Reverend Paul Wollner, Augsburg Lutheran Church, shares how the work of CwD has expanded his heart for his neighbors experiencing homelessness.
MY CITY WITH DWELLINGS STORY
Reverend Paul Wollner, Augsburg Lutheran Church, shares how the work of CwD has expanded his heart for his neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Years ago, my preaching professor at seminary told me that "a good sermon is the connection of God's story to the story of your community." When I moved to Winston-Salem three years ago to serve as the senior pastor at Augsburg Lutheran Church on Fifth Street, I knew that I would need to learn the story of my new community in order to be an effective preacher.
As I met the people of Augsburg, community leaders, and other pastors I started to have a better understanding of our story. But to truly know your community's story, you must see it through a lens other than you own. City with Dwellings made it possible for me to connect in meaningful ways to see the depth of our neighbors' stories.
Emily Norris, now known at CwD as "Pastor Emily", helped me right away to see our story through the lens of the men and women who are the leaders, volunteers, and recipients of the work at City with Dwellings. Through Augsburg's partnership as a Winter Overflow Shelter, I was fortunate to break bread and hear the stories of twenty men each winter evening who sought warmth and security surrounded by the love of volunteers and staff.
City with Dwellings connects the stories of our community that everyone needs to hear. Their "Community First" focus allows a place for all of us to share our gifts in meaningful ways. I am proud to be a supporter of this organization because I know that they are helping to write new chapters in our shared story. What we are witnessing through the work of CwD during the pandemic is a new chapter of HOPE. A chapter that has found homes for many who lacked them before, a chapter that reminds those fortunate of our calling to share, a chapter that is rooted in deeper connection.
As a neighbor and as a church, I know that our work is not done. I am prayerful that we can inspire others to connect to keep writing a beautiful story.
