High Hopes - Partners in Ministry

While in seminary many years ago, I wrote a research paper on the life of Susanna Wesley. Susanna Wesley was the mother of John and Charles Wesley two of the leading figures in the development of the Methodist movement in England in the 18th century. Through my study of Susanna Wesley’s life, I was impressed with her devotion to God and her family. She and her husband Samuel – an Anglican priest - had nineteen children, ten of whom lived to adulthood. Through untold tragedy, Susanna steadfastly provided spiritual guidance to her children, setting aside an hour each week for each child’s spiritual instruction and nurture.

Today, I had a chance to visit the Susanna Wesley House in Baltimore. Located downtown in the Mt. Vernon Historic District, this house is a ministry of the United Methodist Women of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, and provides transitional shelter and social services to up to nine families. Currently seven families of women and their children reside at the house. Recent news reports have pointed to the rise in domestic violence against women and children. This rise in domestic violence - coupled with the current economic downturn which has a more pronounced effect on those already poor or living on the margins - makes the work of the Susanna Wesley House and other homes like it extremely important.

Among the most impressive aspects of the work of the Susanna Wesley House are the partnerships that it shares with many churches. A story was shared of the people of Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church in Clarksville, MD who had recently come to help with decorating the house for Christmas. The joy of children placing lights and decorations on the Christmas tree, laughing with each other and with sisters and brothers from another community, points to the high hopes that we should all share during the Advent season. Thanks be to God for those who partner in offering hope, peace and joy to all as we look to Christmas.