trust, and friendship are born. The stories often are heart wrenching and offer the opportunity for others to respond with compassion, care, help and direction. The group closes with a hymn and prayer.

In addition to Tuesdays at Bethel, the group has gone to Devils Lake for a picnic, and once a year travel to Bethel Horizons for a retreat. These are trips that wouldn't have been possible without Bethel's endowment foundation and generous donors, Bethel members and non-members.

In 2011, Pastor Laura accepted a call to a Minnesota congregation and the ministry is now under the leadership of Pastor Sarah Harrold.

Leadership:

ARLEN CHRISTENSON - Arlen is a retired Law Professor who still does some teaching at a non-profit Environmental Law firm. He and his wife live in Madison and have 6 grandchildren. Arlen enjoys the outdoors and is an avid walker. He excelled at the Ropes Course and rock climbing while on retreat with the homeless ministry group at Bethel Horizons. He has been a vital part of this ministry since its inception.

PASTOR SARAH HARROLD - Pastor Sarah joined Bethel's pastoral staff in December 2009. She graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls in 2005 with degrees in Religion and International Studies. In 2009 Pastor Sarah graduated from Luther Seminary and was ordained as an ELCA pastor in January 2010. Along with the Homeless Ministry, Pastor Sarah works with the 20+30 group, and various aspects of Bethel's social media components.